We discover out which of those enjoyable to drive, sporty hatchbacks is the one to purchase.
You’ve bought at hand it to Hyundai and Tata Motors. At a time when different producers are shying away from hatchbacks, particularly the performance-oriented sort, these two proceed to guess on this area with two competent merchandise. Hyundai’s i20 N Line has been on sale for some time now, and was the defacto selection for those who wished a sporty hatchback. That was till Tata determined to have a second crack (after the Tiago JTP) at this area with the brand new Altroz Racer. We’ve now pitted the 2 in opposition to one another to see which one it is best to go for.
Tata Altroz Racer vs Hyundai i20 N Line exterior
These two positively look the half, and each firms have performed nicely to distinguish the sporty avatars from their commonplace counterparts. The Altroz had a lovely design to start with, however Tata has given it a blacked-out remedy on the bonnet, roof, mirrors, wheels and the rear spoiler, all of which lend it a sporty vibe. Finishing the Racer look are racing stripes down the centre and the Racer badging.
As compared, the i20 N Line lets you recognize of its sporty intent in a extra delicate method. Adjustments over the usual i20 embrace twin muffler suggestions, sportier bumpers, a blacked-out entrance grille with the N Line brand, distinctive 16-inch alloys and crimson highlights throughout. Seems are at all times subjective, so it comes right down to what you want – the look-at-me Altroz Racer or the extra delicate i20 N Line.
Each are premium hatchbacks that measure lower than 4m nevertheless it’s the i20 that has an extended wheelbase, is wider and is longer total. The Altroz is the taller one and has the bigger boot, at 345 litres. Each have 16-inch wheels, although the N Line has wider 195-section tyres in comparison with the Racer’s 185 part.
Tata Altroz Racer vs Hyundai i20 N Line interiors
Each hatchbacks additionally convey their sporty intent contained in the cabin. Over the run-of-the-mill Altroz, the Racer will get an all-black inside theme, with orange trim on the sprint, ‘Racer’ embroidered on the headrests, orange ambient lighting, orange stitching on the seats and on the steering. What’s a letdown although is the basic-looking gear lever, particularly once you examine it to the N Line’s. The entrance seats are good and supportive, however taller drivers will discover headroom tight due to the inclusion of a sunroof. Area on the rear is near-identical to the i20, and also you additionally get an armrest right here with cupholders, which the Hyundai doesn’t. The Racer does miss out on load sensors for the seatbelt warning system, so even when nobody is sitting right here, you’ll have to buckle within the belts, else it is going to maintain beeping for a number of seconds at the beginning of every journey.
Racer will get rear armrest, which provides to consolation.
Just like the Altroz will get orange accents and particulars inside, the i20 N Line’s signature color is crimson. It, too, will get an all-black theme and that’s contrasted by crimson accents on the sprint, crimson ambient lighting, N logos on the seats and crimson stitching on the seats and steering. The arduous, non-textured plastics on the dashboard aren’t upmarket however what definitely is are the 2 commonest stuff you’ll work together with on this automotive – the gear lever and steering. The N-specific gear lever and steering wheel look very good and really feel like they’ve been borrowed from a costlier automotive. The N Line additionally options sporty, steel pedals.
Ventilated entrance seats are distinctive to the Racer.
Entrance seats within the i20 are extra accommodating and a bit extra snug, though they miss out on seat air flow that’s current within the Altroz Racer. And on the rear, whereas area is nice, it doesn’t get an armrest with cupholders. Talking of which, let’s check out what the highest variants of those vehicles have to supply when it comes to options.
N Line rear seat is spacious for even six-footers.
The Altroz Racer right here is the range-topping R3 variant and the N Line is in N8 MT trim. Each get a big touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, leatherette upholstery, auto local weather management and sunroofs. Options distinctive to the Altroz Racer are wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated entrance seats, a rear armrest and a 360-degree digital camera. The N Line, then again, will get LED headlamps and an auto dimming inside mirror.
On the protection entrance, the usual variations of each vehicles have been crash examined by World NCAP. In 2020, the Tata Altroz secured a 5-star crash security ranking whereas in 2022, the Hyundai i20 achieved 3 stars. Each vehicles provide package like six airbags, hill-hold help and ESP, whereas the N Line will get the good thing about all 4 disc brakes.
360-camera on the Racer is a boon in tight parking spots.
Tata Altroz Racer vs Hyundai i20 N Line efficiency
Powering each scorching hatches are three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engines that put out 120hp, however that’s the place the similarities finish. The Tata has the next 1.2-litre displacement however makes use of oblique injection, whereas the Hyundai has a smaller 1.0-litre unit that makes use of the extra superior, direct injection.
