2023 Hyundai Alcazar 1.5 Turbo-Petrol Review: When Less is More

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.

Hyundai Alcazar Turbo Review: 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 But now, this unit has been replaced by a 1,482cc turbocharged engine, which makes 158bhp of power at 5,500rpm and 253Nm of torque at 1,500 – 3,500rpm.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.

A look at these numbers is enough to tell you about the change in Hyundai’s approach to the Alcazar’s driving dynamics. We tested the variant with the DCT gearbox, and it became immediately apparent how different the new Alcazar is compared to its predecessor in terms of driving. The first thing you would notice while driving the updated Alcazar is the turbo lag below the 2,000rpm mark. However, once you go past that, the Alcazar reveals its new, more aggressive behaviour. With the turbo kicking in, the Alcazar offers a sense of drama that was previously absent. While it may not feel notably quicker during traffic-light sprints, it does feel more eager during quick overtakes. The difference comes from the nature of the engines – the naturally-aspirated unit had better low-end torque, whereas the new turbo engine offers its best performance once you cross the 2,000rpm mark.

Hyundai Alcazar Turbo Review: What’s Similar?

What remains unchanged, though, is that the Alcazar still comes with one of the most refined drivetrains in the segment. Also, despite the Alcazar’s newfound eagerness, it feels best when driven with a light foot. There are three drive modes on offer – Eco, Comfort and Sport – which continue to make a difference. Couple that with the paddle shifters, and the car becomes rather entertaining to drive, especially in the Sport mode, as it matches revs during downshifts. Now, while you may enjoy all this, be aware that fuel economy figures may go down to a single digit if you succumb to the temptation of spirited driving. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, the car can also feel a bit jerky at low speeds, but it’s something that you get used to over time.

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Now, once you look beyond the driving experience, you will realise that there is a lot to look at! That’s because the Alcazar is a feature-loaded car that has you covered from almost every angle. It features LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and compact dimensions, which make it a breeze to drive in traffic and park in tight spaces. Inside, you get an all-digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, ventilated seats, a great-sounding Bose audio system, an air purifier, and a panoramic sunroof. On the safety front, it comes with six airbags as standard, traction control, ESP, disc brakes on all four wheels, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start assist, and a rather high-quality 360-degree parking camera.

The car, however, is not perfect. Given its compact dimensions, the space in the last row of seats is rather limited. Also, this update could have been a good opportunity for Hyundai to add features like Wireless Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay support, an electric tailgate, a heads-up display, or even some ADAS features that are offered by its competitors such as the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, and MG Hector Plus.

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Hyundai Alcazar Turbo Review: Why Should You Buy?

The Hyundai Alcazar continues to be a great family car – one that is not only a breeze to drive in city traffic, given its compact dimensions, but also suitable for weekend getaways. Now, while the inclusion of the new turbocharged petrol engine and the DCT gearbox add some spice to the mix, the overall package remains largely unchanged.

So, is this change big enough to convince you about the Alcazar if you are not already convinced? The answer is no. However, if you have been considering the Alcazar as a potential purchase, you can now enjoy an even better driving experience than before.