Hyundai has presented an all-new SUV with up to seven seats. His name is Alcazar and he seems to be as practical as he is sassy. However, there is a big ‘but’ to the car.
At the beginning of this year, Hyundai released the first teaser plates of the Alcazar, which has now been presented in its entirety. However, it is the Indian branch of Hyundai that launches the Alcazar and that is not without reason. It was specifically developed in India for the local market.
Hyundai Alcazar
The Alcazar is a completely new model for Hyundai, although the basis of the SUV is less new. Underneath the stubbornly designed body, the technology of the Hyundai Creta/ix25 launched in 2019 is hidden. With its length of exactly 4.5 meters, the Alcazar is about twenty centimeters longer than the Creta with which it shares its base. The wheelbase is 2.76 meters and so the distance between the front and rear axles on the Alcazar is 15 centimeters greater. To put it into perspective: it is 5 centimeters longer than the Renault Kadjar and has a 12 centimeters longer wheelbase than that French SUV, although the Alcazar houses technology from a lower class. It comes on the market as a six-seater and a seven-seater. Behind the third row of seats there is still room for 180 liters of luggage.
Hyundai Alcazar
The design shows strong similarities with that of the Creta, although the Alcazar really has its own snout. Hyundai installs differently designed LED daytime running lights and a modified grille and front bumper. The rear also proves that Hyundai didn’t just stretch the Creta. It has its own taillights, which are connected by a silver-coloured strip that optically continues into the units. Inside, the Alcazar certainly looks modern for this segment. The SUV has a no-nonsense dashboard with vertically oriented ventilation grilles at the corners. In the center of the dashboard is a horizontally placed infotainment screen and behind the typical Hyundai steering wheel is – optional – a digital instrument panel. Both displays have a diameter of 10.25 inches. Also on the option list: an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, Bose audio system, induction charger and ventilated front seats.
Hyundai will deliver the Alcazar in India with a 159 hp 2.0 MPi, an atmospheric four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 191 Nm. In addition, a 115 hp and 250 Nm strong 1.5 CRDi diesel engine is available. Both engines are available with a manual transmission and a six-speed automatic.
As mentioned, the Alcazar will not come to the Netherlands. Is that a loss? Let us know in the comments.