The new Hyundai Alcazar makes a compelling case for South African families seeking a spacious, stylish, and feature-packed SUV that doesn't break the bank. Having recently put the top-spec 1.5 CRDI Elite AT through its paces, it's clear this vehicle is more than just a replacement for its predecessor; it's a significant upgrade.
Related: Hyundai Alcazar (2025) First Drive Review - New Name, Better Value
Pros
- Wonderfully practical
- Efficient yet punchy diesel engine
- Aesthetics are pleasing
Cons
- Some quality control issues are apparent
- At R669 900, it's certainly not cheap
- The infotainment and sound system are inferior
Exterior
The Alcazar, particularly our Elite-spec press unit, finished in Titan grey-matt, certainly looks the part, and bucks the trend of 7-seat SUVs looking slightly ungainly. The H-pattern in the LED daytime running lights, connected by a centre light bar, distinctive grille and silver lower grille guard, make for an attractive front end. The side profile is characterised by a strong shoulder line and 18-inch diamond-cut wheels, while at the rear, there are faux bash plates, rear LED tail lamps with a light bar, and widened fenders with dark inserts that perfectly frame the wheels, adding to its robust stance. Overall, the Alcazar, to my eyes at least, is a handsome SUV considering its practical underpinnings.
Interior
Inside, the Alcazar's family-focused nature becomes immediately apparent. The spacious three-row, seven-seat configuration ensures comfort for all occupants. The slightly elevated third row is thoughtful, providing charging points and air vents for passenger convenience. There's a colour touch screen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital instrument cluster. The seating in the Alacazar is very clever, allowing easy access to the third row of seats, which are best described as compact and designed for shorter occupants over short journeys.
Luxury features:
- Second-row fold-out tables.
- USB charging points are accessible across all three rows.
- Fold-flat rear seats in both second and third rows, transforming the SUV into a versatile cargo haulier in seconds.
- Wireless smartphone charging
- A panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, customisable LED mood lighting creates an inviting ambience for evening drives, and ventilated front seats ensure comfort during hot South African summers.
It's not all sunshine and rainbows, though. I noted some particularly nasty plastics inside the Alacazar, along with a series of white marks that look like they were made during the quality control process. Unfortunately, these were not removed before the vehicle was delivered, and they were evident on almost every panel of the interior. Then we get to the infotainment system, which, at this price, lacks the resolution, screen size, camera quality and audio quality one would expect. It's a similar case with the digital cluster, which isn't as configurable as you'd expect, but is just about acceptable.
Practicality
- Boot space: 180-579-1670
- Brake towing capacity: 900kg
Driving Impression
The Alcazar, in both Executive and Elite trim, is powered by a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine from the brand's U series of engines, with the engine code D4FA. The unit produces 85kW and 250Nm of torque, which is sent through the front wheels via a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The Drive Mode Selector allows for a personalised driving experience, with Eco mode for fuel conservation and Sport mode, which I find quite pointless in a diesel people mover. The Elite also features terrain modes (Snow, Mud, or Sand) and sports a reasonable 200mm ground clearance, making light off-roading possible. Driving the Alcazar is a pleasant experience. It has reasonable refinement, acceptable comfort, and more than enough torque for overtaking. The diesel motor combines punchy performance with efficiency, while the gearbox calibration suits this segment.
Fuel consumption
Hyundai claim a fuel consumption figure of 5.9 L/100km, which I could achieve quite easily!
Safety
Features:
- Six airbags for all-around protection.
- ISOFIX anchors (top and bottom) for secure child seat installation.
- Electronic safety systems, such as stability control and hill assist features.
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Pricing*
The Hyundai Alcazar 1.5 CRDI Elite AT costs R669 900. Its key rivals include the Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV (R689 900) and the Ford Territory 1.8T Trend (R650 500), which lack the third row of seating, but are practical and viable alternatives to the Hyundai.
*Pricing includes a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan
Verdict
Overall, the Alcazar is a solid product that needs some added quality control and improved fit and finish. The frugal diesel powertrain, handsome looks and practical interior will be key selling points here; however, the Elite model is not what I'd recommend, but rather the Executive model, which gets the same drivetrain, slightly less spec, but is priced at a more attractive R599 900.
