By Muhammed Hashim 
Launched in April 2021, the Alcazar quickly became Hyundai’s answer to those looking for a three-row SUV in the Rs 15-25 lakh price range. Despite building on the strengths of the Creta, it was soon overshadowed by Mahindra’s XUV700, which pretty much stole the spotlight with its bolder look, feature-rich cabin and aggressive pricing. Fast forward to September 2024, and Hyundai has introduced a refreshed Alcazar. The mid-life facelift brings in a new styling package, more goodies and even a stronger safety net. I had the opportunity to drive the new vehicle around the scenic Udaipur to see if the updates would help the Alcazar get back into the limelight.
Bold New Look: First Impressions Matter
At first glance, the 2024 Hyundai Alcazar facelift demands attention. Hyundai has done a commendable job of making it look bolder and more distinct from the Creta. While some elements, like the headlamps, still carry a resemblance to its smaller sibling, the larger grille gives it a distinct look. The wider grille and the H-shaped LED DRLs add a premium touch. Meanwhile the redesigned front bumper makes it look more aggressive. From the side, the Alcazar has a more refined look. This is largely due to the gloss black trim around the windows and the stylish new 18-inch alloy wheels. But my favorite part of the design has to be the rear. The connected LED taillights add a modern, stylish flair, and the updated bumper gives it a posher look.
Overall, the Alcazar’s styling changes may not be revolutionary, but they certainly make the SUV look more striking than its predecessor. It may not have the rugged, true-blue SUV vibe of the Mahindra XUV700 or the Tata Safari, but it’s definitely one for those who want their three-row SUV to look suave and sophisticated. Oh, and the matte colour options add some more jazz to the aesthetics.
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Plush Interior: Comfort and Technology Galore
Get inside and you’ll be quick to notice the Creta-sourced dashboard. However, the beige-blue colour scheme lends it a more upmarket look. Another highlight is the twin 10.25-inch screens – one each for the instrument cluster and the infotainment. The centre console houses a wireless smartphone charger, USB type-C port, USB type-A post, and a 12V-socket. It even houses the electronic parking brake switch along with the controls for the cooled seats. Speaking of the seats, they are re-upholstered and have premium feel to them. The front seats offer 8-way power adjustments, while the driver’s seat even has memory function.
The seats themselves are plush and feel luxurious. The front seats offer 8-way power adjustments, and the driver’s seat even has a memory function. The Alcazar now even comes with a nifty feature- Digital key. Using your smartphone or even your Apple Watch, you can unlock and start the car. It’s a neat touch for the tech-savvy crowd, though the absence of electric tailgate operation is a bit surprising. So is the omission of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Middle Row: The Real VIP Treatment
While the front seats are nice, the middle row is where the Alcazar truly shines. If you opt for the 6-seater version, you’ll get seat coolers for the middle row as well. There’s also adjustable under-thigh support. Meanwhile, the wing-type headrests provide extra support to the head. But the best feature of the middle row has to be the Boss Mode. This allows the rear passengers to adjust the front passenger seat to free up more legroom. It’s a great feature for the chauffeur-driven. And there are even foldable tables for the rear occupants. A wireless smartphone charger for the rear occupants is another novelty. The Alcazar’s middle row might just be the best in its class, offering comfort and features that even some luxury SUVs don’t provide.
Third Row & Boot: Still Tight on Space But Better Cargo Management
The third row is the Achilles’ Heel – the third row continues to be tight on space. The knee room and headspace are quite limited, making it best suited for kids or pets. If you’re an adult sitting back there, you might want to keep your journey short. On the plus side, Hyundai has provided dedicated air-con vents and Type-C USB ports. With all three rows in use, you get 180 liters of boot space. However, fold the third row flat, and you get a generous 579 litres.
On the Road: A Smooth Operator
Under the hood, the 2024 Alcazar continues with the engine options introduced in its earlier iteration. You get the 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine that churns out 160 PS and 250 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-liter diesel that produces 115 PS and 253 Nm. The car I drove was powered by the turbo-petrol engine, paired with a 7-speed DCT. The petrol engine is refined and quiet, especially at lower speeds. The power delivery is linear, and the Alcazar feels peppy enough for quick overtakes. While it’s no rocket, the Alcazar can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in under 10 seconds. The 7-speed DCT is well-tuned and offers smooth, seamless gear shifts. In Sport mode, the gear shifts become more aggressive, which adds a bit of fun to the driving experience.
One of the Alcazar’s standout features is its segment-best 2,760 mm wheelbase, which contributes to its stable and composed ride. The larger 18-inch wheels improve the handling dynamics, though the Alcazar is clearly tuned more for comfort than sporty driving. The light steering makes it a breeze to drive in the city, but it doesn’t offer much feedback when you’re pushing it hard in the corners. The suspension does a good job of soaking up most bumps and potholes, but the larger wheels do introduce some stiffness over rough roads. That said, for most buyers, the Alcazar’s ride quality will be hard to fault.
Verdict: A Well-Rounded Family SUV
Starting at Rs 14.99 lakh for the petrol and Rs 15.99 lakh for the diesel variants, the Hyundai Alcazar facelift offers good value, especially when you consider the features it brings to the table. The fact that both powertrains are priced similarly, except for the base trim, is likely to push more buyers towards the petrol variant, which gets a panoramic sunroof.
The Alcazar might not look as robust as the Mahindra XUV700, but it more than makes up for it with its well-sorted interior, modern features, and impressive comfort levels. Hyundai has done a commendable job of modernizing the Alcazar and addressing key areas that needed some updates. Whether you’re driving in the city or going on long road trips with the family, the Alcazar is a solid, well-rounded option that’s hard to ignore. In a segment brimming with competition, the 2024 Alcazar facelift feels like a strong contender. It’s enriched with more equipment, fortified with a revised monocoque and a gamut of safety features, and feels totally ready to take on the best the segment offers.
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