Going up in opposition to effectively established gamers just like the Maruti Baleno and the Hyundai i20 isn’t any simple activity, however the Tata Altroz did simply that and it did fairly effectively for itself. At a shade over 47,000 models final yr, it bought effectively over half of what the i20 managed and a few third of what the Baleno did. Not a nasty debut yr in any respect. The Altroz additionally narrowly missed taking prime spot within the Tata steady, pipped solely by the Nexon at round 48,000 and the Tiago at round 49,000 models.
There aren’t any visible variations between the usual Altroz and the turbo-petrol mannequin.
The Altroz’s relative success is just not with out motive. The automobile’s putting appears, ample house and wonderful trip and dealing with left us very impressed after we examined it final yr. What additionally labored massively within the Altroz’s favour is that, for the higher a part of six months after BS6 norms kicked in it, it was the one diesel premium hatch available in the market, and although the diesel pie is shrinking, it had that pie all to itself.
Why a Altroz turbo-petrol?
The one fly within the ointment was the only real petrol engine on supply. The 86hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine – based mostly on the one within the Tiago/Tigor – was underpowered and fairly unrefined, particularly when held in opposition to the yardstick within the premium hatch section.
This 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit makes 110hp and 140Nm of peak torque.
So, the turbocharged model is actually a really welcome transfer. Bolting on the turbo has bumped the facility output to 110hp whereas torque has risen from 113Nm to 140Nm. Although, that is nonetheless decrease than what the engine places out beneath the hood of the Nexon, the place it makes 120hp and 170Nm of torque. We perceive that the explanation for the decrease output is Tata wished some differentiation to its SUV and that there have been additionally packaging challenges in incorporating the Nexon’s bodily bigger 6-speed gearbox, which might have been essential to deal with the elevated energy.
What’s the Altroz iTurbo prefer to drive?
There’s excellent news and dangerous. The great bit is that the additional energy is actually obvious, the automobile not feels underpowered and has sufficient pep to maintain up with visitors with out the necessity to train the gearbox. Demand any extra, nonetheless, and it’ll go away you wanting.
The difficulty is that, whereas efficiency is an enchancment over the naturally aspirated unit, it’s nonetheless not as robust as what we now have come to anticipate from a small displacement turbo-petrol. Additionally, the Altroz is the one turbo-petrol hatch to make use of the oblique or port injection, which isn’t as refined because the direct-injection turbo-petrols of its rivals.
The Polo 1.0 TSI has a sub-10sec time within the 0 to 100kph sprint and the even the brand new i20 is faster out of the blocks. Whereas the Altroz iTurbo claims a time of beneath 12sec, we solely managed 12.68sec in a fast take a look at and that is in Sport mode.
The engine nonetheless wants extra refinement however efficiency has improved over the naturally aspirated petrol model.
The Altroz iTurbo comes with two drive modes – Metropolis and Sport (the common automobile has Eco and Metropolis) – and after a day with it we’d suggest utilizing Sport because the default. It’s not snappy and actually feels fairly simple to drive. In Sport mode, you’ll have watch the gasoline consumption as a result of turbo-petrols may be fairly thirsty in the actual world. For the document, the claimed ARAI determine is eighteen.13kpl for the Turbo and 19.05kpl for the common 1.2 petrol unit. That’s not too massive a distinction, however simply keep in mind that turbo-petrols are tremendous delicate to aggressive throttle inputs.
Have a look at the Altroz Turbo as a extra highly effective model of the common Altroz and it begins making sense. The turbocharger rewards you with a pleasant step up in energy, which flows thick and robust from a high-ish 4,800rpm. It makes you wish to rev the motor all the best way to the modest 5,500rpm redline. Whereas that is good enjoyable, in the event you’re in a rush in an on a regular basis driving state of affairs, transferring the meat of the powerband a little bit decrease within the rev vary would make the automobile extra driveable. At low revs there may be some turbo lag however it’s not extreme and, at round 1,800rpm, you get a pleasant shove. The robust mid-range and good half throttle response imply you don’t have to make use of the 5-speed gearbox (the identical TA-65 unit within the naturally aspirated Altroz) and might merrily amble alongside on a wave of torque.
Energy build-up is linear from round 1,800rpm onwards and there is a good step-up in energy from 4,800rpm onwards.
At idle, vibrations are fairly effectively contained and although you’ll be able to really feel the light rock of the three-cylinder engine, it’s not disturbing. Nonetheless, press down on the throttle and the engine feels a contact coarse and there’s a good bit of street noise that filters into the cabin as effectively. Total refinement might actually do with some enchancment.
The dynamics of the Altroz was one thing we’ve all the time preferred and to ensure the Turbo Altroz performs equally effectively, Tata says they’ve made small tweaks to the suspension and steering setup. Expectedly, the trip and dealing with are wonderful, the well-judged suspension, together with the stiff and taut physique shell, allow the automobile to sail over dangerous stretches with ease, delivering a assured and mature trip. Sharp ruts and potholes too aren’t a hassle.
Trip and dealing with are nonetheless highlights on the Altroz.
The steering too is sweet and lightweight at low speeds and has ample weight at greater speeds, however the diesel Altroz nonetheless feels a smidgen higher, thanks maybe to the additional weight over the entrance wheels. All in all, the street manners of the Altroz are actually a excessive level and one thing everybody will respect.
Are there different variations?
The Turbo petrol ushers in a brand new color within the line-up, known as Harbour Blue, which is sort of eye-catching; our take a look at automobile acquired numerous appreciative stares. The Turbo petrol is on the market within the prime three variants, together with the brand new top-end XZ+ trim, which sees the addition of some new options. Essentially the most notable of those being Tata’s connected-car know-how known as iRA, quick for Clever Actual time Help. It gives the standard connected-car options, together with distant lock-unlock, geofencing, car monitoring, and so forth. The system additionally understands fairly just a few pure voice instructions in Hindi, English and Hinglish.
Together with voice instructions and Tata’s iRA related automobile tech, the Altroz additionally will get the What Three Phrases navigation app.
The Altroz now additionally has What Three Phrases navigation; an app that has divided the floor of the earth into 3X3 sq. metres and assigned three random distinctive phrases to every. This allows you to navigate to that actual spot – as an example, a selected entry gate.
There’s additionally now an categorical cool button that will probably be useful in summer season, new perforated leatherette seats and a brand new black and lightweight gray inside color scheme that appears fairly good. On the Turbo model of the XZ+, there are additionally two further tweeters within the sweet-sounding Harman sound system.
The brand new top-spec Altroz XZ+ trim will get leatherette seat upholstery, amongst different new options.
Must you purchase the Altroz iTurbo?
There’s rather a lot to love concerning the Altroz like the wonderful dynamics, the beneficiant boot and cozy cabin. It appears improbable and clearly stands out from its friends and it additionally boasts a 5-star World NCAP crash ranking. The turbo energy undoubtedly transforms the best way the automobile drives however fairly frankly this isn’t the hot-hatch we anticipated, particularly as a observe on to the Tiago JTP. The engine isn’t as easy and robust as we’d have preferred and there’s no automated possibility – the DCT variant is coming later within the yr.
Count on Tata to cost the Altroz turbo-petrol competitively.
Nonetheless, over its naturally aspirated sibling, the iTurbo is certainly an enormous step-up and the additional efficiency properly in-sync with the automobile’s sporty character. All that’s wanted now could be a pretty worth to make the Altroz an much more compelling package deal than earlier than.
*To not Autocar India take a look at requirements
Additionally see:
Tata Altroz iTurbo vs rivals: Specs comparability
Tata Safari to get two seating layouts
Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz comparability
