Tata Altroz iTurbo vs Hyundai i20 Turbo vs Volkswagen Polo TSI comparison

Spec test

All three automobiles come powered by turbocharged three-cylinder engines however it’s the VW and Hyundai’s items which are closest in spec. The stated engines are near-identical in dimension (displacing just below 1,000cc), characteristic direct injection, and likewise make about the identical max torque. The Polo’s 175Nm is out there at 1,750- 4,000rpm, whereas the i20’s 172Nm is available in at 1,500-4,000rpm. It’s the i20 that tops the ability charts, nevertheless, with 120hp on name. The Polo and Altroz’s engines make 110hp apiece.

Massive touchscreen, digital cluster lend i20’s cabin a premium look however plastics aren’t Hyundai’s greatest.

The Altroz’s 1,199cc engine is perhaps the most important of this trio however it does with out direct injection and its 140Nm max torque determine can be significantly decrease than the opposite two automobiles’. Given the iTurbo’s sporty intent, couldn’t Tata have simply used the engine in 120hp and 170Nm guise as on the Nexon? Theoretically, sure, however as engineers concerned within the undertaking revealed, the transfer would have entailed appreciable and dear re-engineering. That’s as a result of the higher-spec engine’s torque score would require using the Nexon’s 6-speed gearbox, which was not simple to shoehorn into the Altroz. Sources inform us that the gearbox’s casing was discovered to foul with the air cleaner ducting and addressing this packaging challenge would require a significant engineering intervention. For a automobile envisioned to herald a further 10 % quantity, the funding wanted didn’t add up. Not but at the very least. It’s potential that the additional energy (and additional gear) from the Nexon could possibly be provided in a while within the Altroz’s lifecycle.

Polo merely can’t disguise its classic on the within. There’s a built-to-last really feel to every thing, nevertheless.

Additionally be aware, in contrast to the Polo TSI and i20 Turbo that additionally supply the choice of automated and dual-clutch transmissions, respectively, the Altroz iTurbo solely will get a 5-speed handbook for the second, although a DCT is within the works. A 6-speed handbook is customary match on the Polo whereas the i20 Turbo is exclusive for its 6-speed iMT or clever handbook transmission. Right here, gearshifts are executed through a standard gear lever however there’s no clutch pedal to modulate; actuators do the job for you.

On the transfer

Should you’ve pushed the humdrum naturally-aspirated Altroz petrol earlier than, you’ll instantly discover the added efficiency the iTurbo has to supply. It doesn’t really feel hesitant at low speeds as the usual Altroz petrol tends to and there’s sufficient go to maintain up with the circulate of site visitors. There’s a gentle bump up in energy at about 1,800rpm, and maintain the engine spinning above this mark and also you’ll discover the Altroz iTurbo to be an easy-going companion. Shifting from Metropolis to Sport drive mode (unique to the Altroz iTurbo) livens issues up a wee bit too. Additionally, the absence of a sixth gear isn’t as a lot of a difficulty as you’d suppose it to be. The Altroz cruises well and equipment modifications are good sufficient.

Slick steering makes Altroz fulfilling on winding roads.

Factor is, the Altroz doesn’t do full justice to the ‘turbo’ in its title. The mid-range isn’t punchy nor does the engine rev notably shortly, and the efficiency numbers aren’t something to write down dwelling about. Maintain on to a gear and your endurance will probably be rewarded by a second wave of energy at round 4,800rpm, although it’s shortlived because the limiter cuts in in any respect of 5,500rpm. The whine from the comparatively noisy engine at larger revs can be your sign to tone issues down.

Fairly on the contrary is the VW Polo 1.0 TSI that revels in being pushed exhausting. There’s a spike in energy at 1,800rpm and what follows is a powerful pull to six,200rpm. This huge powerband is deeply satisfying and it’s additionally tremendous enjoyable charging via the VW’s 6-speed gearbox. The Polo TSI sounds the very best (it’s received a pleasant thrum) and it’s the automobile ardent petrolheads will greatest determine with. The Polo additionally has bragging rights with a sub-10sec 0-100kph time. It’s not good although. The 1.0 TSI engine doesn’t really feel as alert because the others at low revs and wishes you to work the gearbox (and lengthy journey clutch) that little bit extra on the town.

Polo feels the tightest of the trio and gives most linked drive.

