Tata Altroz Facelift Diesel Review: A New Premium Hatch In A SUV obsessed World
Not just India as the rest of the world is going gaga for SUVs especially the below 4 m and the above 4m space. So, where does it leave the hatchbacks? Well, the lack of launches have further stagnated the segment but Tata Motors doesn't think so and has brought out its heavily facelifted Altroz. The New Altroz gets a different look, better interiors and more technology while the engine options remain although the petrol gains a new AMT option.
Where the Altroz scores undoubtedly looks as it's even better looking now. The new look front end is sharper with the slimmer LED headlights with the new DRLs, new bumpers and grille while more aerodynamics have been added in too. Elsewhere, there are new alloys although at 16 inch size only while now it gets flush door handles with a light function. This adds to the clean look and the rear too has a connected lighting setup. Hence, it's a major styling change and we think it looks even better now plus there are new colours too.
Inside, the doors open wide with 90 degree which enables it to have fantastic egress/ingress. The cabin has a three layer look while the Curvv like dashboard is clean looking as well. There is a larger 10.25 inch touchscreen, a new two spoke steering, a touch panel below the screen which wakes up when you start the car plus more.
Compared to the previous Altroz, interiors are much better and feel tougher. Feature additions include a 360 degree camera with a crisp resolution, blind view monitor with a central screen display, wireless connectivity. The 8 speaker Harman audio system sounds good too. However, we would have liked ventilated seats but you do get a sunroof.
Even the seats are new and we can say that they are comfortable while space is quite good although there is no middle headrest at the back. The boot is also the biggest in class and betters some sub 4m SUVs.
As said earlier, the new Altroz continues with the petrol, CNG and diesel options. We drove the diesel manual. Being the only diesel, that's a unique proposition and here the engine is a 1.5 litre unit with 90 bhp and only available in a manual. The engine isn't very audible at low speeds and it is tractable with a good amount of torque.
The manual gearbox though has a longer throw and could have been slicker although the clutch is light. It is comfortable to cruise around and efficiency is also very good being a diesel although an automatic option should have been provided. While the steering is light, it is direct but the toughness plus the suspension impressed us more. It tackles bad roads with ease and only with a small firmness but the ride overall is compliant while not feeling fragile for our roads.
The new Altroz maintains it's strengths which is space, comfort and toughness but now is even better looking than before and has more features. The diesel, which has less appeal today still makes sense for the efficiency and the performance with no other hatchback offering this combination. However, Tata Motors could have added more features and an automatic option to complete the package but as it is, the Altroz is an appealing alternative to SUVs.
What we like- looks, space, 360 degree camera, toughness, ground clearance
What we don't - no diesel automatic option, no ventilated seats
Also read : All New Toyota RAV4 Makes Sense For India
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