Introduction When Hyundai wanted to enter the flourishing three-row SUV segment, it already had a successful recipe in hand. Relying on the platform of the new-generation Creta, the Korean carmaker launched the three-row Alcazar in June last year. Taking all the positive bits of its five-seat sibling, the Alcazar was introduced to offer its buyers a bigger, premium, and practical cabin. We have extensively driven the Alcazar and you can read our driving impressions here. Pricewise, the base trim of Alcazar is approximately Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs2 lakh more expensive than the equivalent variant of Creta and falls in the same price bracket as the Tata Safari and the Mahindra XUV700. A few weeks back, the keys of the Alcazar were handed over to the curious me to see if it's just an elongated Creta or offers much more than that. And after spending a considerable time with the Alcazar, here’s what we derived. Right Front Three Quarter How practical is it? Dashboard While the Alcazar may appear less imposing and stately than some of its recently launched rivals, we can tell you that the SUV is certainly not short on space. As compared to its inspiration Creta, the wheelbase of Alcazar has been stretched by a notable 150mm. And when you look at its closest rivals, the Alcazar has a wheelbase of 10mm more than XUV700 and Hector Plus and almost 20mm over the Tata Safari. Starting with the front-row seats, they are large, extremely comfortable, and the super-convenient electrically adjustable feature only means that longer tours will be relaxed and insouciant. Second Row Seats The increased wheelbase translates to acres of space for the middle-row passengers. The one that we sampled is the six-seater version with captain seats. With the sliding and recline operation coupled with the fancy retractable tray on the front seatbacks, the second-row seats will definitely have high dibs each time the family plans a detour. Third Row Seats The ingress and egress to the third-row seats are effortless, thanks to the electric one-touch tumble function. Having said that, while accessing the last-row seats might be relatively easy, the space isn’t roomy enough. Although Hyundai has attempted to persuade the occupants with aircon blowers, USB charging ports, and cupholders, the lack of legroom and under-thigh support might result in irked fellow passengers. Front Seat Back Pockets If you plan on travelling with all seats occupied, the Alcazar doesn’t have much luggage space to offer, and you might just be able to fit in a couple of small duffel bags or backpacks. However, with the 50:50 split third-row seats that can be folded completed flat, the Alcazar can gobble up the entire family’s baggage and all the accoutrements that you shop on your weekend getaway. Open Boot/Trunk What’s on the feature list? Infotainment System Hyundai has festooned all the three-rows with modern and pampering features. The first-row passengers are adorned with cooled seats, a wireless charger, and the massive 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. USB Port/AUX/Power Socket/Wireless Charging Jump to the second row and there’s a dedicated centre console between the captain seats that again gets equipped with a smartphone wireless charger, an armrest with storage, and stowage spaces. Instrument Cluster Another notable addition is the fully-digital instrument cluster that throws up tons of data and is well-lit, legible, and intuitive to use. Other inclusions on the Alcazar are the 64-colour ambient lighting, a tyre pressure monitoring system, six airbags, Bose sound system, an air purifier, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function. And of course, don’t we Indians love the massive panoramic sunroof in our SUVs? Front Row Seats What’s the fuel efficiency like? Engine Shot The Hyundai Alcazar that we drove was propelled by a 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine tuned to put out 113bhp and 250Nm. The engine is mated to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The same motor can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox as well. Right Side View As per our test cycle, the Alcazar diesel AT clocked 12.16kmpl in the city and an impressive 15.44kmpl on the highway. The other powertrain option available on the Alcazar is a 2.0-litre petrol engine that generates 157bhp and 191Nm of peak torque. This motor is paired with a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. How does it perform on daily commute? Front Row Seats The 1.5-litre diesel that powers the Alcazar is already a proven mill and is one of the frugal engines in the segment. Being an oil-burner, the motor is torquey and the mid-range gives you all the meat to amble around the city traffic and cruise at three-digit speeds on the highway. Dashboard And while at it, the Alcazar does not feel unusually big and colossal. In fact, it wraps around you and the low set dashboard gives good visibility while manoeuvring in the traffic. However, the steering, although tweaked, feels lightly off-centred and is not the best in the business. Nonetheless, the ride quality on the Alcazar with a full load feels pliant and is never unsettling over undulations and varied road conditions. Right Front Three Quarter Another very useful feature that comes in handy is the blind-spot detection monitor that uses a camera mounted under the ORVMs to display the approaching vehicles. Additionally, the front and rear parking sensors work in tandem with the 360-degree camera to make parking in the tightest places a no sweat. And should you choose to work your way, the raised driver position allows for good visibility all around the edges.

