Hyundai i20 is no easy task, but the
Tata Altroz did just that and it did quite well for itself. At a shade over 47,000 units last year, it sold well over half of what the i20 managed and about a third of what the Baleno did. Not a bad debut year at all. The Altroz also narrowly missed taking top spot in the
Tata stable, pipped only by the
Nexon at around 48,000 and the Tiago at around 49,000 units.
There are no visual differences between the standard Altroz and the turbo-petrol model. The Altroz’s relative success is not without reason. The car’s striking looks, ample space and excellent ride and handling left us very impressed when we tested it last year. What also worked hugely in the Altroz’s favour is that, for the better part of six months after BS6 norms kicked in it, it was the only diesel premium hatch in the market, and though the diesel pie is shrinking, it had that pie all to itself.
For customers who are picking the Altroz, it will be a tough choice between this turbo-petrol and the very impressive 1.5L turbo-diesel.
We frankly feel terrible for those who bought the Altroz n/a petrol because this turbo-petrol is vastly superior! There is simply no comparison. This is the engine that the Altroz should have been launched with in the first place. It is smooth, peppy and has good drivability. The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol produces 109 BHP and 140 Nm, which is 24 BHP and 27 Nm more than the naturally-aspirated version. It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox and gets a sport mode too. That said, in the Nexon, this same motor produces 9 BHP and 30 Nm more. We disagree with Tata giving the Altroz 1.2L turbo-petrol a lower state of tune than the Nexon. The Altroz is a premium “gold standard” hatchback and should’ve gotten the same engine tune + 6-speed gearbox as the Nexon.
The
Tata Altroz iTurbo has just been revealed in India as the latest addition to the premium hatchback’s range. Bookings for the Altroz iTurbo open tomorrow for an amount of Rs 11,000, while prices will be announced on January 22, with deliveries to follow soon after. The much-anticipated model brings with it a new engine and Tata has also added a new variant to the line-up.
It is powered by a 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Currently only comes with a manual gearbox; DCT auto option to launch later.
New top-spec XZ+ trim adds a number of new features.
Tata Altroz iTurbo engine and gearbox
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