It was back in April this year when Hyundai partially unveiled the Alcazar. Then, as we all know, India was struck by a devastating second wave of the pandemic. Because of that, the country had to lock itself down again. Now, with the caseload subsiding, businesses are coming back into action. Joining the list is Hyundai, which has today opened bookings for the Alcazar. Those who want to book one can visit Hyundai official website and pay the minimum token amount of Rs 25,000.

Hyundai has devised a total of 18 derivatives of the Alcazar. They cover two engine and transmission choices each and the option for six- or seven-seat layouts. The SUV is also available with a dual-tone paint job in specific variants. Here’s the list:

As for the colour options, there are six monotone shades – Phantom Black, Polar White, Starry Night, Taiga Brown, Titan Grey and Typhoon Silver – and two dual-tone – Phantom Black roof with Polar White or Titan Grey.

Those settling for a diesel-fed Alcazar will get a 1.5-litre engine with 113bhp/250Nm on tap. That’s the same unit that also powers the Creta and the Elantra. Petrol fans will get the SUV with a 2.0-litre mill that also does duty in the Elantra and the Tucson. In the Alcazar, however, it is tuned to produce 157bhp/191Nm. That’s 7bhp more but 1Nm less than the others. Both engines are available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options. Hyundai says that with the petrol-MT combination, the Alcazar can hit 100kmph from nothing in 9.5 seconds.

As per Hyundai, the Alcazar packs several first-in-segment features. The list includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, air purifier with AQI display, rear window sunshade and a sliding sun visor in the front row. The SUV will also offer stuff like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Blue Link connected-car tech, voice-enabled panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, drive mode select (Comfort, Eco, Sport) and traction control modes (Snow, Mud, Sand).

Hyundai will launch the Alcazar later this month. It will land in the same bracket as the Mahindra XUV500, Tata Safari and the MG Hector Plus. Out of the lot, which one would be your pick?