Tata Altroz: Tata has thrown its hat into the Indian hatch ring with the Altroz that promises big with a design that looks like a million bucks, and rich interiors that match favourably.
Priced as a premium offering in the B2-segment, the Altroz competes with the likes of Hyundai i20, Maruti Baleno and Honda Jazz.
What differentiates it is the five-star safety rating from Global NCAP, its solid build and its assertiveness on the road.
With other engine choices and intelligent packaging, the Altroz appeals to the man who commutes as much as it does to the young professional.
Bold Design That Stands Out
The Tata Altroz is a head turner from the word go. Design cues on the Altroz have been borrowed from Tata’s Impact 2.0 design philosophy and its features include sharp lines, honeycomb mesh grille, and projector headlamps with LED DRLs giving it an edgy look.
The sculpted bonnet, blacked-out pillars and 16-inch alloy wheels does add a sporty and futuristic touch to the car.
The rear is also quite beautiful with stylish tail lamps, a broad butt and an integrated spoiler.
The Altroz is not just a looker — it feels like a car that was designed to make a statement in the crowd.
Premium Cabin and Comfort
In the cabin, the Altroz is still one of the best cars in its class – not just in useability, but also on the design front.
The two-tone dashboard, silver inserts, and soft-touch materials in just the right places lend an upbeat air to the cockpit.
There is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available, and even the floating 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a breeze to use.
The digital screen on the dash provides driving metrics in a fresh layout.
The seats are comfortable and supportive and offer good cushioning for long-distance drives. There’s space galore in both rows for passengers in terms of leg and headroom.
The boot, at 345 litres, is among the best but very good for luggage or shopping bags. There are rear AC vents, adjustable headrests, a flat floor and more than enough bottle holders for practicality in here.
Engine and Driving Performance
Tata has the Altroz available with a number of engine options—1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel.
Motorways suit the NA petrol best – it’s relatively quiet, revs smoothly and is pretty economical. The turbocharged petrol version brings a bit more zip for those who like to put the boot in.
The diesel’s strong mid-range power delivery low noise and impressive fuel efficiency make it a good choice for those who plan on using the highway frequently.
Transmission options on the Z+ variant include a 5-speed manual and a dual clutch auto (DCA) in the petrol.
Ride and handling are one of Altroz’s strengths. The suspension has been calibrated well to soak bad roads, yet at the same time without compromising on stability.
It’s confident at high speeds, and its steering provides good feedback, so it’s fun to drive on freeways and around corners.
Safety and Features
Tata has had a laser like focus on safety and the Altroz becomes the first hatchback in India to be awarded 5-stars by Global NCAP.
It gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD rear parking sensors, corner stability control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard.
More expensive variants will get you extra features such as a rear camera, auto headlamps, cruise control, push-start button and a Harman sound system.
Tata’s focus on safety and build quality adds that little bit of extra confidence while buying, in particular when the car is being used for family.
Pros of Tata Altroz
Brash, contemporary look that makes a loud statement
Best-in-class ratings one of the safest vehicles on the road for those who need something with an extra margin of safety, great for families!
Large, high-quality, and well-equipped cabin
Several different engines, including fuel-efficient diesels
Great balance between ride and handling on Indian roads
Cons of Tata Altroz
Petrol naturally aspirated engine lacks punch on highways
No flexibility with diesel, at least no automatic choice
Infotainment system is slow to react
Some of the plastic panels in the cabin are mediocre
Some lag at the start of turbo-petrol variant
Tata Altroz: Final Verdict
The Tata Altroz is the entire package for anyone who is in the market for the premium hatchback with head-turning aesthetics, impressive performance and of course, top class safety.
Be it city commuter, Highway cruiser or the first-time car buyer, the Altroz has something for everyone.
Boasting a range of engine options and numerous comfort-enhancing features, it is one of the more reasonable choices among its competitors.
If safety, modernity and practicality are on your list, the Altroz checks all the boxes.