New Hyundai Alcazar Prestige Executive base trim priced from Rs 15.89 lakh

Hyundai has introduced a new base trim to the Alcazar line-up and called it the Prestige Executive. This new trim replaces the previous base Prestige trim and is priced from Rs 15.89 lakh-17.77 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Costing Rs 55,000 less for each equivalent variant, the new Prestige Executive loses out on a few features over the now discontinued Prestige trim. 

It is available in the following configurations: 7-seater petrol-MT; 6- and 7-seater diesel-MT and 7-seater diesel-AT. Do note that the previous base Prestige petrol variant was also available with an automatic gearbox and in 6-seater configuration.  

• Prestige Executive replaces the previous base Prestige trim
• Misses out on the large 10.25-inch touchscreen, among other features
• Could be in response to ongoing semiconductor crisis

Here’s a look at the detailed price list of the Alcazar Prestige Executive, along with the rest of the line-up.

Alcazar Prestige Executive gets smaller 8-inch screen

The new Alcazar Prestige Executive loses the large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that was standard across the range until now. Instead, this new trim comes with a smaller 8.0-inch screen that’s also offered on mid-spec trims of the Hyundai Creta.

The Alcazar's new Prestige Executive trim is likely a response to the chip shortage. Larger screens with more functionality have a greater reliance on semiconductors, but, in this time of shortage, carmakers are having to react quickly and innovatively to ensure timely delivery of vehicles, even if it comes at the cost of deletion of a few features. 

The smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen loses out on the BlueLink connected car technology and the ability to receive over-the-air updates. It also comes with only one mic setup, instead of two, as was standard from the Prestige trim. Thankfully though, it’s not all that bad, as it still retains wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as voice commands. This smaller screen notably also gets physical knobs and buttons that are not available with the larger 10.25-inch screen. 

Elsewhere, Hyundai has deleted the auto-dimming inside rear view mirror with SOS button, burglar alarm and chrome-finished outside door handles, with the car instead getting a manual day/night inside rear-view mirror and body coloured door handles.

The new Prestige Executive trim is still pretty well equipped as it retains some coveted features such as LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, cruise control, wireless charging, ambient lighting and more. The Alcazar Prestige Executive will also have a lesser waiting period when compared to higher-specced trims.

Similar approach also adopted by Skoda

Hyundai is not the only carmaker who has tried to avert the chip shortage by deleting a few features on its models. Earlier, Skoda too had introduced new trims to the Kuhsaq's line-up by deleting a few tech features, thus requiring lesser chips. Later, the carmaker downsized the standard 10.0-inch touchscreen across all variants of the Slavia and Kushaq to a smaller 8.0-inch screen.

There doesn’t seem to be a respite to the chip shortage in the near future, which means more carmakers could adopt a similar approach in the future to reduce waiting periods and keep the inventory moving.

Would you buy the new Alacazar Prestige Executive with a smaller screen and more affordable price tag? Let us know in the comments below.

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