Hyundai is all set to take the wraps off from the upcoming Creta-based 7-seater SUV, the Alcazar in the first week of April, and it is expected to be launched by April-end. In the Indian market, the Hyundai Alcazar will be positioned against the MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari, and Mahindra XUV500.
While Hyundai is yet to reveal details about the Alcazar, thanks to the numerous spy shots we get to know about some major developments regarding the upcoming Hyundai SUV. For starters, the Alcazar will be longer and taller than the 5-seater Creta, just like the Harrier-Safari duo. It will resemble the Creta in some ways but will get enough to claim its own identity. This includes a tweaked front grille, newly designed bumpers, redesigned alloy wheels, a longer rear overhang with a quarter glass panel, and an updated tailgate with new LED tail lamps.
Inside the cabin, the Alcazar will retain the Creta's dashboard dominated by a horizontally stacked touchscreen infotainment system. However, it will be the seating configurations that will distinguish between the two. As per the reports, Hyundai will offer the Alcazar with the choice of 7-and 6-seater configurations. While the former will get a bench seat, the latter will be offered with captain seats in the middle row with a freakish floor-mounted central armrest.
In terms of features, it is likely to carry forward most of the features from Creta including the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay & Android Auto, BlueLink connected car technology, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, a Bose sound system, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable driver's seat, air purifier, leather upholstery, six airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors with camera, and electronic stability control, etc. Besides this, Hyundai could also offer additional comforts and safety features like powered tailgate, front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera, and ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) technology.
Under the hood, the Alcazar could retain the Creta's 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol (140PS/242Nm) and 1.5-liter diesel (115PS/250Nm) engines. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine could be given a miss. Gearbox choices are also likely to remain unchanged – a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic for turbo-petrol and the option of a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic for the diesel motor.
Expect the Alcazar to command a premium of Rs 1 lakh over the 5-seater Hyundai Creta, which is priced between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 17.53 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). With this, it is likely to be a more economical alternative to the MG Hector Plus and Tata Safari.