DARK HORSE

The Alcazar is now available in a new avatar, and the multi-faceted SUV deserves more attention than it got in the past

- Kurt Morris

With the Creta nearly hogging all the attention, we won't blame you if the Alcazar isn't the first car that comes to your mind when you think of a Hyundai SUV, while at the premium end of it, the Tucson takes away the limelight. Having said that, anyone who's experienced the Alcazar knows the car's true worth. For families who want an SUV larger than the Creta but without foregoing the familiarity of a Hyundai, or for those who want the luxury of captain seats without having to opt for an MPV, the Alcazar has made a lot of sense. Its arrival three years ago, despite the raging pandemic, widened Hyundai's presence while allowing its customers to enjoy the convenience of a six-/seven-seat SUV without breaking the bank.

The latest facelift, brought out recently, aims to further that. It's also not just a nip-and-tuck job, as Hyundai seems to have incorporated many changes, closely listening to customer feedback. The design (both inside and outside) is new, and the updated tech can't be ignored, either. It's still based on the same platform as the Creta, so there's a good deal of familiarity, but the attention to detail especially inside, and a distinctly different approach just about sets the Alcazar apart. And we took it for a spin at Hyundai's recent first-drive event in Udaipur.

Our car for the test is an Emerald Green example. The colour stands out in itself, but the all-new design is what makes the Alcazar even more different from the car it's based on. The H-shaped LED headlights in combination with the large grille lend it a more imposing front-end styling, while the rear gets a new design with an LED light bar running across the width of the car. It's still a bit underwhelming when looked at from the side, and maybe an added character line or two could have done the trick. Thankfully, the 18-inch alloy wheels and contrasting roof (optional) make it appear more appealing. There are a total of nine colours to choose from and four trim levels.