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•2d

With the third-gen Creta already under testing, what is Hyundai’s long-term plan for a 7-seater SUV positioned above it? Could the upcoming Ni1i hybrid SUV simply be launched as the second-gen Alcazar, or will the Alcazar be discontinued? There has been news about Ni1i for a long time. Will the Alcazar get a new generation, move upmarket to rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO, or make way for an entirely new model as it approaches the end of its lifecycle?

Verified
•1d

Hyundai is unlikely to simply replace the Alcazar with the upcoming hybrid SUV (Ni1i), as the two are expected to occupy different positions in its line-up. We had previously reported that Ni1i is planned as a larger, three-row hybrid SUV positioned above the Alcazar and below the Tucson, targeting rivals such as the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari. If that positioning holds, the Alcazar would continue to fill the gap between the Creta and the larger hybrid SUV.The Alcazar is also expected to receive a new generation around 2027–28, while Ni1i has gone quiet and is unlikely to arrive before late 2027. Hyundai has not confirmed the final positioning or launch timeline for either model, so it is too early to say whether the Alcazar will move upmarket or be discontinued.For now, the most plausible plan is for Hyundai to retain the Alcazar as its more accessible three-row SUV and position Ni1i as a larger, more premium hybrid offering. The arrival of the third-generation Creta could influence that strategy, but there is no confirmed indication that Ni1i will simply become the next Alcazar.

VehicleHyundai Alcazar
VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleTata Safari
•13h

Hi Autocar, I’m unable to decide between the Renault Duster 1.3 petrol DCT Iconic and the Duster Hybrid Emotion. While I like what the hybrid has to offer, the current discounts on the petrol variant put the on-road price difference at close to Rs 3 lakh, which makes me question whether the hybrid’s additional upfront cost will ever pay off. My usage would be around 60 percent highway and 40 percent city, and I expect to drive about 7,000 km a year. Beyond the pure price equation, is there anything about the hybrid that should make me consider it?

Verified
•3m

With your annual running of just 7,000km, the Duster Hybrid's extra Rs 3 lakh is unlikely to be recovered through fuel savings alone. However, the hybrid does have a significant advantage in city driving: based on our tests, the real-world fuel efficiency difference between the 1.3 turbo petrol DCT and the hybrid can be around 10kpl in the city. That is a substantial gap, especially if a third to two-fifths of your driving is in town.The hybrid also has advantages beyond economy. Its 160hp powertrain is more powerful and refined, delivering strong acceleration while keeping the ride and handling excellent. It's also a good highway cruiser, so you're not sacrificing performance for better mileage.However, because you cover 60 per cent of your distance on highways, the fuel saving will be smaller than it would be for someone who drives mainly in the city. The petrol DCT is also significantly more efficient on the highway than in town, returning 13.47kpl in our test, but its overall tested average was 10.47kpl.If you value the hybrid's refinement, performance and city efficiency, it is worth considering. But at just 7,000km a year, the Rs 3 lakh premium is difficult to justify on fuel savings alone.

VehicleRenault Duster

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Posted on: 29 Oct 2026