Hyundai has finally launched its 7-seater SUV in the Indian market. Alcazar will compete against the likes of Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus.
One look at the Hyundai Alcazar and its origins are not denied. It's a three-row SUV developed from the bestseller Creta, and it's obvious in its similar face and general appearance. However, Hyundai says that it should not just be seen as the 'Creta Plus' because it has done a lot to differentiate it from its five-sitting counterpart.
Alcazar is 200mm longer and 40mm taller, and has 10mm higher ground clearance, along with a 150mm longer wheelbase. It also comes with a bigger 2.0 liter petrol engine. With all that and the choice of six or seven seats, is it worth it?
Let us find out.
Exterior
While the Alcazar seems like the Creta on the front, certain modifications in the grille and headlamps make it look more premium. The grille is more assertive, made in black brushed metal and using horizontal blocks rather than slats, and it extends gently to connect the headlights. Lower down, bigger chrome-encased fog lights with LED headlamps and a new scuff plate are found.
Elegant 18-inch alloy wheels, which are also a size larger, contribute to the SUV's stance, as do metallic running boards beneath the doors.
After the B-pillar, everything is brand new. The roof is higher to fit your most two passengers' heads in the last row, while this marginally erodes spot-on SUV proportions. The rear haunch still has a strong line leading to the new taillights; they aren't as polarized as Creta's. A chrome strip links them with the Alcazar name, and the bumper and scuff plate is also distinctive. Interestingly, petrol models feature a prominent '2.0' badge on the tailgate, but diesel variants do not.
Engine and performance of the Hyundai Alcazar
As previously stated, a new 2.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine is available; it is a more powerful version of the one found in Tucson, producing 159hp and 191Nm of torque. However, the 115hp, 250Nm diesel engine is shared with the Creta. Hyundai claims that the gear ratios and tuning state have been changed to improve low-down response.
Pricing
Hyundai is offering the Alcazar in three trim levels, ranging from Rs 16.30 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). All the variants are distribute among two engines, four transmissions, and two seating configurations.
