2024 Hyundai Alcazar Facelift Test Drive Review

Hyundai first introduced the Alcazar back in 2021 and since then the demand for six/seven seater SUVs has steadily grown. Although the third row is not the primary reason for purchasing these vehicles, buyers appreciate the versatility and practicality they offer. Earlier this year, Hyundai launched the Creta facelift, and now the Alcazar facelift follows suit, aligning with Hyundai’s global design language seen in the Creta. This facelift is not just a cosmetic update, it includes several substantial changes. We recently tested the updated Alcazar in Udaipur and here is our take on what works and what does not.

Design Updates

The Alcazar’s refreshed design adopts Hyundai’s latest design philosophy. The front end is now distinguished by H-shaped signature DRLs and a revamped grille which closely resembles the Creta N-Line. The vehicle features black painted body cladding and functional roof rails, capable of supporting up to 120 kgs. The new 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels add a fresh touch, while the rear gets H-shaped connected tail lamps with a metallic grey tailgate garnish. It also now sports a new high mounted stop lamp. The updated bumper and roof rails contribute to a slight increase in the car’s dimensions, making it 60 mm longer, 10 mm wider and 35 mm taller, though the wheelbase remains unchanged.

Interior Features

On the inside you are greeted by new Noble Brown interiors, with the seats and dashboard now sporting this updated colour scheme. While the infotainment system and digital cluster are similar to the Creta, the
Alcazars system has Haptic Touch, unlike the Creta’s physical buttons. Previously, only the driver’s seat offered eight way electric adjustment, but now both front seats come with this feature and the driver’s seat now also includes a memory function that stores two settings. Hyundai has also added a magnetic pad on the driver side, though its utility might be debatable. A significant change is found in the second row captain seats which feature extra cushioning, an under thigh cushion extension, wing type headrests for added comfort and seat ventilation, though these upgrades are exclusive to the six seater model. The seven seater variant retains the standard bench seating and lacks ventilation.

Tech And Safety Updates

Many of the features from the previous model have been carried forward, but there are a few notable additions. The Alcazar now includes dual zone climate control, ADAS Level two with 19 features, turn by turn navigation, blind spot monitor, multi language support for the digital cluster, integrated JioSaavn Pro (with one year subscription), voice enabled sunroof, rain sensing wipers, hill descent control and an NFC type digital key that allows you to unlock the car by tapping your phone on the door handle. You can also share upto three digital keys with your family. For those who are chauffeured, the front passenger seat can be adjusted via a button to improve legroom. The eight speaker Bose audio system, drive and traction modes, Hyundai’s BlueLink with over 70 connected car features are all carried over from the outgoing model. Additionally, six airbags are now standard across the entire range.

Feature Omissions

Despite the many improvements, some features have been removed in this facelift. The six seater variant no longer includes a rear central armrest and the wireless charger for the second row has been moved
behind the front central armrest. This has been done for easier access to the third row. Hyundai has also removed the side step that was previously available on the Signature variants. Most notably, the diesel variants no longer come with a sunroof, which could be a deal breaker for many buyers. Also, instead of a spare wheel, the diesel models are equipped with a tire mobility kit to help fix punctures. However, the petrol DCT model we tested had both a sunroof and a spare wheel. Hyundai claims that omitting the sunroof and spare wheel in the diesel variants helps reduce weight, contributing to the segment best fuel efficiency of 20.4 km/l (Diesel MT) and compliance with CAFE norms. However, this reasoning may not sit well with everyone, as competitors offer more powerful diesel powertrains with both a sunroof and a spare wheel.

Performance And Efficiency

The updated Alcazar is powered by the same two engines. The 1.5 liter turbo petrol engine produces 160 HP, 253 N-m of torque and is paired with either a six speed manual transmission or a seven speed DCT. In our test car, the DCT exhibited slight lag when starting but overall performance was brisk. The 1.5 turbo can complete the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in about 9.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the 1.5 litre U2 CRDI diesel engine produces 116 HP and 250 N-m of torque. Though the power figures might seem modest, the torque ensures the car does not feel underpowered. The engine specifications remain unchanged from the previous model for both petrol and diesel variants (the two litre N/A Petrol was discontinued long back). The updated Alcazar has gained around 100 kgs compared to the outgoing model due to enhanced crashworthiness, achieved through the use of high tensile steel and hot stamping in key areas. To compensate for the added weight, Hyundai has slightly tweaked the suspension, though the difference is negligible to the average driver. Braking performance is predictable as before. The petrol variant offers an approximate fuel economy of 8-9 km/l in mixed conditions, while the diesel is the more efficient option, delivering around 13-14 km/l in the city and 18-19 km/l on the highway.

Verdict

The Alcazar facelift is a well executed update, blending modern design with enhanced comfort. Hyundai has also introduced a new base variant in order to try and get a bigger piece of the pie as far as market share goes. The price increase has been minimal despite the extensive changes. However, the omission of a sunroof in the diesel variants could deter some potential buyers. Overall, the Alcazar remains a solid choice in the six/seven seater SUV segment and this update has made it even better.