It’s been 3 years since Hyundai launched the Alcazar SUV in the Indian market. In just a month of its launch, the 3-row SUV acquired more than 11,000 bookings and mind you, this was when the country was gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic and buying sentiments all around were on an all time low. The brand also sold more than 5,600 units in a month with 1/3rd customers opting for the top-of-the-line Signature variant. In addition to this, 63% of the booking were also for the diesel powertrain. And this was in the BS6 era where many manufacturers planned to shelve their diesel powertrains.
Even today when we drive the Alcazar, the SUV still feels fresh. And that’s not just in terms of its engine, but also thanks to the features, the Alcazar is still relatable even today. We have been driving the 7-seater Signature variant of the Hyundai Alcazar for quite some time now and the SUV even though it is 3 years old, still feels strong and robust. Even the quality of the upholstery and the materials on the dashboard feel as if they have just rolled out of the factory. This not only showcases the brand’s high quality craftsmanship but also the superior materials that the Alcazar comes with. All body panels still holding on tight, and absolutely no rattles inside the cabin.
The Hyundai Alcazar is not just a quality product, but the 3-row SUV is also practical for someone with a large family as well as your group of friends. The Alcazar not only offers features such as an air purifier and AC vents in all 3-rows to keep all your loved ones safe and comfortable, it also comes with ventilated driver and front passenger seat to keep you and your shotgun stay cool during hot Indian summers. The Alcazar also gets a panoramic sunroof which offers a clear view of the sky and keeps the car airy on long trips. Name any useful modern tech feature, and the Alcazar has it. Keyless entry is often not given enough credit, but it makes life so much simpler when you can just walk to the car and get in by the touch of a button, and not struggle to find the car keys. Like they say, time is money.
So the Hyundai Alcazar is a big and spacious SUV, so is it easy to drive? Contrary to the size & number of seats inside, the Hyundai Alcazar is one of the most effortless SUVs to drive. The commanding seating position offers a good view of the bonnet as well as what’s going on around the car. The big SUV comes with a very light steering wheel which enables the driver to traverse through traffic situations with ease. The car also comes with a blind spot camera as well as front and rear parking sensors that help manoeuvre the SUV in tight corners as well as bumper to bumper traffic situations. On the highways, the steering also offers enough heft inspiring confidence while driving at triple digit speeds, where the law permits.
But is it easy to park? Hyundai offers the Alcazar with a Surround View Monitor which offers a 360-degree view around the vehicle making parallel parks very easy. So even if you are new to this big family SUV, you will not struggle while moving the vehicle in a tight spot.
Hyundai offers the Alcazar with two engine options. The much-loved diesel comes as a 1.5-litre motor that produces 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Optionally, the Alcazar is also available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that develops 160 PS of power and 253 Nm of torque paired with a 6-speed manual if you like to take things in your own hands or a sporty 7-speed DCT with paddle shifters on the steering wheel which also offers a similar yet advanced feel. The 7-speed DCT was the one that we have been driving around and the gear shifts are quite seamless. Even the manual transmission option features an easy to understand gear map and clear gear gates with a not too long gear throw, making the SUV effortless to drive.
Hyundai has been selling these engine & gearbox combinations across their portfolio, and you would not have heard about any major concern over it. These are proven engines, which will last your entire vehicle ownership phase without any issues. To back things up, Hyundai’s vast dealer & service network offers peace of mind to owners, should they need any assistance even when on a road trip. And in case a driver is worried, he or she can simply connect to the support teams via the Bluelink connected car tech and seek any help that may deem fit.