There has been a lot of talk regarding this new SUV from Hyundai and we first drove it in prototype form some time back which gave more questions than answers. However, with Hyundai finally launching it last week, we just had to get our hands on one for a proper evaluation. The big question remains as to how good it really is and that is why we have driven the petrol Alcazar first for a detailed review. A lot of questions need to be answered. Read on.


First of which is the fact that whether the Alcazar is just a Creta with two more seats at the back and a wee bit longer. The answer to that is no and there is enough change here to make it a different product. Unlike the Creta, the Alcazar has different priorities and gets significant changes to the look along with the interior and the petrol engine of course. Let us start with the looks because in the flesh the Alcazar is quite attractive and big with being longer than the Creta (4500mm length). Up-front you find a much bigger grille and a new front bumper which does make it stand out from the crowd while at the side, you see the new 18-inch alloy wheels along with the bigger quarter glass (for the third row). The rear is different too with tail-lamps which wraparound along with the name of the car written on a dark chrome strip. You also see dual exhaust tips and skid plates along with roof-rails. In short, it surely stands out and looks different from a Creta.




That said we liked the interior more and it is the main reason that you would want to buy this car, to be honest. Entry and exit is easier thanks to side foot steps while the interior on first impression looks premium all right. The new brown dual tone cabin adds to the sense of space while the perforated leather steering wheel and more soft touch materials than the Creta makes it a nicer cabin. However the gadgetry is what is impressive the most. The technology and features on offer are more than rivals and Hyundai have given it even more features than the Creta. It all starts with the digital instrument cluster which looks high-end in its design and lay-out. It is customizable according to the drive modes but also you get a blind view monitor where the left and ride side views are shown when the indicators are used. It is useful and a brilliant feature.




Elsewhere you get the 10.25-inch touch screen with a really nice touch experience and the three split screen is also intuitive. The screen houses all of the information but notably the new 360 degree camera is a highlight with a lovely massive display. Then you have the 64 colour ambient lighting which is again a premium feature. The list also includes a panoramic sunroof which you can open via voice commands, a Bose 8-speaker audio system, climate control, Bluelink connected tech with more features, OTA map updates, powered driver seat, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, electric parking brake, air purifier, 6 airbags, ESC, Hill start Assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and more.




The view is also good from the second row where owners will most probably sit. The massive panoramic sunroof adds a sense of space while the seat cushions are an important bit for relaxation after a long day. Due to a longer wheelbase the Alcazar has excellent legroom for even tall persons and you can slide it. That said we would have wanted more thigh support. There is no complaining with the amenities offered to the second row with a table, retractable cup holders, rear window sunshade and even wireless charging. Access to the third row is also fairly easy while even there you get 3rd row AC vents and USB chargers. The third row does offer decent space but more headroom would have been nice. We recommend it to be used for children and for adults for short journeys.


Now let us talk about the petrol engine. It is the star of the Alcazar show as it is a bigger 2.0l unit and overshadows competition in terms of power with 159hp/191Nm. We had the 6-speed automatic on test and that is the gearbox that we recommend since an automatic fits in with the relaxed cruiser vibe of this SUV. There is plenty of power and the Alcazar does feel very quick in Sport mode. There are three modes and while comfort is the best for overall use; even eco mode is not bad in terms of throttle response. The gearbox is very smooth overall and just matches well with this petrol engine. Furthermore the short turning radius when compared to rivals also makes driving the Alcazar an easy affair in the city.




The Alcazar is a good fit either for long journeys on the highways or in the city. The steering is light but it offers a reassuring experience when driven at big speeds. The ride quality of the petrol is a bit choppy on bad surfaces but on most roads it is fairly smooth. The Alcazar has traction modes plus the 200mm ground clearance unladen is enough to clear some bad roads with relative ease. The 2.0l engine is not the most efficient though it is about the same as some other petrol rivals. That said, driving it in eco mode will get 10kmpl while spirited driving like we did, will see you showing 7 kmpl.


There is no base variant and all trims are well equipped. The petrol Alcazar is priced at Rs 16.3 lakh starting while the top-end petrol automatic is Rs 19.8 lakh. For the price you get easily the longest features list along with a lovely cabin with space/luxury not seen on SUVs at this price or even slightly above. It also has the styling and the performance while it is also easy to live with. Hence if you are chauffeur driven and sometimes drive yourself with the need for a comfort/luxury oriented car at this price, the Alcazar is really the top choice now.


What we like - Features, performance, quality, interiors, price, overall value, comfort


What we do not - no AWD, petrol efficiency


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