Specification	1.2L NA Petrol	1.2L CNG	1.5L Diesel
Engine	1.2L Revotron three-cylinder	1.2L Revotron iCNG	1.5L Revotorq four-cylinder turbo
Displacement	1199 cc	1199 cc	1497 cc
Power	87 bhp at 6000 rpm	72 bhp (CNG) / 87 bhp (petrol)	89 bhp at 4000 rpm
Torque	115 Nm at 3250 rpm	103 Nm (CNG) / 115 Nm (petrol)	200 Nm at 1250-3000 rpm
Transmission	5MT / 5AMT / 6DCT	5MT only	5MT only
Suspension (F)	MacPherson struts
Suspension (R)	Twist beam
Brakes (F)	Disc
Brakes (R)	Drum
Ground Clearance	165 mm

The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated Revotron is the most broadly available engine in the Altroz range and the one most buyers will choose. 

Producing 87 bhp and 115 Nm, it produces adequate performance for city use and relaxed highway cruising. The engine is refined at low to moderate revs and pulls cleanly without demanding frequent gear changes in traffic. At higher revs, the three-cylinder character becomes more audible, and the Altroz in this configuration is not as eager on the highway as the 4-cylinder engines in its rivals and similarly priced cars. 

The naturally aspirated character suits the car's everyday role well and is not a limitation in typical urban and suburban driving.

The 5-speed AMT, new with the 2025 facelift, is a practically useful addition. It is calibrated smoothly for the Altroz's weight and engine output, though the inherent low-speed hesitation of the AMT format is present during slow crawling. For buyers who want automatic convenience without the DCT's cost premium, the AMT is a worthwhile choice.

The 6-speed DCT on the higher trims is the more rewarding gearbox in the range. Gear changes are quick and smooth, the DCT holds appropriate ratios during spirited driving, and the overall powertrain character with the 6-speed is noticeably more engaging than with the manual or AMT. