First Drive: Hyundai Alcazar
A few years ago, Hyundai revealed the family-friendly Grand Creta, which features style cues similar to those of the standard Creta and includes a third row of seats. The Grand Creta was one of the leading options when it came to affordable yet tasteful 7-seaters, but now it not only has a new look but a new name too, and it's called the Alcazar.
What an interesting name…
Before we touch on the physical product, its name is rather intriguing. This particular car will retain its Grand Creta name in other regions of the world, with India being the first to adopt the Alcazar name. Hyundai South Africa liked the sound of the name, and it now graces the rear end of the brand's latest 7-seater model.
Based solely on appearances, the Alcazar showcases its Grand Creta DNA while incorporating Hyundai's modern retro-inspired elements. It’s a look that’s undoubtedly difficult to pull off on a family car, but from the front end, it’s a rather interesting-looking machine; the side profile reinforces its 7-seater SUV character and wraps up in the rear with a simple yet attractive design. Typically, 7-seater SUVs, particularly the more affordable options, tend to provide a more function-over-form appearance, but the Alcazar provides a more unique and modern approach to a family car.
Family-focused comfort
Once inside, the interior is typical Hyundai, with cloth seats and some less noticeable plastic use, but good build quality and digitalised touches such as climate control functions and an infotainment system help reinforce its modern image. The infotainment system offers a balanced combination of touch inputs along with tactile buttons and dials. The system offers a more intuitive user experience by including many familiar Hyundai design elements, such as the digital driver's display and gear lever, that we have seen in several of the brand’s models. But if it works, it works.
Diesel or petrol?
To move more towards its driving characteristics, the Alcazar comes with two engine options: a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 117kW and 191Nm, and a 1.5-litre turbodiesel option that offers a less powerful 85kW but a more robust 250Nm. Both engine options deliver their power via a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth and intuitive but a touch sluggish when you put your foot down.
We put the 1.5-litre diesel through its paces, and it’s a rather conflicting power unit. This engine has several beneficial attributes, but its lack of shunt at highway speeds for overtaking makes me wonder about what a fully loaded car will be like to drive. On the other hand, it is an amazingly frugal motor with an average consumption of 5.9l/100km, which in a 7-seater is most welcome. Also, its healthy levels of low-end torque allow for a responsive low-speed driving experience and one that is perfect for school runs.
So, how does it feel in the hands? I appreciate the heavier steering sensation, with its subtle levels of feedback, and this is a significant positive aspect for me. In terms of ride quality, it's smooth even on rough road surfaces, and longer distances are no problem if you want to avoid the fast lane.
Verdict…
Overall, the Alcazar is a brilliant city-focused runaround, perfect for larger families on a slightly smaller budget. At R499,900 for the petrol variant, the Alcazar surpasses competitors such as the Honda BR-V and Suzuki XL6 in the features department, thanks to its user-friendly technology and comprehensive safety systems.
However, given its higher price tag, it would be beneficial to have a bit more power available. It's an exceptionally comfortable and fairly stylish family SUV that will appeal to family-oriented drivers, and while you won't get to your destination in record time, that's hardly a dealbreaker for the majority of buyers in this segment.
Hyundai Alcazar Pricing:
Hyundai Alcazar 2.0 Executive: R499,900
Hyundai Alcazar 1.5D Executive: R599,900
Hyundai Alcazar 1.5D Elite: R669,900
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