Tata Altroz, Altroz Racer, value, assessment, inside, efficiency, mileage – Introduction

At a time when producers are giving up on hatchbacks, Tata Motors is striving to breathe new life into the phase with its performance-oriented Altroz Racer, which aspires to catch the flamboyant of driving fans.

The Altroz Racer is the corporate’s second efficiency hatchback after the Tiago JTP it bought between 2018 and 2020. And just like the Tiago JTP, the Altroz Racer contains a turbo-petrol engine with a handbook gearbox together with tweaked mechanical bits and racier aesthetics that improve its sportiness quotient. Priced between Rs 9.49 lakh and Rs 10.99 lakh, the Altroz Racer undercuts its chief rival, the Hyundai i20 N Line (MT), by round Rs 50,000.

Tata Altroz Racer exterior, floor clearance

Differentiating the Altroz Racer from the usual model are three unique dual-tone paint choices: Atomic Orange, Avenue White and Pure Gray, all of which include a blackened bonnet, mirrors, pillars, 16-inch alloys and roof. And whereas the Altroz bears a universally interesting design, the vinyl racing stripe on the Racer’s bonnet and roof will divide opinions. The Racer additionally will get a brand new roof spoiler. An LED remedy within the headlamps and back lights might have added a contact of modernity.

The racing stripe vinyl is more likely to divide opinions.

These apart, the Racer’s design, dimensions and floor clearance of 165mm (unladen) are similar to the usual model.

Tata Altroz Racer inside, options

Regardless of the outside color, the Racer has a black inside peppered with splashes of orange, together with the ambient lighting. ‘Racer’ embroidered into the headrests and orange stitching on the seats and steering additionally really feel particular. The highest-spec Racer additionally options segment-first ventilated entrance seats, which is able to quickly be out there with the usual model.

Section-first ventilated entrance seats; can be out there in the usual Altroz vary quickly.

There’s a big touchscreen borrowed from the Nexon, with a 360-degree digital camera, wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and linked automotive options. A lot to our delight, the system performs seamlessly, andthesound high quality and digital camera show are top-notch. Even the instrument cluster is new, however the viewing choices are restricted; the tachometer with thick bars isn’t simple to grasp. The gear lever, shared with automobiles just like the Nexon and Harrier, feels budget-grade—positively unfit of being in a hatchback with a sporty tag.

Prime quality 360-degree digital camera show on the newer, bigger display.

There’s a sunroof, too, which limits entrance headroom. A six-footer will discover their head brushing towards the roof even with the driving force’s seat adjusted to its lowest place. Area on the rear is sufficient by phase requirements, and a flat flooring and affordable width make accommodating a 3rd passenger attainable. Annoyingly, there aren’t load sensors on the rear, so the seatbelts will have to be clasped within the absence of passengers, or else the alert will beep for just a few seconds firstly of each journey.

Tata Altroz Racer efficiency

The 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine debuted within the Altroz iTurbo variant. Nonetheless, as a result of sure packaging challenges, it was detuned to 110hp and 140Nm and mated to a five-speed handbook gearbox. Three years later, Tata engineers have discovered a means round the issue. Lastly, the output matches the Nexon’s 120hp, 170Nm, and the engine is paired with a 6-speed handbook gearbox. However it isn’t only a cut-and-paste job. For faster acceleration within the Altroz Racer, this engine’s energy supply has been tweaked and its gear ratios shortened. Furthermore, there aren’t any drive modes such because the iTurbo or the usual model; as a substitute, the default setting is ‘Sport’ mode.

Throttle responses are crisp. From the get-go, the engine feels desirous to make an impression. You’ll actually take pleasure in this 1.2’s linear but speedy energy supply, and its candy spot is between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. In comparison with the iTurbo, the engine spins extra freely and revs greater. Whereas the previous maxed its revs at 5,500rpm, the Racer spins to six,000rpm or barely greater, however it isn’t attainable to know the precise RPM because of the unintuitive digital tachometer.

Nexon’s 120hp 1.2L turbo petrol engine has been tweaked for stronger efficiency.

