Evolution Of Tata Altroz Across The Years

Launched in 2020, the Tata Altroz is the company’s first premium hatchback in India. Currently available in a dizzying 31 different variants across petrol, diesel, or CNG powertrains with manual and automatic gearboxes, picking the right Altroz model can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Some models and variants have been added (and removed) since launch, so if you’re in the market for a used Tata Altroz to suit your budget, this article is a must-read to keep track of the updates to the Altroz over the years. 

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Tata Altroz: The Beginning

The Tata Altroz was launched in January 2020 to rival premium hatchbacks such as the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Toyota Glanza and Honda Jazz. The Tata Altroz was priced between ₹5.29-9.29 lakh, ex-showroom at launch, available in five variants. Tata also offered buyers option packs, namely Rhythm, Style, Luxe and Urban, to add certain features from higher variants, such as larger alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, contrast roof, body-coloured wing mirrors and more. 

Built on Tata’s ALFA-ARC platform, which also underpins the Tata Punch, the Altroz debuted Tata’s next-gen platform when it was revealed in 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show. Interestingly, the ALFA platform has also been developed to accommodate future hybrid or fully-electric powertrains. With dimensions of 3,990mm length, 1,755mm width, 1,523mm height and a 2,501mm wheelbase, the Altroz is marginally wider and taller but on a marginally shorter wheelbase than the segment bestseller, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Its 165mm ground clearance and 345 litres of boot space are competitive, though. Lower variants of the Altroz were offered with 14-inch steel wheels, while top variants got diamond cut 16-inch alloy wheels. 

The Altroz features Tata’s Impact 2.0 design language, which is characterised by bold design elements and sharp, striking lines. While the Tata Altroz hasn’t been facelifted yet though it is four years into its lifecycle, the design inside and out has aged well. It still carries a flair few other premium hatchbacks can boast of, making it a hatchback with one of the best interiors as well. With the Altroz’s strengths in mind, Tata was targeting buyers who prioritise looks and safety over fuel efficiency. Tata cars have a well-earned reputation of being solidly built and safe and the Altroz’s 5-star GNCAP rating solidifies that lineage. 

By the end of 2020, the Tata Altroz had risen through the ranks to become Tata’s bestselling car, with monthly sales peaking at 7,550 units in March 2021. It achieved the 50,000 sales milestone within a year of launch. Currently, sales of the Tata Altroz has fallen to around 2,000 units a month, indicative of market preference towards compact SUVs. Today, the Tata Altroz remains the only diesel hatchback one can buy in India, making it a good choice for the buyer who prioritises fuel efficiency. 

Tata Altroz Updates: Key Changes Over Time

While the Tata Altroz hasn’t been facelifted yet, here’s a timeline of the changes Tata has made to the Altroz since 2020. 

• 2020: Launch at ₹5.29 lakh ex-showroom, available with 1.2-litre, 3-cyl petrol and 1.5-litre, 4-cyl diesel, variants XE, XM, XT, XZ, XZ (O)
   
• 2021: Altroz i-Turbo launched with 1.2-litre, 3-cyl turbo petrol, priced ₹60,000-2.04 lakh higher than NA models, variants XT, XZ, XZ+
   
• 2022: Altroz DCA dual-clutch automatic launched, priced at ₹1.07 lakh premium over MT variants, DCA only available as NA variant
   
• 2023: 8 variants dropped including Altroz i-Turbo, 2 new variants added, base XE variant gets new features,and  electric sunroof
   
• 2024: Altroz Racer launched with 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, priced at ₹9.49 lakh, ex-showroom, available with segment-first ventilated seats, upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment screen, 360-degree camera, six airbags as standard
   

First Generation Tata Altroz (2020-present)

The Tata Altroz was generally very well received at launch, with reviewers and buyers both appreciating the car’s stylish exteriors, well-judged ride quality and commendable safety ratings. Over the course of the Altroz’s life, the major changes to the lineup were in the form of a turbocharged petrol engine, dual-clutch transmission and numerous variant rejigs. Here’s a breakdown of the changes to the first-generation Altroz across the years. 

Design upgrades: The biggest update to the Altroz’s exteriors were with the introduction of the Altroz Racer model, which added a contrast black bonnet with racing stripe decals. 

Performance improvements: Initially, the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine was added to the lineup as the Altroz i-Turbo. This engine was only available with a manual gearbox, even though the DCT gearbox was already available with the regular naturally-aspirated engine. The Altroz i-Turbo was later pulled from market to make way for the Altroz Racer, which does offer the turbocharged engine and DCT combination. 

Added features: The Altroz was well-equipped at launch, with two airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and adjustable front and rear headrests as standard. In the safety department, the Altroz was updated with six airbags, ESP and a 360-degree camera. A major new feature is the Altroz’s ventilated seats, making it the first car in the segment to offer it. The voice-assisted electric sunroof will also be a draw for some buyers. 

2024 Tata Altroz Key Engine Specifications

Comparing Old vs. New Tata Altroz Models

The changes to the Tata Altroz in its lifecycle have so far been relatively minor, excluding the addition of a turbo petrol engine and DCT gearbox. Visually, there have been no changes to the look of the car, outside or inside. The Altroz Racer models do bring with them spruced up interiors with larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment (over the previous 7-inch screen), interior contrast accents and new upholstery. 

Conclusion

The Tata Altroz remains a stylish and safe option for someone looking for a premium hatchback. While a new Altroz offers few upgrades over a second hand car, some of the upgrades like the larger infotainment screen, ventilated seats and sunroof are not essential. Some of the safety equipment additions are a valuable upgrade though. Still, the Altroz stands out in a dwindling segment for being the only hatchback to be available with a diesel engine, which should promise great fuel efficiency and drivability.