Tata Altroz

The Tata Altroz is the carmaker’s premium hatchback that goes up against rivals like the Hyundai i20 and Maruti Baleno. While the Altroz is due for a facelift soon, it is the only hatchback in its segment to offer both petrol and diesel engine options, along with a petrol CNG combination as well. But does it still get enough features and technology to lure you away from its more up-to-date rivals? Let’s find out:

• Despite being launched back in 2020, the Tata Altroz still looks like a handsome hatchback.

• The nose looks rather sporty and even has a fair bit of muscle with creases on its bonnet.

• While it doesn’t get full LED headlamps, the sleek cluster still looks stylish. The fog lamps are halogen as well and you only get LED in the DRLs.

• The side profile is rather simple with some creases lower down and rear door handles tucked away next to the window. 

• The 2025 Tata Altroz gets 16-inch alloy wheels from the XZ variant onwards. 

• The base variant gets 14-inch steel wheels, while others get 16-inch steel wheels with covers. All variants of the Altroz only get a 14-inch spare wheel.

• At the rear, the tail lamp cluster of the Alroz sits on a blacked-out panel, which makes it look like the lights are floating at night. 

• I wish Tata had updated the Altroz’s tail lights with some LED elements via a mid-life update, because save for the missing LEDs, they still look stylish.

• Tata offers the Altroz only in four monotone shades: Downtown Red, Opera Blue, Arcade Grey, and Avenue White.

• The Cosmo Dark colour is limited to the Dark edition, and it looks really menacing with the blacked out elements.

• If the standard colour palette is too dull for you, there’s also a ‘Racer’ version of the Altroz which sports a bright Orange shade with a dual tone black bonnet and roof.

Design & Quality

• The interior of the Tata Altroz has a simple design to it. However, unlike the exterior, the styling inside has started to look a bit dated now.

• Various layers finished in different textures make up the dashboard, and there’s also some blue ambient lighting around the central panel.

• While there’s not an abundance of soft touch materials, the different textures give a nice feel to the Altroz’s cabin.

• Only the steering wheel and front central armrest get leatherette padding.

• The overall theme might look a little dull, but with the light and dark grey fabric upholstery on the seats, the overall experience of the cabin is quite airy.

Driving Position

• New drivers will appreciate the height adjustable driver seats, however, telescopic steering adjustment would’ve made finding a comfortable position easier for all.

• I found the front seats of the Tata Altroz to be comfortable for an average-sized adult.

• There are no complaints from the cushioning and side supports of the seats.

Passenger comfort

• Despite the 90-degree opening doors, getting in and out of the rear seats will be a hassle for senior citizens, as the seat base is too low.

• The seat base is rather short as well, so underthigh support is limited. Legroom is decent as you can tuck your feet under the driver’s seat and knee room is ample too.

• The lack of cabin width and headroom means squeezing in a third person at the back will make for a cramped experience.

• With soft cushioning, the Altroz’s seats feel really comfortable on short city journeys. However, longer journeys can become a little tiring for your back.

Storage Options

• The Tata Altroz offers good practicality with plenty of storage spaces. It is actually more ergonomic than Tata’s bigger SUVs like the Nexon and Curvv.

• There are 1-litre bottle pockets on all four doors, a big storage in the central console along with two cupholders and a small storage underneath the central armrest.

• The Altroz’s glovebox size is generous with a dedicated tray for documents, and the compartment is cooled as well.

• Rear passengers don’t get a cupholder in the central armrest. Only seat back pockets and a small slot for the phone in the rear AC vents.

• For charging, the Altroz offers a 12 V socket, and a USB and type-c port at the front, and a USB port at the rear

Features

• The Tata Altroz gets all the basic features you’d expect from a modern day car along with a few feel-good comfort features.

• Its features list includes cruise control, auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, rear AC vents, connected car technology, air purifier, and auto folding outside mirrors.

• The 10.25-inch infotainment system gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with an interface that is easy to use. The resolution is great and works nearly lag free.

