Hyundai Alcazar Review: Second time a charm?

Hyundai India’s sales are largely driven by its SUV lineup, with the Creta, Venue, and Exter leading the charge, accounting for 67 per cent of total sales. However, the South Korean automaker has struggled to replicate this success in the three-row SUV segment with the Alcazar. Hyundai is optimistic that the 2024 Alcazar facelift could change its fortunes as it is equipped with modern technology, enhanced safety features, and convenient amenities.

Available in both 6-seater and 7-seater configurations, the revamped Alcazar is packed with segment-first features, poised to take on established rivals like the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Harrier, and MG Hector Plus. The question remains: will Hyundai’s latest effort be enough to shake up the competition, or will it face an uphill battle?

Hyundai Alcazar Review: Design 

Hyundai has revamped the Alcazar’s front fascia, featuring a new dark chrome finish and silver-finished skid plates. The vehicle boasts a split headlight design with quad LEDs, connected H-shaped LED DRLs, and sequential indicators. The bonnet is accentuated with striking character lines to further enhance its road presence. The Alcazar now rides on larger 18-inch alloy wheels, complemented by silver-finished side cladding and robust bridge-type roof rails. At the rear, the LED tail lamps are connected, topped with a silver-finished strip and additional skid plates.

Hyundai Alcazar Review: Cabin

The Alcazar’s interior design is derived from the Creta, featuring dual-tone Noble Brown and Haze Blue to enhance its premium appeal. The seats showcase a fresh quilted pattern. In addition to ventilated front seats, both the driver’s and front passenger’s seats offer 8-way electrical adjustments. The driver’s seat includes a two-setting memory function. The Alcazar’s top variant boasts a 10.25-inch infotainment system compatible with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

 The 6-seater version of the Alcazar offers a range of features for the second row, including ventilated independent Captain seats, trays folded on the back of the front seats, and extended cushions on the seat squabs for under-thigh support. The winged-shaped headrests provide better support and comfort. Notably, the Alcazar is the first in its segment to offer a wireless phone charger for both the front and second rows.

Additionally, the SUV features a digital key with NFC technology, allowing users to unlock the doors with a simple tap on the door handle via their smartphone or smartwatch. The digital key can be shared with up to three users or linked to seven devices at a time. Furthermore, the Alcazar comes equipped with Type-C charging ports for all three rows, ensuring convenient charging on the go.

Hyundai Alcazar Review: Safety 

The Alcazar is equipped as standard with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), hill-start assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, disc brakes on all four wheels, a rear parking camera with sensors, and height-adjustable front seat belts. The higher-end models come with additional features such as hill-descent control, front parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and multiple traction modes for snow, mud, and sand.

This three-row SUV also offers Level 2 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) with 19 features, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and junction turning, adaptive cruise control, lane follow assist, lane keeping assist, and more.

Hyundai Alcazar Review: 1.5-litre turbo DCT

We tested the 1.5-litre turbo engine, boasting 158 bhp and 253 Nm of torque. Although impressive on paper, there’s a noticeable hesitation in the powertrain when accelerating. However, once the turbo engages, the vehicle’s performance markedly improves. Acceleration is responsive without being overly aggressive.

The engine’s standout feature is its refined nature. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission excels at high speeds, seamlessly shifting gears. At lower speeds, however, it seems indecisive, fluctuating between holding revs and shifting gears. In everyday driving conditions, the car provides a relaxed drive. Enhancing the experience, the Alcazar offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each noticeably altering the steering response.

To avoid this, it’s recommended to ease off the accelerator when driving on rough terrain, allowing for a smoother ride. This adjustment can help minimize the impact of road imperfections and provide a more comfortable experience for all occupants.

Hyundai Alcazar Review: Verdict

Hyundai has increased the dimensions of the Alcazar which translates into a more spacious cabin that will appeal to three-row SUV buyers. With an aggressive pricing strategy, the Alcazar’s petrol and diesel versions cost the same except for the base model. Hyundai has managed to do this with the omission of the panoramic sunroof and spare tyre in the diesel variant.

By offering a feature-rich vehicle at a competitive price point, Hyundai is attempting to create a compelling value proposition that could be a key differentiator for the Alcazar.