Hyundai already has most corners of the SUV market covered in South Africa, but 2025 and 2026 will see at least two of these models being revamped.

Speaking at the launch of the updated Creta compact SUV in Johannesburg on Friday, Hyundai SA’s sales director Stanley Anderson told local media that the Alcazar would replace the Grand Creta locally in 2025.

He also revealed that 2025 would be the final model year for the current Venue compact SUV, with an all-new version set to be released during 2026.

The Venue, currently priced from R309,900, is facing stiff competition from similarly sized offerings that fall below the R300,000 mark, such as the new Mahindra 3X0, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Kia Sonet. The next-generation version has yet to be revealed abroad.

The new Hyundai Alcazar is already on sale in its home market of India. It’s an extensively updated version of the vehicle that we know as the Grand Creta, but which has always used the Alcazar name abroad.

While the 4,560mm-long SUV retains its predecessor’s basic shape and dimensions, it has been completely redesigned at the front and back, with the odd but curvy styling cues making way for a squared off look.

The Hyundai Alcazar will arrive in 2025. Picture: Supplied

The interior has been reimagined too, with a dual 10.25 inch screen towing above the dashboard. Higher end versions also receive an eight-speaker Bose sound system and voice-activated panoramic sunroof.

In India the Alcazar is available in both six-speed and seven-seat configurations.

On the engine front the previous normally aspirated 2.0-litre unit makes way for a 1.5-litre turbopetrol motor, which produces 117kW and 253Nm. It can be paired with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

While many rivals are moving away from diesel, the Alcazaar continues to offer the trusty 1.5-litre CRDi turbodiesel option, which is good for 85kW and 250Nm.

South African specifications and pricing have yet to be finalised of course. But given that Hyundai SA has reduced prices on its Venue and Creta SUVs, it’s certainly possible that the Alcazar might come in at a more competitive level. The current Grand Creta, for the record, is priced between R520,500 and R644,500.

IOL