Total, the Altroz Racer’s engine feels smoother, and flat spots and inconsistencies within the rev vary aren’t as outstanding because the iTurbo’s. Additionally good is a bassy burble from the sporty muffler at low speeds, however at greater revs, its engine’s three-cylinder thrum overshadows its exhaust be aware.

For a point-to-point commuter, the Racer’s 6-speed handbook does the job, however driving fans will detest its lengthy throws and clunky shifts. These really feel notably disappointing whereas driving in a spirited method. As compared, the i20 N Line’s slick 6-speed handbook is in a distinct league altogether. The Racer now will get a hydraulically-operated clutch, which has a really snappy nature and warrants cautious modulation for a smoother drive. In reality, the Racer’s far-from-perfect handbook gearbox and clutch make you yearn for an computerized, and also you’d marvel why Tata didn’t provide a dual-clutch computerized alongside, particularly since it’s out there with the usual petrol Altroz and Nexon.

Primary-looking gear lever appears misplaced in a automotive with a sporty pretence.

We strapped on our GPS-based timing gear, and one of the best 0-100kph run we managed was 12.05 seconds. A degree to notice is that, like all trendy Tatas, you’ll be able to’t flip off the ESP within the Racer. Therefore, aggressive launches aren’t attainable. It’s actually faster than the outgoing iTurbo’s 12.82 seconds. Nonetheless, its rival, the i20 N Line handbook, makes the 0-100kph dash in simply 10.66 seconds.

However in comparison with the outgoing iTurbo, the Racer’s efficiency is significantly better. Its rolling acceleration time of 10.41 seconds for 20–80kph within the third gear and 13.45 seconds for 40–100kph within the fourth gears faster than the outgoing iTurbo’s 11.52 and 17.3 seconds, respectively. Just like the iTurbo, the Racer’s high velocity is 165kph as per our take a look at gear (however 175kph as per the speedometer).

*Assessments to not Autocar India requirements

We’ve nothing however reward for the Altroz’s taut chassis and glorious driving manners. Because of minor tweaks to the steering ratio and spring price, the Racer’s experience and dealing with steadiness will most actually bowl you over. It feels tailored for our roads, with maybe one of the best suspension tuning amongst all trendy hatchbacks. It flattens highway irregularities and imperfections in its stride, infusing a great deal of confidence in any respect speeds. Its steering is direct, and the frontend feels sharp and really keen to alter course. Additionally, its ESP is beautifully calibrated and permits you to push the automotive to its limits earlier than the electronics dial down the enjoyable. Mechanical grip is commendable, too, though the MRF tyres squeal and protest a good bit whereas tackling corners. Its brake setup, with discs within the entrance and drums on the rear, is carried ahead from the usual model, and the braking efficiency stays sturdy.

Dynamically, the Racer is likely one of the greatest hatchbacks round.
 

Tata Altroz Racer verdict

Regardless that Tata Motors showcased the Altroz Racer idea on the Auto Expo 2023, it took its time to deliver the automotive to manufacturing. So, one anticipated the corporate to place its greatest foot ahead and canopy all of the bases. However that isn’t the case.

First, there’s no computerized possibility, which is an enormous miss. Then, the Racer’s 6-speed handbook gearbox feels clunky, and the clutch is snappy, which kills the enjoyment of driving a handbook. That’s a disgrace as a result of its experience and dealing with steadiness is spot on, simply one of the best at school. Complementing its chassis is the sleek and peppy 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine.

For a performance-oriented hatchback, its 12sec 0-100kph acceleration time is not very sporty.

Furthermore, the Altroz Racer is a sorted package deal with segment-first ventilated seats in addition to in-demand options similar to a sunroof and 360-degree digital camera. It is vitally nicely outfitted and fairly priced, too. In abstract, the Altroz Racer has so much going for it, and when you can stay with its flawed handbook setup, it is likely one of the most dynamically succesful hatchbacks round.

Additionally see:

Tata Altroz Racer video review

Tata Altroz Racer automatic on the cards

Tata Harrier, Nexon, Altroz get up to Rs 55,000 off on MY24 stocks this month

Tata Altroz gets more features, two new trims launched