Hyundai Alcazar SUV launched in India: Highlights

Hyundai Alcazar SUV has been launched in India at a starting (introductory, ex showroom) price of ₹16.30 lakh. It is the first three-row SUV from Hyundai for the market here. Alcazar, essentially based on Creta, is making massive promises of being a capable drive while offering a plush and feature-loaded cabin. Petrol and diesel engine options, along with manual and automatic transmission, means Hyundai Alcazar could find favour among a large number of prospective buyers.

Here are the highlights from the launch event of Hyundai Alcazar:

*Full launch report: That's all from the launch event. Check out the full launch report of the Hyundai Alcazar SUV here. (Full report)

*Price alert! Hyundai Alcazar driven in at a starting (introductory, ex showroom) price of ₹16.30 lakh. Full price list:

Complete price list of the just-launched Hyundai Alcazar.

*With seats in all three rows up, Alcazar offers 180 litres of boot space. Hyundai says access to third row is easy with the tumble-down feature on second row.

Passengers can also look forward to first-in-segment second-row wireless charging.

*Hyundai says Alcazar will especially appeal to image-conscious car buyers who want to explore more but with family and friends.

Did you know? There is no 4x4 option but Alcazar does come with terrain mode selectors.

*Alcazar launch event begins as Hyundai adds its fifth vehicle to its India SUV lineup - after Venue, Creta, Kona EV and Tucson.

*Safari vs Hector Plus vs Alcazar - Check out specs comparison here.

*Feature highlights of Alcazar:

Hyundai has packed Alcazar with bucket-load of features - from panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch touchscreen digital display and air purifier to 8-speaker Bose sound system, and more. Check out the five main highlights of Alcazar here.

*Check out our first impression video of Hyundai Alcazar:

*Is Tata Safari a good option if in the market for a three-row SUV?

The competition is intense now with Alcazar being launched but here's a recap of our first-drive review of Safari for a quick check:

*Are other Hyundai SUVs under threat from Alcazar?

While Hyundai officials are confident that Alcazar will appeal to a wide spectrum of buyers, that prospective Creta customers may shift preference to the newer product doesn't bother them. Maybe 'all in the house' is the reason.

Meanwhile, all SUVs offered by Hyundai in India got together at Rann of Kutch to 'welcome' Alcazar by painting its name over a kilometre of the salty flats. (Check out video here)

*Alcazar engine and transmission details:

Hyundai is continuing to bet on diesel and the Alcazar will be offered with both fuel options. While the diesel unit is a 1.5-litre motor - same as the one inside Creta, the petrol version has a 2.0-litre motor which is the same as the one inside Tucson.

The diesel engine prodices 115 hp and has 250 Nm of torque. The petrol motor belts out 152 hp and has 191 Nm of torque.

Both engines get either six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission.

Details of the engine and transmission options on the upcoming Hyundai Alcazar.

*Alcazar variants explained:

Alcazar is being offered in three broad variants - Prestige, Platimun and Signature - across petrol and diesel engine. (Check out full details here)

*How to book an Alcazar?

Hyundai opened bookings for Alcazar last week for a token amount of ₹25,000. Customers can choose to log online to Hyundai's digital sales platform or visit authorized dealers anywhere in the country. (Check out all the details here)

*Check out this cool tablet holder inside the SUV:

Hyundai Alcazar will get retractable trays on the back of the front seats. These can be used for plonk a tablet and also get cupholders on the side.

*Seating options inside Alcazar:

Alcazar will be offered with six and seven-seat layout. In the former, the SUV will get Captain seats in the middle row, complete with dedicated storage space, cupholders and even charging points.

The six-seat layout inside the Hyundai Alcazar.

In the seven seat layout, the middle-row gets bench seats with a foldable armrest.

The seven-seat layout inside the Hyundai Alcazar.

* Are you the Alcazar customer that Hyundai is targeting?

Company officials say that the Alcazar is primarily meant for anyone who is looking at a premium SUV with a whole lot of space but one that also offers a plethora of features and a whole lot of comfort. Don't be too surprised to see Creta customers also wanting to upgrade.

* There has been a growing buzz surrounding three-row SUVs in recent times. While the likes of Triber and Ertiga have existed in the MPV space - and on one side of the price spectrum, the other side has seen the likes of Fortuner and Endeavour dominating. Then, quite obviously, are the luxury SUVs as well.

* Alcazar has been designed keeping the Indian market in mind. Little wonder then that the vehicle is being launched in India first and will eventually make way to select overseas markets from here.

* Alcazar is based on Creta which means that it has certain undeniable similarities with the mid-size SUV - just check out the front lights and grille. While the family link is obvious, Alcazar is also looking at creating its own identity and has a stretched out profile and its own unique design qualities.