WHEN LESS IS MORE

The Hyundai Alcazar now comes with a new, but smaller, 1.5-litre turbocharged engine instead of the larger 2.0-litre petrol. Is it a compromise?

- MANAV SINHA

In the past five years, one notable trend in the automotive industry has been the downsizing of engines by automakers. And there's a good reason for it. You see, this shift has been driven by changing rules and regulations. And while this transition has led to the development of safer and overall better cars, it has also resulted in the loss of certain iconic models or the distinctive characteristics they were known for. This brings me to the Hyundai Alcazar, which has also been subjected to this trend.

With the implementation of BS-VI phase 2 emission norms in India, the Alcazar has also undergone a change of heart. The Korean automaker has, for better or worse, replaced the older 2.0-litre petrol engine with a new 1.5-litre unit. So, what is it, better or worse? We got our hands on the updated Alcazar to find out exactly that.

WHAT’S NEW?

As we mentioned, the biggest change in the updated Alcazar is the new engine. First, let’s talk numbers. The previous engine was a 1,999cc naturally aspirated unit, which made 157bhp of power at 6,500rpm and 191Nm of torque at 4,500rpm and came with a choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or a torque converter gearbox. But now, this unit has been replaced by a 1,482cc turbocharged engine, which makes 158bhp of power at 5,500rpm and 253Nm of torque at 1,500 – 3,500rpm. Comparatively, the new engine offers a slightly higher output of 1bhp of power, produced earlier in the rev band, and a significant increase of 62Nm of torque. The Alcazar continues to offer the 6-speed manual gearbox, but now, it offers the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of the regular torque convertor unit for those with a penchant for two-pedal driving.