Hyundai Alcazar Post First Service: Owning the Hyundai Alcazar has been an engaging experience, especially after completing the first service and covering over 1,000 kilometers. As a proud owner, I’ve clocked a total of 1776 kilometers with multiple long highway drives and city commutes. The standout experience was three round trips of 360 kilometers each to my hometown, contributing a total of 1080 kilometers. These drives helped me understand the vehicle’s true nature, from mileage efficiency to ride comfort and performance dynamics. The Alcazar has proven itself to be a versatile and comfortable SUV, but it does have a few quirks that every new owner should be aware of.
During my solo drives, I achieved an impressive fuel efficiency of 18.3 to 18.6 kmpl at cruising speeds between 85-95 kmph. This was possible with the AC consistently running at 22 degrees and a light luggage load. However, on return trips with my father and a fully packed rear section, the mileage dipped slightly to around 16-17 kmpl. For city usage, where I do short 10 km grocery runs weekly, the fuel efficiency stands at about 10 kmpl. The overall average mileage since purchase is around 12.7 kmpl, and despite numerous attempts to push it higher, it barely touched 12.9 kmpl. It seems Hyundai’s software tuning maintains a conservative average figure.
Driving in city traffic, particularly with the Alcazar’s turbo engine, presents its own challenges. The 2nd gear pickup still puzzles me at times. The car crawls decently in 2nd without clutch input when downshifting from 3rd gear, but if speed drops below 10 kmph and RPM hits around 900, it begins to jerk unless I shift down to 1st or rev the engine. This contrasts with my previous Renault Duster, which handled low-speed driving with more ease in 2nd gear. Additionally, the Alcazar’s gear ratios and aggressive upshift indicators prompt early gear changes, which can feel a bit forced in city conditions. Hyundai could improve this experience by refining the gear shift indicators and low-speed drivability.
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Specifications of the Hyundai Alcazar (Petrol Manual Variant)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Maximum Power | 160 PS @ 5,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 253 Nm @ 1,500-3,500 rpm |
| Mileage (Highway) | 18.6 kmpl (solo drive) |
| Mileage (City) | 10 kmpl |
| Overall Average Mileage | 12.7 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 Liters |
| Seating Capacity | 6/7 Seater Configuration |
| Boot Space | 180L (with 3rd row up) |
| Suspension Front | McPherson Strut |
| Suspension Rear | Coupled Torsion Beam |
| Brakes | Disc (Front & Rear) |
| Wheel Size | 17/18 inches |
| Infotainment | 10.25″ Touchscreen with Navigation |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ESC, Hill Assist, TPMS |
Features of Hyundai Alcazar Post First Service
- Smart Cruise Control: Maintains steady highway speed and enhances fuel efficiency.
- Dual-zone Climate Control: Keeps cabin comfort high with independently controlled temperature zones.
- Panoramic Sunroof: Great for long highway drives and adds a touch of luxury.
- Wireless Charging Pad: Handy for long trips when device usage is frequent.
- Rear AC with Controls: Useful especially when carrying passengers or luggage in rear rows.
- Voice Commands: Facilitates hands-free operations for phone, navigation, and climate.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Despite its bulk, the Alcazar offers stable and responsive performance. The turbocharged engine is eager, but gear ratios demand careful handling in urban traffic. On highways, the ride is confident with minimal body roll, and cruise control is extremely helpful for maintaining efficiency. However, aggressive upshift alerts and less prominent downshift notifications can be confusing for new drivers. Torque availability in lower gears could be better tuned for urban comfort. On hilly terrain and overtakes, it demands more accelerator input.
Exterior and Design
The Alcazar carries forward Hyundai’s bold design language, with a large front grille, LED headlamps, and muscular stance. The extended wheelbase gives it a substantial road presence, while premium touches like chrome accents and roof rails enhance its SUV appeal. Alloy wheel designs vary across trims but look elegant nonetheless. The panoramic sunroof and shark-fin antenna add a sporty edge.
