Tata Altroz is a popular premium hatchback in the country. It sold a healthy 6260 units in November 2020. What makes it so appealing to the masses is the of course the styling, features, 5-star Safety Rating and plenty of convenience tech. Although to match the competition in Hyundai i20 and Volkswagen Polo, it lacked a turbo-petrol powertrain option in its line-up. Well, come January 13, 2021, that is about to change. Tata will launch the turbo-petrol variant of the Altroz, much to the delight of the customers.
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Turbo-petrol engines have become a custom these days with every segment getting some form of turbocharging in a petrol engine. The BS6 emission laws have made it very difficult to update the smaller diesel engines to meet the emission requirements. Hence, car manufacturers are shifting towards petrol powertrains. To compensate for the lack of punch in the petrol engines, turbochargers are being used. This takes care of the power and torque output aspect of the car. But let us have a look at what to expect from this new variant of the Tata Altroz!
Tata Altroz Turbo Petrol– What is new?
First things first, this not a facelift or a new generation of the Altroz. Therefore, let us directly talk about the sole purpose of this launch. Tata is introducing a turbo-petrol powertrain option for the Altroz. Now, Tata already has a turbo-petrol in Nexon. Nexon comes with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. The Altroz will get the same engine, albeit in a different state of tune. This engine will make 110PS and 140Nm in Altroz.
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The transmission options available are a 5-speed manual and a likely 7-speed DCT gearbox.
Other powertrain options available are the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, which produces 85 hp and 113 Nm and a 1.5-litre diesel producing 90PS and 200 Nm. Both the engines come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Also new will be a new colour scheme with this launch. Just like the Nexon, this variant of Altroz will come in what Tata calls, Tectonic Blue shade. Apart from that, Altroz will be identical in looks from the outside, although there will be a ‘’Turbo’’ on the body.
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We might see some different coloured accents on the interior to give it a sporty look, as is the case with many turbo variants of different cars.
Tata Altroz Turbo Petrol– Prices and Competition
With the inclusion of this turbo-petrol unit, Tata will have all the necessary tools in their arsenal to challenge the newly launched Hyundai i20 (1.0-litre Turbo GDi) and Volkswagen Polo (1.0-litre TSI). From engine options to convenience and tech features, Altroz is at par with the competition. What might turn out to be an edge in favour of the Altroz, is the 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. The only hatchback in India to have that rating makes it a very tempting proposition to consider over its rivals.
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The prices of the Tata Altroz turbo petrol in the top trim variant could be expected to be around Rs 9 lakh, ex-showroom. With all these safety and convenience features and competitive pricing, it will be interesting to watch what the customers opt for!
