Hyundai launches Alcazar facelift at starting price of Rs 14.99 lakh

Hyundai has launched the new Alcazar facelift with prices starting from Rs 14.99 lakh for the petrol-MT 7-seater variant; prices for the diesel variants start from Rs 15.99 lakh, both prices ex-showroom India. The updated Alcazar gets a significantly revised exterior design and new interiors from the Creta with lots of new features, but remains mechanically unchanged. Bookings are ongoing for a token amount of Rs 25,000.

The new Alcazar is available in four trims, namely Executive, Prestige, Platinum and Signature. 

A majority of the cosmetic updates are concentrated on the face of the new Alcazar. Over the outgoing model, the Alcazar facelift gets H-shaped LED DRLs that are connected together with a light bar, and a larger grille with horizontal slats. The bumper features a larger central air intake that’s surrounded by a prominent silver trim, giving the fascia a chunkier look.

There aren’t many significant changes in profile, but it gets new 18-inch alloy wheels and function roof rails. At the rear, the new full-width tail lamps look similar to what we've seen on the Venue, with a large H motif. Additionally, the silver highlights on the bumpers give it a sporty look.

The Alcazar facelift will be available in a total of nine exterior colours, of which eight are monotone: Titan Grey Matte, Starry Night, Ranger Khaki, Abyss Black, Atlas White, Robust Emerald Pearl, Robust Emerald Matte and Fiery Red. The last three are new for the Alcazar, and the Robust Emerald Pearl is shared with the Creta. In dual-tone, there’s just the Atlas White with Abyss Black roof. Overall, the updated Alcazar looks more differentiated from the Creta than their predecessors did.

The Alcazar facelift uses the same dashboard layout as the Creta facelift, including the dual 10.25-inch infotainment screens and digital instrument cluster. It also gets a new dual-tone tan and dark blue colour scheme.

The more important updates are to the second-row seats. The Alcazar continues to be available in both 6- and 7-seater configurations, and in the former, Hyundai has removed the fixed centre console that was placed between the captain seats on the pre-facelift model. This liberates more space between the seats as they now get individual armrests, and one can easily walk through to the third row from the second. The second-row captain seats now also get extendable thigh support, ventilation function and ‘boss mode’ feature where the front passenger seat can be operated from the rear to open up more space. You also get rear sunshades and fold-out tray tables.

A big addition on the safety front is the inclusion of an ADAS suite. Other equipment highlights include voice-activated panoramic sunroof, powered driver and passenger seats, ventilated front seats, wireless charging pads for both front and second rows, leatherette upholstery, Bose sound system, dual-zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, sequential turn indicators, on-board navigation, connected features, 360-degree camera, six airbags, and ESC.

The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options have been retained with the Alcazar facelift. The petrol engine churns out 160hp and 253Nm of torque and can be had with either a 6-speed MT or an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The diesel unit makes 116hp and 250Nm and is paired with a 6MT or a 6AT gearbox. Both get a front-wheel drive configuration. The SUV also gets multiple drive and traction control modes with presets for snow, sand and mud, just like the outgoing model. Automatic variants also get paddle shifters. 

The Hyundai Alcazar continues to rival the likes of the Tata Safari, the Mahindra XUV700 and the MG Hector Plus.