• The 7-inch digital driver’s display offers three display modes and relays a host of information.

• I found using the driver’s display to be a little confusing as menus are laid out in a vertical orientation, while buttons to toggle them are horizontal (left/right).

• With 8-speakers added in a recent update, the Altroz offers a premium audio experience with a surround-sound like feel.

• Just like all new Tata’s, the quality of the surround view camera is impressive. It also offers different view modes, including 2D and 3D, which makes parking in tight spaces really easy.

• The Altroz also gets a voice-assisted single-pane sunroof, which lets some light into the cabin.

• The Tata Altroz is the only hatchback in its segment to get a full 5-star score from the Global NCAP.

• Standard safety features in the Altroz include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, reverse parking sensors, and ISOFIX mounts.

• 6 airbags, 360-degree camera with a blind view monitor, and 3-point rear seat belt for the middle passenger are offered from the XZ+ S Lux variant.

• With 345-litres of on-paper boot space, the Tata Altroz can accommodate a full 3-suitcase set and then some laptop bags.

• Thanks to a loading lip which isn’t too high, and a boot floor which is deep and wide, keeping stuff in is rather simple.

• The CNG variants get a dual cylinder setup which offers a rather usable space of 210-litres.

• The Altroz packs three engine options: 1.2-litre naturally aspirated (NA) and turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. 

• A CNG kit is also available with the NA petrol engine, but the turbo petrol engine is now only available in the ‘Racer’ version.

• Only the NA petrol engine gets an automatic transmission option.

*DCA= dual clutch automatic transmission

1.2-litre NA petrol

• Being a three cylinder engine, the noise and vibration levels of this unit are a bit crude when compared to its rivals.

• In terms of driveability, the power delivery is linear and smooth, which makes for a good drive in the city.

• I felt the engine to be underpowered for anything other than a regular city commute. It takes time to build speeds even at higher RPMs, which makes high-speed overtaking a tough task.

• The car will cruise happily at speeds of 80-100kmph, but if there’s a full load, then you will have to plan your overtakes well in advance.

• At speeds over 80kmph, you will have to downshift a couple of gears to make that overtake. 

• The manual transmission isn’t the easiest to use as the clutch feels heavy and the shifts feel loose.

• I would recommend you to opt for the automatic (DCA) transmission, which has smooth and quick shifts. You will love its convenience in heavy city traffic conditions.

• The Altroz’s automatic transmission has been tuned well and keeps you in the right gear according to your drive style. 

• You can expect a fuel efficiency of around 13kmpl in the city, and slightly better on highways.

1.5-litre diesel

• The diesel engine of the Altroz is much more versatile than the naturally aspirated petrol engine.

• It still isn’t the most refined diesel engine, but it won’t really give you a reason to complain either.

• There is ample torque at lower speeds/RPMs, so it doesn’t take time to build speed and helps you make an overtake effortlessly. 

• The acceleration is strong, but not smooth as you’ll feel a sudden surge of power post the 3000RPM mark. 

• It cruises happily at triple digit speeds, and doesn’t take much time to overtake at those speeds as well.

• I wish Tata offered an automatic transmission with the Altroz diesel, because the engine offers a good blend of performance and efficiency. The only thing missing is an automatic’s convenience.

• The diesel is obviously more frugal than the petrol with an efficiency of around 16kmpl in the city and 18kmpl on the highway.

1.2-litre NA petrol +CNG

• The Altroz CNG can start on CNG mode itself.

• There are no driving modes or even a distance to empty readout in the Altroz CNG like you get in the ICE-version.

• The drop in power in CNG mode is barely noticeable in the city. 

• The difference between petrol and CNG is felt when you want a quick overtake at higher speeds. Cruising at 70-80kmph is easy work, but overtakes beyond those speeds feel stressed.

• If there’s a steep incline or you’re just driving in a hilly area, then you will find yourself going for the lower gear again and again to keep up the pace with the traffic.