Introduction Hyundai Alcazar Right Rear Three Quarter The Hyundai Alcazar is a six-/seven-seater three-row SUV that made its debut in the Indian market a couple of months ago, taking on the rivals like the Tata Safari and the MG Hector Plus. This SUV does share its underpinnings with the five-seater Creta, but is a bigger vehicle and gets some differentiation in terms of features, equipment, powertrain specifications, etc. But then, how better is it and how does it stack up against its rivals? We shall ascertain that here by giving out the main takeaways from our reviews of both its petrol and diesel models. Left Front Three Quarter Positives 1. Add-on seating and boot space Hyundai Alcazar Left Side View The general impression that the Alcazar presents through images is of being bigger than the Creta, and it is true indeed. The new Hyundai is 40mm taller and 200mm longer, while boasting a 2,760mm wheelbase. And this increment of 150mm might look meagre but has done wonders inside to be able to incorporate another row of seating. It's quite versatile, with the middle-row now offering captain or bench-type seating. So, instead of asking your unexpected guests to take the cab, the third-row can act as a good alternate accommodation in such cases for short trips. And even with all three rows up, there's 180-litres of boot space making it the most spacious in its segment yet. Hyundai Alcazar Second Row Seats 2. Re-mastered cousin of the Creta Front View Though there's a lot in common between the Creta and the Alcazar, the latter does feel more than just a seven-seater Creta. Hyundai has managed to pack in that extra sense of richness into it. And whether shiny exterior bits are your thing or you eschew chrome trims, the carmaker has found a middle ground by diffusing the chrome bits. These get a dark finish in a bid to not look over the top as in the conventional chrome garnishes. Even on the inside, the new hazel-brown and black combo increases the style and premium quotient of the cabin. Hyundai Alcazar Front Row Seats 3. Tech niceties Hyundai has made itself known for attracting more buyers for a fair share of features and equipment list. If we were to remind you of what all the Creta has, the Alcazar gets all of it. This includes the party piece in the form of the 10.25-inch touchscreen supporting connected-car tech, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Then, there's a Bose sound system, wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, TPMS, air-purifier, ventilated front seats, drive and traction modes, auto LED headlights, and a huge panoramic sunroof. Hyundai Alcazar Instrument Cluster In addition to the aforementioned, the Alcazar now features a full-digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree surround camera array, 64-colour ambient lighting, a second wireless charger for the middle row, and puddle lamps projecting the Hyundai logo. 4. Good ground clearance Hyundai Alcazar Right Rear Three Quarter The Alcazar not only stands tall but also away from the tarmac with a ground clearance of 200mm. For perspective, the Creta has a ground clearance of 190mm and hence, despite the Alcazar's long wheelbase, it doesn't feel stretched out or low to the ground. It's good to have this, especially with our tricky road conditions. That said, don't expect it to take savage terrains in its stride. Remember, it's not meant for that, no cars in this segment are. But yes, a broken patch of road, diversions, small obstacles, etc., can mostly be overcome effortlessly thanks to this and the big 18-inch alloys. Right Front Three Quarter 5. Wide range of powertrain choices A customer is not left with a few choices but a full-blown portfolio of petrol and diesel models mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The petrol engine here is a larger 2.0-litre unit borrowed from its elder cousin - the Tucson. In the Alcazar, this petrol mill is tuned to produce 157bhp and 191Nm of torque. Then, there's the oil-burner which uses the same 1.5-litre turbocharged motor from the Creta and an identical power output of 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. Engine Shot Even though this diesel model is not the most powerful in the segment, it still offers adequate performance. And more importantly, its refinement is unmatched. Also, with the automatic, it's a smooth combination undoubtedly. Lest we forget, frugal! The same cannot be said about the petrol model though, as, with so much weight to carry around, it does tend to sip more fuel. But then, the instantaneous supply of power and a responsive gearbox make the drive experience invigorating. This would be my choice to go for.