Korean carmaker Hyundai has been at its aggressive best in the market in the last one year despite the pandemic. Starting with the new generation Creta to the new generation of the premium hatch i20, new cars from the brand have been hitting the Indian roads thick and fast. Now India’s second largest carmaker is getting ready to launch a brand new 3-row SUV in the market. The Alcazar will soon be revealed to the world after which the launch will take place but before all of that happens, the company has shared some crucial details about the SUV which in a sense is a 6/7-seater version of the hugely successful Creta. Hyundai says the Alcazar harmonises space, premiumness, performance, convenience, safety, and technology.
LOOKS
The face of the car is pretty much like the Creta with similar looking LED headlamps and bumper. However, the big change is the grille that will help you differentiate the SUV from its sibling when viewed from the front. Importantly the car’s wheelbase is 150 mm more than the Creta which means you can expect generous space in the cabin, even on the third row. Hyundai has still not shared the dimensions of the car but even the rear overhang looks bigger than the Creta. The rear is completely new be it the D-pillar, the new LED tail lamps, and the redesigned bumper. Hyundai says the design is based on the company’s global design identity of sensuous sportiness, giving the car a unique look.
INTERIOR
According to Hyundai, with the Alcazar, the idea was to create a 6- and 7-seater premium SUV that resonates the grandeur and magnificence of palaces & castles. Going with that theme the interiors feature a wing-surrounded architecture that personifies spaciousness, comfort, and modern in-car experiences. According to the brand, the car gets 1st in Segment second row console armrest to provide premium feel and enhanced comfort. The wheelbase is claimed to be the best in segment and sliding seats offer versatile leg room with seats designed for superior thigh and lateral support. You can expect a long list of premium features seen on the Creta and then some more on the Alcazar. These include a panoramic sunroof, a big touch screen system, wireless charger, air purifier and a host of connectivity options. The second row will get the option of either 2 captain seats or a bench seat.
ENGINE
The Hyundai Alcazar will come with both Petrol & Diesel engine options and both will get manual as well as Automatic transmissions. The 2.0 litre Petrol churns out 159 PS while the 1.5 litre Diesel makes a maximum power of 115 PS. According to Hyundai the 6-speed manual on the Petrol offers acceleration of 0 – 100 km/h in under 10 seconds. The 6-Speed Automatic Transmission is a torque converter which means the Alcazar will not get a Dual Clutch Auto or a turbo Petrol engine option. While Hyundai has not shared the exact figures till now it claims that the Diesel will offer best in segment fuel efficiency with both 6MT & 6AT. It says that the Final Gear Ratio (FGR) of 6-Speed Manual Transmission on Diesel has been optimized for superior performance. It also features superior shift quality using triple cone synchro and TGS (Transmission Gear Shift) lever stopper.
RIDE & HANDLING
I still have to drive the car but if Hyundai is to be believed the Alcazar will offer a premium ride-feel for all row occupants, featuring hydraulic rebound stopper in front strut for better rebound control and a plush ride experience. Its drive mode selection features different steering effort mapping for Eco, City and Sport modes. It says a full course of durability testing has been conducted across hilly terrains, rural and highway roads in hot & dry conditions. Hyundai says a ring structure design in the engine room, B-Pillar and D-Pillar increase rigidity for enhanced handling and stability.
SAFETY
The Alcazar’s body uses 75.6 % Advanced and High-Strength Steel, which makes it a sturdy car. Its underbody has been designed to absorb and disperse impact energy. Application of hot stamping parts for frontal crash energy flow and strengthened connectivity for side impact strength has also helped in that aspect. There is quite a bit of competition waiting for the Alcazar in the market that includes the MG Hector Plus, the recently launched Tata Safari and the soon to be launched Mahindra XUV 700 which essentially is the new generation of the XUV 500. It is going to be an interesting battle up ahead.