• The Altroz CNG is best suited for city runabouts or relaxed highway commutes. 

• Tata claims a fuel efficiency figure of 26.2km/kg with the Altroz CNG.

• The Tata Altroz offers a great balance of ride quality and handling.

• The ride quality isn’t just quiet, it is also rather comfortable on all surfaces, be it over speed breakers or potholes.

• It impressed me with its highway high-speed stability where the car remained composed even over a sudden change in level.

• While the steering wheel is super light and easy to use in the city, it gives you just about enough confidence while driving spiritedly. 

• It remains flat through turns and doesn't make the driver nervous.

• Tata offers the 2025 Altroz in four broad variants: XE, XM, XT and XZ.

• The Dark edition is only available in the XZ trim.

Altroz XE

• Very basic base variant with no DRLs, fog lamps or wheel covers. Sits on 14-inch steel wheels.

• Only packs powered windows, manual AC, central locking, and idle start stop.

• The safety kit gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, reverse parking sensors and ISOFIX mounts.

Altroz XM and XM S

• Slightly better exterior design with 16-inch wheels with covers.

• Improved functionality with driver seat height adjustment, electric AC control, and auto folding outside mirrors. 

• Gets 4-speakers with steering mounted controls and an electric sunroof (XM S only) as well.

Altroz XM + and XM + S

• Same exterior styling, but better interior feel with a 7-inch infotainment system.

• Adds a parcel shelf, cruise control, and reversing parking camera.

• XM + S exclusively gets voice-assisted sunroof, auto headlights, and rain sensing wipers.

Altroz XT

• Better looks with LED DRLs, fog lamps, and 16-inch wheels with stylish covers.

• Better feature package with keyless entry, push button start/stop, fully auto AC, and a cooled glovebox.

• The safety kit gets a rear defogger and reversing parking camera as well.

Altroz XZ

• Similar design to top variants with 16-inch alloy wheels and projector headlights.

• Adds features like ambient lighting, auto headlights, rear AC vents, and rear armrest.

• New equipment like rear wiper and washer and rain sensing wipers improve the safety quotient.

Altroz XZ LUX

• Focuses on a better entertainment package

• Adds a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with a 4-inch driver’s display.

• The safety kit features a 360-degree camera with a blind view monitor.

Altroz XZ + S (features over XZ)

• Focuses on more feel-good features inside the car.

• Features a voice-controlled sunroof and wireless phone charger.

• The interior feels more premium with leatherette on the steering wheel and central console.

Altroz XZ + S LUX (features over XZ + S)

• Top upgrades include a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with a 4-inch driver’s display.

• Improved safety kit with 6 airbags, 360-degree camera, and 3-point seatbelts (rear), and a blind view monitor.

Altroz XZ + OS

• Only adds connected car technology and an air purifier to the list.

CarDekho recommends:

• If you’re on a really tight budget, you should skip the base variant and opt for the one-above-base XM variant of the Altroz. It offers all basic and functional features that you would need on a day-to-day basis.

• While the XT variant offers good value with its improved looks and feature set, we would recommend you to slightly stretch your budget to the XZ variant for its better feel (inside-out) and bolstered safety package.

Despite being on its last leg (in terms of a facelift coming very soon), the Altroz remains to be one of the best hatchbacks out there with a sweet balance of composed driving dynamics and comfortable ride quality. Sure, it misses out on an automatic for the diesel and turbo petrol, but then, it is the only one in its segment to offer the former. So from a fun family hatchback  standpoint, the Altroz is hard to fault. 

Other cars to consider instead of the Tata Altroz

Toyota Glanza/Maruti Baleno

Reasons to consider

• Naturally aspirated petrol engine is more refined

• Covers all basics of a family car

Reasons to ignore

• No diesel option

Hyundai i20

Reasons to consider

• More features

• Sportier N-line version with turbo-petrol engine gets a quick dual clutch automatic (DCT)

Reasons to ignore

• More expensive

• No diesel or CNG option