First Look Of The Creta-based Hyundai Alcazar

• Alcazar follows Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language.
• It will be offered in six-seater and seven-seater layouts.
• Gets a different rear end to accommodate the third row.
• Interior similar to that of the Creta but gets a distinct black-brown theme as per the sketches.
• Likely to be powered by a 140PS 1.4-litre turbo-petrol and a 115PS 1.5-litre diesel motor.
• Likely to be priced a lakh more than the Creta.

Hyundai India has previewed the production-spec Alcazar via a set of design sketches. Likely to be revealed in April 2021, the Alcazar is, for all intents and purposes, a longer Creta with three rows of seating. But has Hyundai done enough to differentiate it from the Creta? Let’s find out:

While the fascia is yet to be revealed, we reckon it would be similar to that of the Creta, except for the slightly tinkered grille. Our guess is, of course, thanks to the spy shots. However, it is the Alcazar’s longer side profile that’s almost immediately distinguishable from the Creta’s. Like the Harrier-based Safari, the rear profile is more upright to accommodate the third row. Last-row occupants also benefit from a rear quarter glass that should make it airier at the back. The tail lamps also look better compared to the Creta’s polarising LED units. 

On the inside, the Alcazar sports a similar dashboard to that of the Creta, but in a black-brown colour scheme instead of its sibling’s black-cream. One can also spot the unique floor-mounted central armrest with cup holders designed for middle-row occupants. The seven-seater variants will come with the conventional bench seat for the middle row. 

The Alcazar should come with features like a 10.25-inch infotainment system with connected car tech, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, and a wireless phone charger. Safety should be taken care of by multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors with a camera, and electronic stability control. 

Hyundai is likely to provide the Alcazar with the Creta’s 140PS 1.4-litre turbo-petrol and 115PS 1.5-litre diesel engines. Both could come mated to automatic transmissions. But, like that of the Creta, only the diesel variant could come with an additional 6-speed manual. However, Creta’s 115PS 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine could be given a miss. 

The Alcazar could be one of the most affordable 7-seater SUVs and is expected to be priced a lakh more than the Creta, which retails between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 17.54 lakh (ex-showroom). We reckon the Alcazar will be a more economical alternative to the Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus.