There are few brands that cover the SUV/crossover space the way that Hyundai does. The current portfolio includes: the Exter, Venue, Creta, Kona, Tucson, Sante Fe and Palisade. The local arm of the Korean subsidiary has added the Alcazar, a new badge to SA, to the line-up. This model slots in between the Creta and Tucson in terms of size. Keen observers of the brand may have noticed that we didn’t mention the Grand Creta. The Alcazar is a replacement for the Grand Creta, and was sold with the Alcazar name in most markets.

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New Look Outside…

The Alcazar is, in essence, a vastly revised Grand Creta, It rides on the latter’s similar platform and, mostly shares its body work as well. However, there have been major changes, particularly to the appearance. The Alcazar has a much bolder appearance. It’s frontal aspect has undergone the knife and now features a more familiar Hyundai face. Key among the changes is the adoption of slim headlamps, with a signature ‘H’ motif. Additionally, there are low-slung driving laps and a large, darkened central intake. The restyled front is a far cry from the Creta.

The flanks remain pretty unchanged, although Hyundai has fitted some snazzy new alloys to the mixed. Lower-spec versions ride on 17-inch items while the top-spec derivatives (as pictured) add an inch to the rim diameter. The rear end has also undergone a complete stylistic change. This includes a new rear bumper as well as more upright taillamps and a body-wide red strip linking the two clusters.

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…And Inside

Hyundai’s interior design team was also hard at work. The Alcazar has a completely refreshed facia. A more horizontal theme has been adopted, ostensibly creating a sense of more space. This includes linking the digital instrument cluster to the infotainment screen in the centre of the dashboard with a single panel. Hyundai continues to buck the trend by offered physical controls for the HVAC system.

There is space aplenty in the cabin, with an airy feel. Occupants can plonk themselves on faux-leather-covered seats of a new design. There is seating for seven in the cabin, which makes the Alcazar an interesting alternative to the likes of a Toyota Fortuner or even more expensive Mercedes-Benz GLB, provided you have that many people to frequently move around.

Slimmed Down Range

Hyundai SA has taken the opportunity of the Alcazar’s introduction to slim down the range a little. The five-derivative Grand Creta line-up has been trimmed to a three-option range. See bottom of post for the range breakdown and pricing. Hyundai is offering the buyers the option of two engines to choose from. The petrol option is a 2,0-litre naturally aspirated unit with 117 kW/191 N.m on offer. The slightly smaller turbodiesel dishes up 85 kW and a healthier 250 N.m of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only option on offer.

On the Road

We had a brief spell behind the wheel of the Hyundai Alcazar at the national media ride-and-drive event hosted in the Western Cape Winelands earlier this week. The new appearance really does make a splash as the Alcazar swiveled a few heads in the university town of Stellenbosch. The new interior treatment is also pretty evident from the moment you slide into the cabin.

Hyundai SA had a fleet of Executive versions at our disposal, all fitted with the 1,5-litre turbodiesel powerplant. The Exec version rides on slightly smaller alloys, which is preferred from a comfort point of view. The engine must get special mention here as it is a refined unit that is barely audible and returns fuel consumption figures near Hyundai’s claim. For a long stretch of motorway driving we even dipped below the company’s 5,9 figure by getting the consumption down to 5,7 L/100 km – impressive stuff.

Summary

Hyundai has built a pretty successful business locally by offering products the public wants at fairly competitive prices. However, the company is well aware of the threat that Chinese automakers present to its market share by doing exactly what Hyundai did to the established players here, about twenty years ago. To counter that. Hyundai SA has readjusted some of its pricing as the mothership in Korea realises that, to stay competitive, it will have to fight fire with fire.

From a buyer’s perspective the five to seven-hundred thousand rand SUV segment offers a whole lotta choice. The Grand Cr… sorry, Alcazar is a pretty interesting prospect as it offers a pretty decent level of spec, although no as comprehensive as some of the Chinese newcomers, and seven seats from an established brand at a competitive price.

Hyundai Alcazar Pricing

2,0 Executive: R499 900
1,5 Executive: R599 900
1,5 Elite AT: R669 900

All prices include a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.