Hyundai entered the 3-row seating segment with the all-new Alcazar in the Indian market. The all-new model competes with the likes of MG Hector Plus and recently launched Tata Safari in the market. But if you’re out in the market and looking to choose between these three models, this might be helpful to you. Which car should you buy between the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari and the MG Hector Plus?
Want a budget 7-seater
MG Hector Plus
With a starting price of Rs 13.63 lakh, ex-showroom, the Hector Plus is the most affordable choice between the three. The Safari is not available with a petrol engine and the price starts at Rs 14.99 lakh. While the all-new Alcazar starts at Rs 16.3 lakh. Hyundai does not offer a naked version of the Alcazar, which is why it gets a premium price tag. The Hector Plus will fit the profile of many who are on a tight spending budget.
A petrol SUV
Hyundai Alcazar
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Since the Tata Safari does not offer a petrol engine, it is out of this buyer’s choice anyway. Between the Alcazar and the Hector Plus, the Hyundai model gets a better petrol engine. Hyundai powers the petrol Alcazar with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine and it generates a maximum power of 159 PS and peak torque of 191 Nm. Hyundai offers a manual as well as an automatic transmission option. The engine is very smooth and more driveable compared to the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine of the Hector Plus.
Looking for a diesel?
Tata Safari
Tata and MG use the same 2.0-litre diesel engine in their vehicles. It is sourced from Fiat and also powers the Compass. The 2.0-litre diesel engine produces a maximum power of 170 PS and peak torque of 350 Nm with both Safari and the Hector Plus. However, with the multiple driving modes, Tata has simply tuned the engine in a better way. Even the automatic version of the Tata Safari is extremely smooth and is fun to drive.
Want space?
Hyundai Alcazar
Even though all three SUVs offer a similar kind of space on the third row, which is not good enough for adults to travel long distances, Alcazar’s reclinable third-row seats get the winning points here. Hyundai offers the longest wheelbase in the segment even though it is not the longest car out of the three. Also, Hyundai offers two USB chargers, cup holders and space to keep things in the rear row, which makes it even a better choice. There is also a knob to control the fan speed of the climate control system in the third row.
Want outright performance?
Hyundai Alcazar
The Hyundai Alcazar’s 2.0-litre Nu petrol engine is simply outstanding. It is very smooth and very quick too. Out of the three SUVs, the Alcazar petrol can do 0-100 km/h below the 10 seconds mark, which makes it very quick. With the increase of the wheelbase, the Alcazar also feels much more stable on the road compared to the Creta.
Driving dynamics
Tata Safari/MG Hector Plus
The Tata Safari wins when it comes to driving dynamics. The Safari feels extremely stable on the straights and even while changing the lanes at high speed, it does not lose its composure. The Hector Plus is also similar but since it is narrower than the Safari, you may feel that the centre of gravity is higher. You have to slow down in the Hector Plus while taking the corners.
Comfort
Hyundai Alcazar
Hyundai offers the Alcazar with both six and seven seats. The ambience of the Alcazar is purely plush and luxurious, thanks to its cabin theme. The seats are made to offer extreme comfort and even the middle row seats are made with strong side bolsters to hold your body in place while driving around. Also, the suspension set-up is sublime and with the addition of HRS to the suspension, the Alcazar feels quite comfortable. Hyundai also claims to offer the best NVH in the segment. While we could not test it side by side with the other cars, the Alcazar does feel very quiet.
Features galore
Hyundai Alcazar
If you’re someone who loves features then look no further than the Alcazar. Since there is no base version of the Alcazar in the market, all the variants get the panoramic sunroof as standard. Even the features like alloy wheels, infotainment system and many other features are standard with the Alcazar. Hyundai claims that the Alcazar offers 24 all-new features that are not available with any other car in the segment. Compared to the Safari, it offers 37 more features and compared to the Hector Plus, it offers about 30 new features.
Fuel efficient
Hyundai Alcazar
Since Hyundai has used the same 1.5-litre diesel engine that also powers the Creta and a few other cars in the Indian market, it offers more fuel efficiency. According to the official figures, the Alcazar diesel returns a maximum of 18.1 km/l. On the other hand, both Safari and Hector Plus get the 2.0-litre diesel. The Hector Plus returns around 16.65 km/l and the Safari returns a maximum of 15.1 km/l. Even the petrol fuel efficiency of the Alcazar is better.
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The post Hyundai Alcazar or Tata Safari or MG Hector: Which SUV will suit whom? first appeared on Cartoq.