Hyundai Motors had launched the SUV MPV version of the Creta, and named it as Alcazar with premium features and comes in 6 and 7-seater configuration with spacious cabin. The Hyundai Alcazar rivals the Kia Carens, Maruti Suzuki XL6, and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Well, even the Hyundai Alcazar has few pro’s and con’s that makes you consider your decision on whether to opt for the Alcazar or look for other MPV to buy. Here are all the pro’s and con’s of Hyundai Alcazar –
The Hyundai Alcazar’s base variant comes with well-loaded features that aren’t seen in any of it’s rivals like 10.25-inch infotainment system, disc brakes for all 4 wheels, LED headlights, LED taillights, alloy wheels, keyless entry with push button start/stop, wireless phone charger, and panoramic sunroof.
Hyundai before the launch of next-gen Verna had updated the Alcazar by replacing the 2.0 L petrol engine with a new turbo petrol engine. This new 1.5 L turbo petrol engine produces 157 bhp and 253 Nm of torque mated to 6-speed MT, and 7-speed DCT Gearbox, and this engine was launched to comply with the RDE and E20 Norms. Moreover, Hyundai offers turbo petrol engine in a 6 or 7-seater configuration which is a very rare sight.
When it comes to features, the Alcazar is loaded with 8-speaker Bose Premium sound system, 360-degree camera with front and rear parking sensors, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging pad front and second row in 6-seater variant, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, captain seats with 6-seater variant, one-touch tumble for second row seats, ventilated seats for front row, blind view monitor, ambient lighting, and many more.
The Alcazar not only has longer wheelbase, but has a higher ground clearance of 200mm which is 10mm higher than the Creta’s 190mm ground clearance. Having an MPV with high ground clearance is good given our road conditions like broken patch of roads, oversized speed-breakers, potholes, diversions, small obstacles, etc. can be overcome easily through the big 18-inch alloy wheels.
You can’t call the Alcazar 7-seater as it’s rivals Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus offers more cabin space. The third row is more cramped than the XUV700, and the Safari as it’s got very less leg-room for adults, and it’s only best for children. Because of this, the second-row has to compromise on space to make room for third-row passengers.
Dual-Clutch Gearbox has been available in India for a decade now, but it’s yet to prove just how reliable it is. The DCT Transmission is not known for long-term reliability and the gearbox offered with the Alcazar is also yet to prove it’s reliability. Just like other DCT Gearboxes, it is inclined to extreme heating, and wear & tear in the long term.
The Hyundai Alcazar diesel engine lacks that quick shift when you want to overtake a car in front of you as the 1.5 L Diesel Engine produces 113 bhp and 250 Nm of torque which is pretty less compared to it’s rivals Tata Safari with 167.67 bhp and Mahindra XUV700 with 185 bhp. Just by looking at the power outputs of three cars, the Safari and the XUV700 both managed to overtake the Alcazar. Moreover, even with the three cars is loaded with passengers, the Alcazar is still considerably slow than the XUV700, and the Safari.
Even though the Hyundai Alcazar is a big SUV MPV, it misses out on features like rain-sensing wipers, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyres, powered tailgate, arm rest for rear seat, and automatic transmission option not available for lower variants.