Many automobile enthusiasts prefer compact crossover SUVs due to their unique design, which allows for easy handling and agility even on difficult terrains. Although the market for this category is saturated with a myriad of options available, the Hyundai Alcazar stands out as a reliable choice for buyers. With a recent facelift, the Alcazar adds a new exterior design, extra features, and slight tweaks in the cabin to make it even more appealing for buyers.

1. External design
Through the recent facelift, Hyundai upgraded the Alcazar’s exterior design to provide a more contemporary feel. Some highlights of the revamped exterior are the new H-shaped LED daytime running lamps with the connected light strip between them, the radiator grille, a redeveloped bumper, and the vertically stacked headlamp clusters.

2. Cabin quality
Hyundai has also made many subtle design tweaks to the Alcazar’s cabin. Occupants will find new materials and colors on various panels when they step inside this SUV. The well-finished cabin includes a large digital screen housing the infotainment panel and the instrument cluster. These are placed below the top of the dashboard, meaning that they do not affect the driver’s visibility.

• Leather-wrapped 4-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel
• 2-toned color scheme
• 10.25-inch infotainment display
• Metallic accents around the gear shifter
• The cabin’s overall ergonomics

3. Interior space and comfort
Besides the quality, the Alcazar’s cabin also stands out for its spaciousness. This three-row SUV comfortably seats 6 to 7 people, making it ideal for larger families. Each row of seating comes with ample leg room, headroom, shoulder room, and hip room for passengers. The seats are not too firm and can be adjusted in multiple ways (Hyundai has added greater thigh support on the seats). All these attributes together contribute to a comfortable ride, even during long-distance trips.

The Alcazar’s cabin comes with multiple cubby holes wherein occupants can store belongings like mobile phones, water bottles, and books. For greater convenience, passengers also get retractable blinds and foldable picnic tables on each row of seating that can hold a 3.5 kg load.

With all the seats in place, the boot space of this vehicle is 179 litres. When one flips the split seats ahead, the boot space extends to 579 litres. Certain variants of Alcazar come with roof rails, enabling passengers to store additional luggage atop the SUV quite comfortably.

4. Engine, performance, and fuel economy
The Hyundai Alcazar has a powerful yet economical 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that produces around 158 brake horsepower (BHP) and around 253 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Manual transmission is available for the Executive, Prestige, and Platinum variants, while the DCT comes with the Signature and Platinum variants. The engine produces power in a linear way and propels the Alcazar from 0 to 100 kmph in about 9.5 seconds. While the SUV accelerates well, its power delivery is rather relaxed and more suited to long cruises.

There are three drive modes in the Alcazar—Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, the vehicle maximises efficiency and prioritises sustainability over speed. Normal mode allows drivers to find the right balance between sportiness and eco-friendly driving. In Sport mode, the car’s throttle responses, steering system, and gearbox sharpen to boost the vehicle’s driving dynamics.

Both gearboxes work smoothly with the engine and help the SUV run through the gears without major lags or other issues. This vehicle scores particularly well in the fuel-efficiency department. The overall mileage of the Hyundai Alcazar is around 18.0 kmpl. The fuel efficiency does not dip even in the frequent start-stop of city driving.

5. Smooth ride and handling
The handling of the Hyundai Alcazar varies according to the driving mode one has selected. Overall, the handling is smooth and easy. The suspension is tuned to make the ride quality as comfortable as possible. The noise and vibration levels in the cabin never rise above unacceptable threshold levels. Contributing to the vehicle’s smooth handling are features like hill start assist control, multiple traction modes for varying terrains, and all-wheel disc brakes, which are standard across all trims.

6. Other useful features
The Hyundai Alcazar offers great value for money across all variants. Some key features one can find in the top-end variants include adaptive cruise control, a Bose-powered audio system, sunroof, a multi-functional steering wheel, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), six airbags, engine immobiliser, ISOFIX child seat anchors, traction control, stability control, electronic brake-force distribution system, an anti-theft system, and a lane change indication system.

7. Reasonable price
The Hyundai Alcazar comes at a reasonable price considering its features. The price range begins at around Rs 15 lakh for the base model, and the top model comes at a starting price of around Rs. 21 lakh. It is important to note that these are ex-showroom figures and are subject to change.