The Racer’s engine first debuted within the Altroz iTurbo variant, albeit with 110hp, 140Nm and a 5-speed handbook – packaging constraints didn’t enable for a 6-speed field then, which might deal with the upper energy. Tata’s engineers have solved that concern and the Racer will get the very same tune because the Nexon – 120hp, 170Nm and a 6-speed handbook. Nevertheless, energy supply has been tweaked and the gear ratios have been shortened for the Racer. Furthermore, not like the Nexon, there aren’t any drive modes and the default setting is ‘Sport’.
The N Line has a slicker gearbox and thus feels extra participating to drive.
This engine is easy, is keen to answer throttle inputs and has a extra linear energy supply compared to the N Line. The N Line’s unit, in the meantime, packs a stronger midrange punch and its rev-happy nature means it’ll pull cleanly until its 6,500rpm redline. The Hyundai engine is smoother nonetheless and has a pleasant raspy exhaust be aware, nevertheless it might have been louder inside. Just like the Racer, the N Line handbook’s solely drive mode is Sport.
Each featured listed here are geared up with 6-speed handbook gearboxes, although the N Line may also be had with a 7-speed DCT possibility. Shifts within the Altroz Racer are fantastic for normal on a regular basis driving, however feels reasonably disappointing when driving in a spirited method on account of its lengthy throws; it simply isn’t as slick because the i20’s. The hydraulic clutch can be on the heavier facet and snappy, making it troublesome to modulate. As compared, the i20 N Line’s handbook is in a special league altogether. Positive, the clutch is on the springy facet, however shifts are a lot smoother and it has well-defined gates.
The N Line edges out the Racer when it comes to efficiency, each from a standstill and on the go.
Tata additionally missed a trick by not providing an computerized possibility, on condition that majority of i20 N Line gross sales come from the DCT variants. In truth, the Racer’s handbook gearbox and clutch makes you need an computerized, and Tata might’ve provided a dual-clutch computerized alongside, particularly since it’s obtainable with the usual petrol Altroz and Nexon. However we collect that Tata is evaluating launching the Racer computerized.
The N Line additionally has the benefit when it comes to outright efficiency, given it has marginally extra torque and is lighter by 95 kilos. Additional, aggressive launches aren’t potential within the Altroz Racer because the ESP can’t be turned off. As for the numbers, we timed the 2 and the Racer does the 0-100kph dash in 12.05sec in comparison with the N Line’s 10.66sec time. The N Line is faster in rolling acceleration, too, finishing the 20-80kph and 40-100kph runs in 9.08sec and 12.39sec, respectively, compared to the Racer’s 10.41sec and 13.45sec.
All issues thought-about, it’s the i20 N Line’s engine-gearbox mixture that makes for the extra involving and gratifying driving expertise, which is form of the purpose of those hatchbacks, isn’t it?
Tata Altroz Racer vs Hyundai i20 N Line trip and dealing with
Journey and dealing with is an space the place the Altroz Racer claws again misplaced floor. The common Altroz was already one of many nicest dealing with and using hatchbacks on sale, however the Racer will get minor tweaks to the steering ratio and suspension spring charge that simply enhances the expertise. The Racer offers with damaged roads with nice maturity in any respect speeds, inspiring plenty of confidence behind the wheel. In truth, it maybe has the very best suspension setup of all mass-market hatchbacks at this time. The direct steering has good heft and the sharp entrance finish means it’s very prepared to alter instructions. Mechanical grip is powerful, too, however what’s a little bit of a downer was tyre grip that gave method too quickly.
Just like the Racer, the N Line too advantages from stiffer suspension damping and a retuned suspension. The i20’s trip feels extra European as compared, that means its arrange on the stiffer facet and feels composed at excessive speeds. Positive, it does really feel stiffer than the Altroz on unhealthy roads, nevertheless it’s by no means unsettling. The steering, in the meantime, is communicative and lighter as compared. It additionally feels steady and predictable round bends and the grip from the broader tyres is respectable.
The N Line has a slight edge when it comes to braking perfomance due to the rear disc brakes.
Braking efficiency of each hatchbacks is powerful, however the i20 does have the slight edge because it will get disc brakes on the rear, too.
Tata Altroz Racer vs Hyundai i20 N Line worth and verdict
As examined, the Altroz Racer R3 prices Rs 10.99 lakh and the i20 N Line N8 MT is priced at Rs 11.27 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s a marginal distinction they usually each get sure options which might be distinctive to them. However crucially, each are sensible, have a spacious inside and are loaded with options, that means they may attraction to lovers and household patrons alike.
In conclusion, the Tata Altroz Racer’s engine is easy and responsive, and its trip and dealing with steadiness is its clear energy. Nevertheless, its gearbox and clutch rob away a few of that pleasure of driving. And that’s precisely the place the i20 N Line shines with a slick powertrain combo. And importantly, right here, it’s the faster of the 2. It does comes throughout because the extra rounded, performance-oriented package deal on this comparability, and is thus, our selection.
Additionally see:
Hyundai i20 N Line vs Tata Altroz Racer comparability video
Tata Altroz Racer computerized on the playing cards
Tata exploring increasing Racer efficiency model
