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The mid-size SUV segment in India is a battleground of innovation and features. While the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari have emerged as strong contenders, Hyundai is gearing up to challenge their dominance with the much-awaited Alcazar facelift. Should you pull the trigger on the XUV700 or Safari now, or wait for the Alcazar’s arrival? Let’s delve into the details of each and help you make an informed decision.
Hyundai Alcazar Facelift: A Comprehensive Look
- Exterior Refresh: Borrowing inspiration from its recently facelifted sibling, the Creta, the Alcazar facelift is expected to boast a dynamic new look. Spy shots reveal a redesigned front fascia featuring a new grille, headlamps with fresh DRL setups, and restyled bumpers.
- Evolving Silhouette: The side profile is likely to remain largely unchanged, except for the introduction of new alloy wheels that will enhance the overall aesthetics. The rear, however, is in for a significant makeover. Expect sleek taillights inspired by Hyundai’s flagship Palisade SUV, along with redesigned bumpers and a potentially tweaked tailgate. Dual exhaust pipes add a touch of sporty flair.
- Interior Transformation (Expected): While official details are scarce, the Alcazar facelift’s cabin is expected to mirror the Creta’s advancements. This translates to a potentially similar dashboard layout featuring a modern 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. A premium color theme should further elevate the cabin ambience.
- Feature Frenzy (Expected): Borrowing from the Creta’s feature list, the Alcazar facelift could boast a plethora of comfort and convenience features. This might include dual-zone climate control, a head-up display, Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) functionalities, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and more. Hyundai might retain unique features like second-row folding tables and wireless charging for the rear passengers.
- Engine Specifications (Expected to Remain Unchanged): The powertrain options are likely to carry over from the current Alcazar. This means a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine churning out 157 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque, mated to either a manual or a DCT gearbox. The 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 113 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque is also expected to continue, with both manual and automatic transmission options.
- Launch and Price: Rumors suggest that Hyundai has begun accepting bookings for the Alcazar facelift, with a potential launch in May 2024. Expect a price increase of Rs 40,000 to Rs 1 lakh across variants, compared to the current range of Rs 19.78 lakh to Rs 25.71 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).
Mahindra XUV700: A Feature-Packed Powerhouse
The XUV700 has taken the market by storm with its bold design, powerful engines, and a long list of features. Here’s a quick recap:
- Eye-catching Design: The XUV700 boasts a muscular and modern design with signature LED DRLs, a sleek grille, and stylish alloy wheels.
- Feature-Rich Cabin: The XUV700’s cabin features a premium layout with a large touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, and a plethora of other comfort and convenience features. It even offers segment-first options like personalized voice commands and ADAS functionalities.
- Engine Options: The XUV700 comes with a choice of two powerful engines: a 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine producing 200 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque, and a 2.2-liter diesel engine available in two states of tune – 185 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, or 200 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Tata Safari: Spaciousness and Comfort Redefined
The Tata Safari, a strong competitor in the segment, offers a compelling combination of space, comfort, and features:
- Imposing Presence: The Safari commands attention with its bold design, featuring a signature grille, LED projector headlamps, and stylish alloy wheels.
- Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: The Safari offers ample space for seven occupants and a comfortable ride with features like ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and automatic climate control.
Gireesh has been reporting on cars for over 10 years. He might have a keen eye for all type of fuel cars but he has a soft corner for electric cars. Gireesh also enjoys a good drive or ride after a hectic day at work and like to watch movies.
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