There are no SUVs that are too many, so you can add another one.
Expanding the SUV range is a great way to increase sales, as more people abandon sedans and hatchbacks in favor of larger SUVs. Hyundai understands this well and has seen its high-riding models explode over the past few years. The Alcazar SUV is the latest addition to the South Korean brand.
What is it? It’s basically a three-row version the Creta (pictured below). The small crossover that was sold in emerging markets is now in its second generation. It will soon be followed by a larger counterpart with six to seven seats. These semi-revealing images reveal that the styling will not depart too much from the donor car’s, at least in the front half.
Hyundai has extended the rear end to accommodate the third row. You can see a generously-sized quarter glass at the quarter glass. This improves visibility and lets more light in the spacious cabin. The C-shaped taillights have been replaced by a C-shaped pattern. Additionally, the third brake light was incorporated into the spoiler on the roof rather than remaining on the tailgate like on the Creta.
A sketch of the interior shows individual seats in the second row. They are separated by an armrest at the center and what appears to be two cupholders. Although the rearmost seats appear cramped, this is to be expected given that the Creta’s wheelbase is 102.8 inches (2,610mm) and its length of 169.3 in (4,300 millimeters). Accessing the third row is possible only by folding the middle seat.
The new Hyundai Alcazar will be competing against the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and MG Hector Plus. It is expected that the oily bits of the Creta donor car will pass on to the new Hyundai Alcazar. Customers will receive a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated unit rated at 113 horsepower (85 Kilowatts) & 106 pound-feet (128 Newton-meters of torque).
The 1.4-liter turbocharged unit produces 138 horsepower (103 kW), and 179 lbft (242Nm), while the 1.5 liter diesel is capable of producing 113 HP (85 kW), 163 lbft (221Nm), or 184 Lb-ft (250Nm) depending upon the gearbox. The Creta can be purchased in India with a 6-speed manual, six-speed automatic, CVT and seven-speed dual-clutch.
The 2021 Alcazar will go on sale in India later this summer. It will be revealed on April 6. The Alcazar will be part of Hyundai’s ever-expanding SUV range, which includes the fully electric midsize Ioniq and the compact Bayon.