Interior and Cabin Comfort
The cabin feels plush and feature-loaded. The dual-tone interiors, soft-touch dashboard, and ventilated seats make long journeys more comfortable. The 2nd-row captain seats (in 6-seater variant) enhance passenger comfort, and the foldable 3rd-row creates ample luggage space. However, the low-end gear performance in traffic does slightly impact the smoothness of city drives.
Pricing and Variants (As of April 2025)
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Prestige 7S Petrol MT | ₹16.77 Lakh |
| Prestige (O) 6S Petrol MT | ₹17.53 Lakh |
| Platinum 7S Petrol MT | ₹18.86 Lakh |
| Signature (O) 6S Turbo MT | ₹20.25 Lakh |
Recent Incident – Windshield Crack Experience
During a recent trip near Pilakhuwa, I encountered a sudden loud bang while cruising at 90 kmph. I feared it was the sunroof, but after continuing for another 30 minutes, I noticed a windshield crack originating from the right-hand side. Initially, it wasn’t obstructing the view, but within two days, under direct sunlight, the crack expanded right in my line of vision. Despite precautions like keeping windows slightly open to reduce cabin heat, the damage worsened. Once I returned to Indirapuram, I began searching for reliable windshield replacement services.
Launch Date and Market Position
The Hyundai Alcazar was launched in India in mid-2021 and received a major update in 2023 with a new turbo petrol engine. It competes with other 6/7-seater SUVs like Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Mahindra XUV700. The manual turbo variant fills the gap for those looking for a powerful yet manual transmission family SUV.
Hyundai Alcazar Post First Service Conclusion
The Hyundai Alcazar has undoubtedly proven itself as a competent highway cruiser, offering great mileage and premium comfort features. The vehicle is best suited for families that frequently go on long trips and need a comfortable, feature-packed SUV with ample luggage space and flexible seating options. Its high-speed stability and ride quality are commendable.
However, city driving requires a bit of adaptation due to the turbo engine’s tuning and short gear ratios. Second-gear drivability at low speeds can be troublesome, and aggressive gear shift alerts may confuse novice drivers. With time, one can adapt to these dynamics, but Hyundai can further refine the software for better urban comfort.
The minor flaws aside, the Alcazar stands out with its design, premium interiors, infotainment features, and robust build quality. Hyundai’s service network and reliability also add to the overall ownership experience. My journey of 1776 km was mostly smooth, and I look forward to more long drives ahead.
The recent windshield crack was an unexpected issue, but such incidents can happen on highways. The proactive approach to search for replacement and Hyundai’s support will be crucial moving forward. Overall, it’s been a rewarding experience post the first service, and the car is growing on me with every kilometer.
Hyundai Alcazar Post First Service FAQs
1. What is the real-world mileage of the Hyundai Alcazar manual petrol variant?
In real-world driving, the Hyundai Alcazar manual petrol variant delivers 18.3-18.6 kmpl on highways and about 10 kmpl in city traffic. The overall average stays around 12.7 kmpl despite frequent long drives.
2. Is the Hyundai Alcazar good for city driving?
The Alcazar performs well in cities but requires some adaptation due to its turbocharged engine and tight gear ratios. Second gear may not be sufficient at low speeds, often requiring downshifts to first gear. However, once you get used to it, city driving becomes manageable.
3. Does the Hyundai Alcazar have a downshift indicator?
Yes, but it appears to be limited. The car shows a downshift prompt (e.g., from 5th to 4th gear) in certain scenarios but doesn’t consistently display it for all gear ranges. It’s less aggressive compared to the upshift indicator.
4. What caused the windshield crack during the highway trip?
A sudden impact while cruising at 90 kmph likely caused the chip on the windshield, which expanded over time due to heat exposure. While it was initially minor, direct sunlight and cabin pressure caused it to worsen quickly.
5. Is the Alcazar a value-for-money SUV in 2025?
Absolutely. With its features, comfort, space, and highway performance, the Alcazar stands as a strong contender in the 6/7-seater SUV category. It offers a premium feel at a competitive price, making it a good value proposition for families and long-distance travelers alike.
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