Hyundai Alcazar: Hyundai, as always, has a good finger on the pulse of the Indian market and the Alcazar is an excellent example of that instinct in play.
Positioned as a larger and more premium sibling to the Creta, the Alcazar is aspiring to offer a 6/7-seater experience without growing so large that it enters full-size territory like the Fortuner or XUV700.
For the city family that could use the extra space, likes upscale features and still wants something easy to get around in metropolitan areas, the Aviator fits the bill.
And now, now that it’s been a bit and incidentally got some small updates, the Hyundai Alcazar looms over the mid-size SUV segment all-bright and shiny. But how does it hold up today? Let’s break it down.
Design: Familiar, but More Grown-Up
If you have seen the Creta, you’ve already formed a mental image of what the Alcazar does — but this one is stretched, a bit more upright and packs a better, premium stance.
The front grille and bumper are lightly rehashed for a more aggressive look, and there’s a longer rear overhang to house the third row without throwing off proportions.
With aspects such as LED headlamps, diamond cut alloy wheels and a strong shoulder line, the Alcazar looks elegant without going overboard.
It’s elegant, and that is exactly what Hyundai seems to have been shooting for.
Inside: Loaded With Signature, Full Of Comfort
On the inside, it certainly cuts a good figure with quality materials and some clever packaging.
It is available in 6-seater (captain seats) and 7-seater (bench seat) configurations and the 6-seater variant is rather plush, let us tell you.
The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is sharp and responsive, as is the similarly sized digital driver display. Among its standout features:
Bose premium sound system
64-color ambient lighting
Panoramic sunroof with voice activation
Wireless charger (Also for rear passengers in some models)
Ventilated front seats
Auto climate control
Powered driver seat
Connected car tech (Bluelink)
The second row also gets plenty of comfort, especially when you opt for the captain seat setup, with armrests as well as its own dedicated air vents.
The third row, however usable, is best for kids or small adults in short hops.
On the road: Smooth and sorted
The Alcazar comes with a choice of two engines.
1.5L Turbo Petrol (160 PS)
1.5L Diesel (116 PS)
Both engines come paired with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT/6-speed automatic.
The turbo-petrol feels peppy and refined, there’s a decent torque rush for both the highway and the hassle of city traffic too.It’s the superior choice if your use is mostly urban.
The diesel isn’t exciting, but it’s efficient and provides a relaxed driving experience for long-haul commuters and family road trip enthusiasts.
Fit and finish levels are also good, and Hyundai’s tuning renders both powertrains quite livable.
Ride & Handling: Calm and Plush
Ride is one of the strengths of the Alcazar. It also soaks up potholes and battered pavement with ease, delivering a serene ride even with a packed house in all three rows.
It’s light in town and well weighted at higher speeds.
It may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, but the Alcazar is set up perfectly for family use, and that’s exactly the role it was created for.
Hyundai Doesn’t Cut Corners with Safety
When it comes to safety, the Alcazar comes with a whole package.
6 airbags
Electronic Stability Control
Hill assist control
Rear camera with dynamic parking guidelines
ISOFIX child seat mounts
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System/contentassistOpenBrackets)
Front and rear parking sensor
These attributes and Hyundai’s typical build quality make it feel great on the road.
Pros:
Cabin of high quality with a generous amount of room and comforts.
Feature packed even in the mid-variants
Configurations Seating Flexible Seating Positions up to 5 people.
Smooth turbo-petrol engine
Very comfortable ride, overall refinement
Cons:
Third row isn’t great for grown-ups on those all-day trips.
Highway passing maneuvers can be a challenge in the diesel model
No AWD option
Pricing is at the upper part of the segment
Hyundai Alcazar: Verdict: A Smart Family Hauler with Urban Feelings On Road.
The Hyundai Alcazar might not be the most brawny SUV in its segment, but it doesn’t try to be.
It’s an overall premium 3-row SUV that fuses comfort, style, and tech in a way few others do at this price.
If you’re an urban family that’s in need of a 7-seat that’ll only be called upon once in a while and don’t want the feature you live with to feel like a pre-owned car or a living room on wheels, the Alcazar has all the reasons to make a compelling case – refined, unassuming, and oh so modern.