Hyundai Alcazar Facelift: Deserves a Serious Look as the Ultimate Creta XL The Power Verdict

Hyundai Alcazar: A Facelift That Changes the Conversation

After the facelift, this Alcazar has the ingredients to be a lot more successful than before. But it’s still not going to be a grand success, and that’s because of two things. One thing that Hyundai hasn’t done, and that’s use their biggest strength with the Alcazar. They should have called it the Creta because that’s what it is. A bigger Creta and a better Creta in most ways.

The Naming Problem and the Seven-Seater Confusion

The second thing is something Hyundai should not do and call this a sevenseater. It’s a 5 plus two and once you accept that it will make a lot of sense because then you can think of it as the Creta XL. The added size fixing the biggest shortcoming of the Creta boot space.

Creta XL, Creta Pro, and Creta Lux Explained

You can think of it as the Creta Pro because of the suspension tune, which is better for people in the back and especially for families that like to travel. You can think of it as the Creta Lux for the slightly more premium cabin experience, but more importantly for the more rich backseat experience with the captain seats.

You can think of it as the Kreda Express because the wait times for the Algazar will be shorter than that for the Creta. And importantly, you can also think of it as the Creta VFM because for about a lack of rupees more than the Creta, this Alcazar is a lot more value.

Why the Alcazar Still Makes Sense for Families

Whatever your reasons, motoring fam, if you are looking for a family SUV, the Alcazar deserves a closer look. Quite literally, the Alcazar is worth looking at now because thankfully it’s stopped mimicking the Greta.

Design Evolution and Road Presence

It’s like the elder brother who went abroad to study and came back more sophisticated and mature. It has its own personality. And I must admit, at one time I found myself wanting to take a picture of the Alcasar and that was from the Rio which I think is its best angle.

But even then, do not expect the Alcazar to have the presence of a Safari, a Harrier, an XUV700, or even a Hector, or even a Currents. They are all bigger than it.

Size Comparison and Platform Strength

If it weren’t for the name, it wouldn’t be in competition with the Creta. But that is its closest comparison. And it is bigger than the Creta. nose totail between the wheels and even in terms of height.

The one step up that it has from the Creta are its wheels which are 17 in on the Creta and 18 in here like on the endline.

Boot Space: The Biggest Upgrade

The one big step up that the Alcazar has over any Creta is its boot space. It’s properly usable. It’s luggage friendly. It’s pet friendly. It’s also kid-friendly.

Five-Seater Reality with Folded Third Row

Third row seats, right? But the best way to use this space is with the third row folded down. This really is a five-seater.

Second Row Comfort and Captain Seats Advantage

And let’s appreciate the second row with the captain seats, especially because that silly center console that used to be here is gone. It makes this feel more spacious.

But what’s the highlight here are these captain seats. They are set higher up which means the view out is better which means the support is better and that’s without factoring in the adjustable under thigh support and those winged headrests.

Bench Seat vs Captain Seat Trade-Off

The ben seat version won’t have as much support but it will allow you to seat three right here. But if you had to seat five, you could find a workable solution even with the captain seats.

Ride Quality and Suspension Setup

Now irrespective of which Alcazar you choose you will notice and appreciate that the cushioning for the seats the front or the back is firmer than in the Greta and that is good.

Long-d distanceance travelers will enjoy the Alcazar all the more because of its suspension setup. It’s a bit like the Nline where it’s firmer and more controlled.

Engine Performance and Efficiency

The engine, the turbo petrol and dual clutch combination of the Alcazar can also feel expensive in a not so good way. It’s city efficiency hovers between 8 to 11 kmp.

But the overall feel is of a calmer and a more mature car. It’s right for the Altazar.

Diesel Option for Long Distance Users

But if you are somebody who’s clocking a lot of kilometers and efficiency is vital, then you should pick the diesel for obvious reasons.

Cabin Design and Feature Highlights

The one thing we haven’t spoken about till now is the cabin and for obvious reasons. The design of the cabin is just like the Greta, but the colors are not.

You also get more feel-good features like a part passenger seat with boss controls and you also have an 8-way power driver seat which is great with memory function and welcome function.

Third Row: Features vs Practicality

So, let’s talk about the third row. The problem for the third row starts with access to it.

And once you’re sat here in the third row, some things will impress like the features. You have cup holders, air con vents, blower controls and a USB port as standard.

Final Verdict: What’s in a Name?

What’s in the name in the Alcazar’s case? Probably it’s future.

It’s better the creta on boot space. It has the more solid suspension setup. It has the added dash of luxury, especially with those captain seats. and its value for money quotient is strong.

If you can just train yourself to think of it as a Creta and when I do I feel happier about the Alcasar as a Creta pro, a Creta XL or credit VFM. It deserves to be looked at and closely.