If you’re concerned that modern vehicles are getting too complicated, with meddling driver aids and infuriating touch-screens, I’d like you to meet the new Hyundai Alcazar…
You should know: Besides its bizarre name, we can quickly tell you that this is a medium-sized 7-seater crossover / MPV type of car which, in our southern African market, is available as a base 2L petrol or two higher-spec 1.5 turbo-diesel derivates. All Alcazars are front-wheel drive and automatic only, in southern Africa.
Why you should: Our Elite model spoils you with the usual safety and comfort features, a decent touchy-feely screen but a few items which delighted all of our drivers. Chief among these are the physical old-school volume knob, ventilation controls and gear lever. Halleluja, because they make this car so… umm, easy to drive.
More info: Although it looks properly modern and has a fairly stylish all-black cabin, there’s a sensible three-row commuter car hiding in plain sight. Maximum power is only 85kW but torque of 250Nm gives the Alcazar a highly acceptable turn of speed, especially in stop-start village traffic. Our best 0-100 time was 11.74, Hyundai claims 12.9.
They also claim 5.9L/100km from the 50L tank which, given a careful right foot, seems utterly plausible. Our average was mid sevens, which is still mighty impressive for a 1,445kg people carrier. Another gold star goes to the brakes, which performed a full bore stop from 100km/h in just 2.75 seconds and 39 metres.
For the record, our test car was shod with Indian “Apollo” tyres of the dimension 215/60R17.
Why you shouldn’t: Its ride and handling are on par with today’s SUV/MPV crowd, with overly light steering feedback, plus a choppy slow-speed ride for rear and far rear passengers. While we’re back here, these dicky seats are only suitable for tiny humans, but they do offer vents, fan controls, cup holders and USB-C sockets.
What else: Depending on seat configuration, boot space goes from 180 over 580 to 1,670L, towing capacity is 750 to 900kg, the turning radius is just over 11m and ground clearance is a welcome 200mm. Some gadgets include keyless access and start, smart cruise control, smartphone integration and a wireless phone charger.
Conclusion: All this currently retails for about 670k (although the range starts at 500,000) and comes with Hyundai’s big warranties and a tiny service plan. Paired with the car’s sensible cabin, good standard specifications and highly efficient drive train, this was a wonderfully refreshing vehicle to pilot.
In fact, I would nudge it forward as a car of the year 2025 contender.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,493cc in-line 4-cylinder turbo-diesel |
| Transmission: | 6-speed Auto, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 85kW @ 4,000rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 250Nm @ 1,500rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | 7.7L/100km (claimed 5.9) |
| 0-100km/h: | 11.74 seconds (claimed 12.9) |
| Top Speed: | 171km/h |
| List Price: | R669,900 |
