Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight as we take a joyride through the quirks and features of the Hyundai Alcazar. This review is going to be as fun as finding the perfect playlist for a road trip!
The Arrival: 2021 Edition, Facelifted for 2023
Back in 2021, Hyundai decided to bless us with the Alcazar. Fast forward to 2023, and here we are, looking at the first-generation facelift variant. It’s like meeting an old friend who’s had a makeover – and trust me, it’s for the better!
Petrol or Diesel? The Choice is Yours!
With a price range starting at ₹16.77 lakh and climbing up to ₹21.12 lakh for the top model, this SUV offers options in both petrol and diesel. The top model we’re reviewing is the Signature O, which sounds as posh as it looks.
Seven Seats and Endless Possibilities
Ah, the Alcazar – or should we call it the Grand Creta or Cantus Lux as it’s known in some exotic locales. This seven-seater SUV has enough space to fit your entire family, plus that friend who never brings snacks but always eats yours.
Chennai: The Birthplace of Greatness
Assembled in the vibrant city of Chennai, the Alcazar is a proud product of Indian engineering. It’s like the automotive version of a well-spiced biryani – satisfying and full of surprises.
The Platform: K2 Magic
Built on the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform, the Alcazar shares its DNA with the likes of the i20, Verna, Venue, Creta, Kia Carens, and Seltos. It’s the automotive equivalent of having talented siblings – and Alcazar is definitely the overachiever.
Drive Modes Galore
Whether you want to cruise in Comfort, save some fuel in Eco, or unleash the beast in Sport mode, the Alcazar’s got you covered. It’s like having a car with multiple personalities, and they all get along splendidly.
Tinted Glass and Warranty Galore
The Alcazar comes with tinted glass, giving you that cool, mysterious vibe. And with Hyundai’s 3-year unlimited km warranty (extendable to 7 years) and 3-year roadside assistance, it’s like having a safety net that’s always there, even if you decide to drive to the middle of nowhere.
The Exterior: A Symphony of Chrome and Lights
From the dark chrome grille to the trio beam automatic LED headlamps, the Alcazar is a head-turner. It’s got LED fog lamps, skid plates, and enough chrome to make a magpie jealous.
Electrically Adjustable Mirrors and More
With electrically adjustable and foldable electro chromic outside mirrors, you can avoid those awkward parking lot scrapes. Plus, they come with LED turn indicators and Alcazar logo projection, because why not?
Length, Height, and Wheels
Measuring 4.5 meters in length and 1.7 meters in height, the Alcazar is the SUV equivalent of that tall friend who always gets stuff off the top shelf for you. And those 215/55 R18 95H Apollo Apterra Cross tyres with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels? Pure bling.
Traction Control and Remote Engine Start
With traction control modes for snow, sand, and mud, the Alcazar is ready for any adventure. And if you’re feeling particularly James Bond-ish, you can even start the engine with the remote.
Color Options: A Rainbow on Wheels
The Alcazar comes in a variety of colors – polar white, brown, black, silver, starry night blue, and grey. For the dual-tone lovers, the black roof option is the way to go.
Bluelink and Infotainment
A 3-year free Bluelink subscription lets you control over 60 features from your smartphone. The 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system supports USB, navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. It’s like having a tech wizard in your car.
Safety: A Fortress on Wheels
With 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, and a host of other features, the Alcazar is more protective than your overbearing aunt.
Luxurious Interiors
The Hyundai Alcazar features a spacious 180-litre boot, complemented by a 17-inch steel spare wheel. For audio enthusiasts, it boasts an 8-speaker Bose sound system complete with a subwoofer. The interior is adorned with brown leatherette upholstery, and the model offers both 6-seater and 7-seater configurations. Ambient lighting in 64 colors enhances the cabin’s atmosphere.
Convenience is key with pockets and foldable tables with cup holders on the back of the seats. The vehicle is equipped with a smartphone wireless charger and an auto healthy air purifier with an AQI display. Additional comfort is provided by headrest cushions and versatile seating. The second-row seats are sliding, reclining, and feature one-touch tip and tumble functionality, while the third row offers 50-50 split folding and reclining options.
The Hyundai Alcazar is equipped with a driver-side auto up-down power window and an 8-way power adjustable driver seat for enhanced comfort. It features ventilated front seats and height-adjustable seatbelts. The steering wheel is tilt and telescopic, ensuring optimal driving posture.
Transmission options include a 7-speed DCT automatic and a 6-speed manual for petrol variants, while the diesel variants offer both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The gear knob is perforated for better grip.
The Alcazar also offers fully automatic temperature control AC with eco coating technology, a cooled glovebox, and an electro chromic interior rear view mirror. For a luxurious touch, it comes with a panoramic sunroof and a perforated D-cut steering wheel.
Power and Performance
The Hyundai Alcazar offers a robust and efficient powertrain. It comes with a 1482 cc, inline 4-cylinder petrol engine featuring 16 valves, DOHC, and Multi-point injection. This Hyundai Smartstream G1.5 turbo GDi engine produces 157 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency is impressive, with the automatic variant delivering 18 kmpl and the manual variant 17 kmpl. The petrol model is equipped with a 50-litre fuel tank.
For diesel enthusiasts, the Alcazar is powered by a 1493 cc, inline 4-cylinder engine, also with 16 valves and DOHC, using Common rail direct injection. The Hyundai U II engine generates 114 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency for the diesel version is 18 kmpl with the automatic transmission and 20 kmpl with the manual.
Both engine types are RDE compliant and ready for E20 fuel, ensuring they meet the latest environmental standards.
Conclusion: The Ultimate SUV Experience
In conclusion, the Hyundai Alcazar is an SUV that combines luxury, performance, and a dash of humor. Whether you’re driving to the office, taking a road trip, or just showing off in your neighborhood, the Alcazar is the perfect companion. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride – because with the Alcazar, every journey is an adventure.
