Tata Altroz Will Get A Dual-clutch Automatic Post January Launch

• Tata Altroz bookings open for a token amount of Rs 21,000.

• It will get a 5-speed manual as standard at the time of launch.

• Only two engine options to be offered initially - 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel.

• It is also expected to get the Nexon’s 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol motor after launch.

• The Tata Altroz is expected to be priced from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom).

Tata dealers across the country have started accepting bookings for the Altroz premium hatchback for a token amount of Rs 21,000. At launch, the Tata Altroz will be offered with two engine options - a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel - mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. Tata Motors has now confirmed that the Altroz will also get the option of a dual-clutch automatic (DCT) gearbox. However, this option will be launched at a later date.

Tata officials have confirmed with CarDekho that the Altroz will get a sophisticated DCT instead of the AMT gearbox that’s offered in other models such as the Nexon sub-4 metre SUV. As it turns out, the new ALFA-ARC platform that the Altroz is based upon supports the fitment of a dual-clutch gearbox. The Indian carmaker announced the same at the Altroz’ global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

The 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that’s set to power the Altroz is rated for 86PS and 113Nm of peak torque. The 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel, sourced from the Nexon, will be detuned to produce less power (90PS compared to 110PS) and torque (200Nm). Both were earlier speculated to get an AMT option but Tata might take a more premium route and offer the two engines with a DCT instead.

Tata is expected to offer the Altroz with the more powerful 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon as well. Tata refrained from revealing any details about this motor while unveiling the hatchback, so it’s safe to assume that it too will be offered at a later stage. Moreover, it hasn’t specified which engine will get the DCT, so it’s quite possible that the auto ‘box could be paired with the more potent turbocharged engine. Tata’s Geneva show car featured this 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, albeit with a 5-speed manual.

Currently, the Volkswagen Polo is the only car in the premium hatchback segment that is offered with a DCT (DSG in VW speak). The next-gen Hyundai Elite i20, which has been spotted testing multiple times, is also expected to feature a DCT option when it goes on sale next year. The Tata Altroz is expected to be priced between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete against the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Honda Jazz and the Toyota Glanza.