The i20 Turbo gives a unique expertise and all of it begins with the transmission. Sure, there’s a little bit of a studying curve of manually altering gears with out a clutch pedal within the equation and, at occasions, the automated clutch modulation can really feel snappy in first gear however on the entire, the system is rather well executed and makes a world of a distinction in congested metropolis drives. What’s extra, the electronics don’t fumble even on fast shifts, which means solely purists will miss the motion of miserable the clutch in getting that good shift.

i20 is clean via corners however isn’t greatest when hustled.

Hyundai’s 1.0-litre engine can be relatively likeable on this software. The engine feels probably the most versatile and this flexibility displays within the  in-gear acceleration timings. The i20 iMT is an efficient few seconds faster than its rivals in 20-80kph in third gear and 40-100kph in fourth gear slogs. The i20 builds pace with grace at low revs, issues decide up at 2,000rpm and, although the mid-range isn’t as forceful because the Polo’s, there’s spectacular progress proper until 6,000rpm.

Altroz will get solely a 5-speed gearbox however it does the job.

Going by ARAI-tested gas financial system numbers, the i20 guarantees to be probably the most fuel-efficient automobile of this trio with a 20kpl official determine. The Polo is available in second with 18.24kpl, whereas the Altroz (it’s the one automobile with gas saving start-stop tech) isn’t too far behind with an 18.11kpl official gas financial system determine. You need to take the numbers with a pinch of salt as a result of real-world financial system is massively prone to driving type.

Flip a nook

That the Polo’s excessive on leisure worth isn’t merely right down to the thrilling engine alone. The dynamics bundle can be a key aspect within the combine. The exact steering, beneficiant grip and nicely calibrated brakes assist set up a excessive diploma of belief and rapport with the Polo, which make it an thrilling companion on enjoyable driving roads. There’s additionally a maturity to the Polo’s experience. It feels nicely tied down at excessive speeds and likewise tackles potholes at low speeds nicely, with a little bit of European automobile firmness.

i20’s distinctive iMT is surprisingly nicely judged and is straightforward to get used to.

On winding roads, the Altroz may not really feel fairly as tight because the Polo however the Tata’s a eager handler in its personal proper. Flip-in is sharp and there’s good really feel from the well-weighted steering always. Out cruising, the Altroz feels reassuringly poised however there’s loads of street noise within the cabin, so it’s not probably the most stress-free long-distance machine. At low speeds, the Altroz can really feel a contact stiff-kneed however on actually unhealthy patches, there’s an endearing ruggedness to the Tata that shines via.

It’s nice enjoyable charging via the Polo’s 6-speed handbook.

The i20 then again has an ace up its sleeve with the plushest experience on the town. Excessive pace manners – each on the straights and thru the corners – are a marked enchancment over Hyundais of outdated, if nonetheless not at class-best ranges. There’s a smoothness with which the newest i20 modifications route, although physique roll is most pronounced right here and pushing exhausting right into a nook may have the automobile wash huge. Curiously, the i20 Turbo doesn’t really feel as nicely setup as its heavier diesel counterpart, and that is one thing true concerning the Altroz as nicely.

Zooming in

You’ve seen these automobiles earlier than so we’ll maintain the outline on design and styling brief. The Altroz, with its tipped-forward stance, appears sporty, and relatively fetching on this new shade of Harbour Blue. Hyundai’s newest i20 is all about sharp cuts and creases, although the rad styling is to not everybody’s style. The VW Polo, in distinction, has probably the most conventional form and has aged nicely however then once more, many received’t be capable to see it as something however a automobile from 2009.

Leatherette upholstery has upped consolation on Altroz XZ+.

Whereas the Altroz iTurbo doesn’t see any modifications on the surface, it does debut a brand new gentle gray and black inside color theme in addition to a brand new range-topping XZ+ trim that, amongst different gadgets, brings in perforated leather-based upholstery. Resultantly, the Altroz’s cabin appears extra premium than earlier than. Additionally good is using completely different textures on the layered sprint, although panel match could possibly be higher at locations. Ergonomics isn’t an Altroz energy both; the thick A-pillar hampers visibility round corners, the squared-out part-digital dials aren’t the simplest to discuss with and the Tata’s additionally the one automobile that misses on steering attain alter.

i20 is the roomiest however iMT variations miss adjustable rear headrests.

