Hyundai Alcazar 1.5 Executive diesel AT

Hyundai's popular seven-seat Grand Creta has gained fresh styling, a consolidated local model line-up and, indeed, a new name

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Price: R599 900 0–100 km/h: 12.54 seconds Top speed: 190 km/h Power: 85 kW Torque: 250 N.m CAR Fuel index: 7.80 L/100km CO2: 148 g/km

Sharing underpinnings, design language and a broad specification sheet with its smaller Creta sibling, it seemed obvious at the time for an extended, seven-seater version of Hyundai's popular compact SUV to adopt the Grand Creta name in our market. Tested in our August 2022 issue, the then-new entry impressed with its build quality, well-considered interior packaging and the relatively niche ability in this segment to accommodate six passengers.

With the groundwork laid, an update to this package has introduced fresh exterior styling that aligns it closer with its forthcoming new Santa Fe sibling, a consolidated local model line-up and the Alcazar nameplate used from the outset in the Indian market where it is produced.

Slightly longer and wider than the outgoing Grand Creta, the Alcazar's arguably more European styling compared to its modern Creta relation lends Hyundai's compact people-mover a new-found sense of presence. Available in two generously equipped specification grades, Executive and Elite, the entry point into the range gains 17-inch alloy wheels, full colour-coding, distinct chrome-look cladding on the lower grille, side sills and rear bumper, roof rails and LED lighting, including the brand's signature H-pattern DRLs and fashionable light bars, front and rear. A flagship Elite derivative ships with 18-inch alloys and a panoramic sunroof.