Hyundai has officially lifted the wraps off the facelifted Grand Creta in South Africa, now reborn as the Hyundai Alcazar — a name it has worn in India since its launch in 2021. This strategic name change signals more than just a rebranding; it marks the Alcazar’s emergence as a more sophisticated and upmarket offering within Hyundai’s SUV portfolio.
A Fresh Identity for a Premium Experience
First teased in April, the Alcazar arrives as a more refined successor to the Grand Creta, a model that had already enjoyed notable success in the South African market. Hyundai confirms the new badge reflects a step above the standard Creta, aligning the model with its Indian counterpart and distancing it from the Creta sourced from Indonesia since 2022.
Updated Design and Bold Styling
The Alcazar receives a striking exterior makeover, drawing design inspiration from Hyundai’s smaller SUV, the Exter. At the front, it sports H-shaped LED headlamps, a redesigned lower grille, a connecting light bar between the headlights, and a refreshed bumper and skidplate. Wider arches, a new bonnet, and silver roof rails add to its robust and modern stance.
The rear transformation is even more dramatic, with new H-shaped tail lamps linked by an LED light bar, a new bumper with vertical reflectors, a redesigned tailgate, and an updated skidplate. Hyundai has also expanded the colour range, now offering six finishes: Atlas White, Abyss Black, Starry Night, Titan Grey, Fiery Red, and Titan Grey Matte.
Premium Cabin with Subtle Trade-Offs
Inside, the Alcazar retains its seven-seat configuration as standard, unlike the Indian variant, which offers a six-seater option. The South African version features upgraded interior materials and a revamped dashboard, though it misses out on the dual 10.25-inch screens found in India. Instead, it includes a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system — now with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Additional enhancements include new air vents, an updated climate control panel with an LCD screen, and USB charging ports for all three seating rows.
Key Features by Variant
| Feature | Executive 2.0 AT | Executive 1.5 CRDI AT | Elite 1.5 CRDI AT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Petrol (117 kW) | 1.5L Diesel (84 kW) | 1.5L Diesel (84 kW) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Automatic | 6-speed Automatic | 6-speed Automatic |
| Alloy Wheels | 17-inch | 17-inch | 18-inch Diamond Cut |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED Headlights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Faux Leather Seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless Phone Charging | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (Wireless) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cruise Control | ✔ | ✔ | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Climate Control | Manual A/C | Manual A/C | Auto Dual-Zone Climate |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-inch | 8-inch | 8-inch |
| Rear Parking Sensors & Reverse Camera | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Panoramic Sunroof | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Electric Driver Seat | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Ventilated Front Seats | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Push-Button Start | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Lane Keep Assist | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Assist | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Drive Modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, etc.) | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
Simplified Model Line-Up & Pricing
| Variant | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Alcazar 2.0 Executive AT | R499,000 |
| Alcazar 1.5 CRDI Executive AT | R599,900 |
| Alcazar 1.5 CRDI Elite AT | R669,900 |
All prices include:
- 7-year / 200,000 km warranty
- 3-year / 45,000 km service plan
The Alcazar introduces a refreshed identity, elevated styling, and a more premium interior while maintaining competitive pricing. For families or buyers seeking a refined, feature-rich SUV, the Alcazar stands out as a strong contender in the segment.
Related article: Salary Needed to Afford Hyundai’s Newest SUV in South Africa
