Hyundai has revealed the production-spec Alcazar SUV – the three-row derivative of the Creta, ahead of its launch in our market in the coming weeks.
The main talking point on the interior is the added row of seats. The Alcazar will be available with both a 6- seat (with captain’s seats in the second row) and 7-seat (with bench seating in the second row) configurations. In both configurations the second-row seats feature a one-touch tumble mechanism to give access to the rear seats as well as a sliding function to either free up more space for the second or third row passengers. Speaking of the third row, the seats get a reclining function and they also fold down completely flat to provide better boot space.
Powering the SUV will be two engine options. There will be the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that we have seen on the Tucson premium SUV and the Elantra premium sedan. The engine would produce 159 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 191 Nm. Then there will be the 1.5-litre diesel engine that we have seen on various models such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Verna, i20, Venue and the Kia Seltos. The engine produces 115 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 250 Nm. Both the engines will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. There will be three driving modes on offer namely Eco, City and Sport.
Hyundai has worked quite a bit to make the Alcazar. They increased the length of the Alcazar by 30 mm when compared to Creta. Also, at 2,760 mm, the wheelbase of Alcazar is also longer by 20 mm. this should provide better cabin space and legroom to the occupants. What will also help in liberating legroom is that the second-row seats can slide so the legroom for the third-row occupants could be increased.
In terms of design, the production-spec Alcazar quite evidently shares a number of key elements with the Creta, along with some body panels like the front fenders, bonnet and even the front doors.
However, there are a variety of design elements that help distinguish the Alcazar, such as a tweaked grille with a studded pattern, slightly updated front bumper design, and a prominent rear quarter glass. The rear of the SUV features all-new styling as the Alcazar gets new wraparound taillights that extend on the slightly more upright tailgate, faux dual exhaust tips and a faux brushed aluminium skid plate. Hyundai has also equipped the Alcazar with a larger set of 18-inch alloy wheels (compared to the Creta’s 17-inchers).