With its low sprint cowl and good all-round visibility, the Hyundai i20 places drivers at speedy ease. A vibrant digital instrument readout (the counter-clockwise tacho does take time to regulate to) and enormous 10.25-inch touchscreen are among the many components that seize your consideration contained in the i20. All’s not good although. The inside that’s predominantly completed in black appears drab relatively than sporty, and there are a fairly just a few scratchy plastics scattered across the cabin too. Not way back we might have stated that is uncharacteristic of Hyundai however dumbing down the standard of the plastics (to save lots of prices) is a worrying development from this Korean large.

Polo feels a dimension smaller and is tightest on house.

The VW Polo has at all times impressed for its robust German construct and even all these years later the thunk on door shut could be very gratifying. There’s a built-to-last feeling to every thing contained in the Polo however there’s simply no ignoring the sensation of being in a automobile nicely previous its prime. The dashboard appears dated and what solely weakens the Polo’s case is how small it feels in comparison with its rivals; it’s the narrowest automobile right here. And you’ll just about rule out the Polo in case you are in search of a small automobile to journey five-up in. Rear-seat legroom is strictly restricted and the cabin is simply huge sufficient for 2 to take a seat in consolation.

You’ll be able to match most baggage within the Altroz’s 345 litres.

The Altroz and the i20 are extra compelling picks as household automobiles in that sense. The i20 is the roomiest on the again (it’s received the longest wheelbase) however frustratingly no model of the Turbo iMT will get adjustable rear headrests. It’s solely the Altroz that packs within the added consolation of a rear-centre armrest too. However, an upright rear backrest and comparatively small home windows work towards the Tata.

The Altroz’s 345-litre baggage compartment is probably the most accommodating for suitcases although you’ll be capable to slot in loads into the i20 (311 litres) and Polo’s (294 litres) too. The rear seats could be folded to free extra space however not one of the automobiles supply the flexibleness of a rear seat break up.

Characteristic creature

Because the desk makes clear, it’s a combined bag when speaking options on the absolutely loaded variations of the three automobiles. The i20 iMT Asta is the one one with LED headlights, a tyre stress monitor and a wi-fi cellphone charger, and likewise wows for its tremendous slick and class-best touchscreen and Bose sound system. The brand new Altroz iTurbo XZ+ runs the i20 shut with its leatherette upholstery, up to date Harman sound system and new iRA linked automobile options, and likewise goes one-up with options like entrance and rear armrests. The Polo misses many frills provided on the opposite two however it’s solely the VW that will get an auto dimming rear-view mirror.

Newest i20’s edgy styling is to not all tastes.

Twin airbags and ABS are a part of the protection suite on every of those automobiles, although solely the Altroz will get ISOFIX little one seat mounts as customary match. The Altroz additionally has the excellence of being rated a full 5 stars on crash security by World NCAP. The Polo is a 4-star automobile whereas the i20 is but to be crash examined by the street security watchdog.

And the winner is…

The Polo is the driving force’s decide of this trio. It’s received probably the most thrilling engine, it’s probably the most participating in corners and it’s the automobile that can depart you with the widest grin after a day of driving. Factor is, choosing a Polo as we speak requires you to be accepting of its shortcomings. It’s the smallest automobile right here and misses on some goodies too. And lots of will even discover it exhausting to gloss over the truth that in essence it’s a 12-year-old automobile which manifests itself most with an outdated electrical and digital (E/E) structure. To place issues in perspective, the Altroz simply accomplished its first anniversary whereas the latest-gen i20 is newer nonetheless.

Elective spoiler helps Polo look the enterprise.

The Altroz has at all times been a likeable bundle and the brand new petrol engine choice has made it higher nonetheless. Priced about Rs 60,000 over the usual Altroz petrol, the iTurbo is a good deal for the improved efficiency it gives. In some ways, that is what the Altroz petrol ought to at all times have been. Choose the Altroz iTurbo as a automobile with a sporty aspect, nevertheless, and also you’ll discover it wanting. The iTurbo merely lacks the oomph and drama that makes turbo-petrols so fascinating. And that’s a little bit of a disgrace as a result of Tata isn’t any stranger to creating enjoyable automobiles. Bear in mind the JTP twins?

Hyundai’s i20 may not appear probably the most convincing winner however it’s the automobile that’s delivered throughout most parameters. Whereas it’s no firecracker, it’s received a zesty sufficient engine and nice dynamics. After which there’s that iMT gearbox that provides in a dimension of user-friendliness. The roomy cabin is one other large plus, although Hyundai shouldn’t have been stingy with sure important options like adjustable rear headrests.