Tata Altroz

Exterior

The Tata Altroz exteriors gets all-new headlights with LED daytime running lights placed below the fog lamps, radiator grille with chrome surrounds that stretch till the end of the sharp headlamps, bonnet and fenders are designed with creases to enhance the look. The side profile has the electrically adjustable/foldable ORVMs with turn indicators placed on the fender. The stylish body contours of the door panel and new set of 16-inch alloy wheels are offered in the top variants. Interestingly, the rear door handles are cleverly placed in the C-pillar which enhances the side profile of the premium hatch as it looks like a 2-door. At the rear, the Altroz looks nothing like any other hatchback in the country. It comes with gloss black finish that extents to the sleek tail lamps.

Interior

The Tata Altroz interiors has a new instrument cluster with a multi-information display, including average fuel consumption, distance to empty, and voice alerts for the easy attention of the users. The driver seat with height adjust feature, rear seats with ample leg space and headroom with foldable backrest for extending the luggage space can be expected. The utility and convenience features include a large cooled glove box with a retractable tray, fully automatic climate control with rear air vents, power windows and smart key push button start. The dashboard consists of 17.78cm touchscreen infotainment system by Harman which comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Tata is also offering premium features like mood lighting, flat bottom leather wrapped steering wheel, leather gear knob and a  front sliding armrest with storage. The rear occupants get AC vents, armrest and a flat rear floor which opens up space for the passengers sitting in the rear seat. Unique features include a wearable key, voice commands, notification read outs and Smartphone Integration through Connectnext application.

Engine & Transmission

The Tata Altroz specifications are available with a petrol and a diesel option. The 1.2-litre petrol engine produces a max power output of 86PS and a peak torque output of 113Nm. The  1.5-litre diesel engine has been derived from the Nexon but is de-tuned. It produces a max power output of 90PS and a peak torque output of 200Nm. Both of the engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and only the front wheels are driven through this transmission. We expect that Tata will also introduce an AMT variant soon and the engines are BS6 compliant.

Braking and Safety

The Tata Altroz braking system has disc brakes in the front and drum brakes at the rear with anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution for enhanced stopping power. The strong build quality of the body shell and panels, the dual front airbags, seat belt reminders will be featured for complete protection of the occupants. The additional safety features of rear defogger, rear fog lamp, and park assist sensors with the audio and visual display would be featured in this model.

Performance and Handling

The refinement in the performance of the engine and the aerodynamic design would be further improved with the drive mode selection of Eco, City, and Sports mode. The power steering system with smooth changing of gears and comfortable posture of the driver assist for effortless driving and comfort over long drives. The well-proven suspension system with independent McPherson dual path strut with coil spring at the front and twist beam with coil spring and shock absorber would assure perfect comfort for all occupants.

Mileage

The Tata Altroz mileage would range from 18kmpl from the petrol engine and 25kmpl from the diesel engine version. The actual mileage figures can vary slightly depending upon the final configuration of the vehicle, including the kerb weight, vehicle dynamics. On average, a mileage of 15 to 18kmpl from petrol version and 22 to 25kmpl from diesel version can be expected in city and highway conditions respectively. However, the mileage of the vehicle depends on the driving conditions and the driving habits of the driver.

PRACTICALITY

Boot capacity is 345 L which helps you to keep Fit Almost Everything to carry

Altroz enters competitive waters with Baleno, Glanza, i20 plus the Polo along with the Jazz. Now we think Tata will undercut its rivals in terms of prices and that should be because the Altroz is the only without an automatic gearbox though it must be said that it is the only one with a diesel BS6. The Altroz has the most features but the Baleno/Glanza/i20 have the better petrol engine however the pricing could change things.

CONCLUSION

The Tata Altroz has trendy design features with refinement in engine performance factors and vehicle dynamics. The versatile interiors with premium quality of upholstery, comfort features, and infotainment system would get it a distinctive presence in the premium hatchback segment.