The SUV segment in India is more popular than ever, with buyers spoiled for choice. Nearly every major automaker has an SUV to cater to this demand. Hyundai recently jumped into the 6 to 7-seater SUV bandwagon with the Alcazar. This new SUV is based on the popular Creta but gets a longer wheelbase and an extra row of seats. The Alcazar aims to offer the perfect blend of style, comfort, performance, and versatility.
If you are looking for a premium SUV that can effortlessly switch between urban commutes and rural getaways, the Hyundai Alcazar makes a compelling case. In this blog, we look closer at what makes the Alcazar an excellent choice for buyers looking for an urban and rural SUV.
Hyundai Alcazar: A Powerpack SUV
The Alcazar is Hyundai’s latest addition to its SUV portfolio in India. It is between the 5-seater Creta and 7-seater Tucson and competes with the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Mahindra XUV700.
Why Choose Hyundai Alcazar for Urban Adventures?
The Hyundai Alcazar is an excellent urban SUV thanks to its refined engine options, premium comforts, and various tech features.
Refined Performance
The Alcazar borrowed its petrol and diesel engines from the Creta. The 1.5L petrol motor (156bhp/144Nm) offers smooth power delivery and decent drivability around town. The punchy diesel motor (113bhp/250Nm) also offers adequate grunt for city commutes. Both engines come mated to 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. The smooth-shifting automatics are particularly well-suited for urban driving.
Compact Dimensions
Despite being longer than the Creta, the Alcazar retains relatively compact dimensions for a 6/7 seater SUV. With a length of 4,500mm, width of 1,790mm, and height of 1,675mm, it remains easy to maneuver on narrow city roads and traffic. The 2760mm long wheelbase also provides good stability at highway speeds.
Premium Cabin Experience
The Alcazar’s interior prioritizes comfort and premiumness. The cabin features soft-touch materials on the dash and doors, adding to its upmarket feel. The seats are draped in fine leatherette and offer fantastic support. Features like ambient lighting, cooled front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and Bose audio raise the luxury quotient slightly. The large panoramic sunroof makes drives around the city feel special.
Advanced Safety Kit
Safety is a crucial criterion for Indian buyers, and the Alcazar delivers on that front. It gets plenty of standard safety equipment, including 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-hold control, rear parking sensors with cameras, etc. The range-topping variants also add ADAS tech like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, something not usually seen in this segment.
Eye-catching Design
While it shares its underlying platform with the Creta, the Alcazar gets unique exterior styling. The bold grille, muscular bonnet, SUV proportions, and stylish LED lighting lend the Alcazar an imposing road presence. The bold alloy wheels and side cladding enhance its overall visual appeal. The Alcazar fits the bill if you want an SUV that will turn heads during urban commutes.
Why Choose Hyundai Alcazar for Rural Adventures?
It is not just the city; the versatile Alcazar is just as capable regarding rural adventures. Here are some aspects that make it well-suited for rural drives.
Attractive Pricing
With an on-road price range between ₹19.18 Lakh and ₹24.69 Lakh, it caters to those seeking a premium driving experience. The Alcazar stands out for its refined interiors and advanced technology, making it a strong contender in its segment. The Toyota Hyryder price in Hyderabad is worth noting for those comparing options, as it offers another perspective on value and features in a competitive market.
High Ground Clearance
Good ground clearance is a crucial requirement for tackling broken rural roads. The Hyundai Alcazar offers a generous 200mm of ground clearance, which is segment-leading. This helps it quickly clear tall speed breakers or large potholes without scraping its underbody.
All-wheel Disc Brakes
Across variants, the Alcazar gets all-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated, rear solid). Disc brakes offer more robust and consistent braking performance than rear drum brakes, giving you better control when driving on loose or wet surfaces in rural regions.
Spacious Cabin
Whether ferrying a large family or enjoying a road trip with friends, the Alcazar’s roomy cabin can easily accommodate 6 or 7 adults. There’s ample legroom even in the third row, and the middle row slides forward for easy access. The large boot can easily swallow multiple bags or luggage. Passengers stay comfortable even on long rural drives.
Capable Performance
The Alcazar’s diesel engine offers robust low-end torque, making it well-suited for rural roads. The manual gearbox variant involves shifts and is specifically suitable for twisty roads. The petrol motor may lack punch but has enough power for relaxed rural cruising. Both engines feel at home on highways when driving out of the city.
Rugged Styling
While stylish, the Alcazar’s butch exterior styling helps it look like a capable SUV. The tall stance, skid plates, scuff plates, and roof rails give it a go-anywhere vibe. The SUV’s proportions exude stability, and its large wheels handle bad roads ably. The Alcazar looks rugged enough to handle rural adventures.
Advanced Drivetrain Tech
The top-end diesel automatic variants come with Hyundai’s capable all-wheel drive system. It enhances stability and grip on loose surfaces like mud or gravel. There are also driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport) to alter engine responses as per conditions. Traction control and hill-start assist further bolster its rural driving credentials.
Final Thoughts on the Hyundai Alcazar
The Hyundai Alcazar makes a compelling case in the midsize SUV segment with its balanced blend of style, features, space, and versatility. Familiar powertrains from the Creta power it yet get a more premium positioning. The Alcazar is an excellent choice for a small or large family.
