2023 Hyundai Alcazar 1.5 Turbo DCT Review: Smaller But Stronger

We’re all aware of the age-old adage about there being no replacement for displacement. However, the advent of turbocharged engines has certainly changed that as more and more carmakers are downsizing and putting a turbocharger on a smaller engine block. And the latest car to go that way is the Hyundai Alcazar, which is now powered by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol that replaces the older 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. How different is it? I'll take you for a drive!

Alcazar looks like a Creta from the front
 

2023 Hyundai Alcazar: Design

Before moving on to the heart of the matter, let’s just get the slightly updated looks out of the way. It gets a revised grille that now features a chrome strip at the bottom, along with a new puddle lamp that projects Alcazar. There’s the turbo badging at the back and a DCT badging on the fender as well. 

This engine also powers the Hyundai Verna

2023 Hyundai Alcazar: Engine And Performance

The Alcazar 1.5-litre turbo delivers 158 bhp and 253 Nm of peak torque. This is 1 bhp and 61Nm more than the previous naturally aspirated unit. It is now RDE- and e20-compliant making it capable of running petrol with a 20 percent ethanol blend. This engine is lighter too, helping you feel that extra performance. 

This motor feels quite refined just like you’d expect from any Hyundai power plant. When you push the pedal hard, power delivery is linear and the engine doesn’t feel harsh at any point in the rev range.

However, there is a hint of turbo lag below 2,000rpm which wasn't there in the outgoing naturally aspirated engine. But once you’re past that you’ll be fine. The Alcazar feels relaxed at cruising speeds with the tachometer hovering around 2,000rpm. Our test car was fitted with the 7-speed DCT, which is quite smooth and quick. But if you want to up the driver engagement then there are paddle shifters and Tiptronic function too. 

Fully digital instrument cluster

The gearbox might be smooth but there’s a catch-22 situation. In stop/go traffic, getting on and off the throttle, the Alcazar DCT feels jerky even if you stay gentle with the input. But that’s something you can live with and get used to. 

Aircraft-style gear lever

Fuel economy is a healthy 18 kmpl but I didn’t see the number go above 10kmpl with my drive being majorly within the city. However, highway driving will surely shoot up the number to around 14-15 kmpl. 

2023 Hyundai Alcazar: Ride And Handling

The Alcazar is softly sprung so it handles bad roads well. However, show it a bigger pothole and the thuds are quite evident but it doesn’t get uncomfortable. It's advisable to slow down to clear them unlike how you’d clear them in some of the Alcazar's rivals. Whether it's the highways or the hills, the car feels stable in a straight line at legal speeds and confident in corners. Just keep its size in consideration and you’ll be quite happy with it. 

2023 model should've received wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

2023 Hyundai Alcazar: Features And Safety Equipment

The features list also gets a slight update. Idle engine start/stop function is now standard. However, its execution could’ve been better. Once the ignition shuts down when you come to a standstill, the car starts on its own even without any steering or throttle input.

It gets a well-appointed cabin

Apart from that, features such as LED headlights with LED DRLs, panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, air purifier, ventilated seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment. However, we wished it had wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with this update. 

The ventilated seats are a boon in summers

For safety, it gets 360-degree cameras that are brilliant in terms of quality. You also have the net of six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, blind spot monitor, hill start assist and ESC. 

It gets new turbo badging at the back

2023 Hyundai Alcazar: Price and Variants

If you are keen on buying a city friendly three-row family SUV but with occasional last row use then the Alcazar should sit high up on your priority list. It's easy to live with compared to rival three-row SUVs. Its feature-loaded, comfortable and the pricing is quite competitive in higher variants against the competition. While there is a diesel option that will be more frugal than this, the turbo-petrol offers engaging performance to keep you interested every time you put your foot down.

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