India is a developing country and recently, the interest in SUVs has begun in such a way that every manufacturer want's to have a taste of it. Hyundai's Creta has been one of the best selling mid-size SUV from the time it was launched and now, its newer 2020 model impresses with 12,000+ sales every month. However, Hyundai is now gearing up for a stretched up Creta, sorry, the 7-seater Creta, my bad again, the 2021 Alcazar.
Yes, as much as Hyundai likes to call it the Alcazar, it is the stretched up Creta with a longer wheelbase. In a pool of biggies like Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV500 and the very own MG Hector Plus, will the Alcazar survive? Survive? Sadly, it will also rule the 7-seater SUV segment knowing the popularity of the brand. But does it makes sense at all? No, it does not.
Design Elements
It is based on the same platform as the Creta so the design upfront is carried over from the 5-seater sibling. The front gets a tri-LED headlight set up but a differently styled grille. Move to the side and there you notice the added length and the 18-inch alloy wheels. Similarly, this change is observed at the rear also with wraparound taillights which seem inspired by the Ford Endeavour and dual-exhaust tips. Faux brushed aluminium skid plates are observed at the front and rear profile.
But is it better? When comparing it with the rivals like MG Hector Plus and Tata Safari, the Alcazar surely turns out to be Creta on steroids and it carries the pseudo SUV inspired looks. It does not have the charm of a big SUV and is just an addition to the 7-seater market.
Interior and Features
If there's one thing where the Alcazar will surely turn out better then it is the features department. A long list of features and no strong bodyshell on its premium cars is what makes Hyundai a popular one.
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Still continuing on the features then a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and BlueLink connectivity is observed. The latter is one feature that is a boon to the car industry but also a shitty one when reality kicks in. A panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging are some of the other features that will come in the Alcazar.
The interiors will feature both 6 and 7-seater configuration and the middle seats will come with a one-touch tumble function to reach the third row easily. The third row also gets a reclining function. The colour scheme follows the tan-brown scheme.
Safety features are expected to come with front and rear parking sensors, rear disc brakes, ABS with EBD, multiple airbags, TPMS and other modern-day features. However, we are still now sure about how strong the body shell is of the Alcazar.
Engine
Earlier it was reported that the Alcazar will continue with the same powertrain as the Creta but now only some part of this statement is true. What's changed is that the Alcazar will come with a 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol unit which is the same as Elantra and the flagship, Tucson. However, it now makes 7 hp more and now sticks with 159 hp with 192 Nm of peak torque. Imagine if the 1.5L engine of Creta which makes just 113 bhp with 144 Nm of peak torque continued on this bulky SUV?
On the other hand, the diesel is a 1.5L sourced from the Creta, however, the company claims that it is differently tuned. Of course, it has to be for this big size (laughing out in the corner) pseudo SUV. How much it is different to drive or feels on the road? Well, that is yet to be found. Both the engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual and an optional 6-speed automatic gearbox.
But Should You Buy One?
Considering that the Alcazar does have some positive points like a longer wheelbase than those in the segment and a better space with all three rows up. The longer wheelbase allows more space for the occupants sitting in the second and third-row but how comfortable two adults are in the third row? That information is not yet out.
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Similarly, we should not forget that if you are a diesel head then both the Tata Safari as well as the MG Hector will be a better option since the tiny 1.5L diesel of Creta just cries out in the corner. Similarly, imagine spending close to Rs 23 lakh (expected on-road price) for an SUV that looks just like Creta and is still considered a pseudo one.
So what are your opinions on the 2021 Hyundai Alcazar and will you buy one? Do tell us in the comment section below. Also, make sure you are a member of our exclusive 91Wheels Telegram group where we bring you all the latest information related to the Indian Automotive Industry.
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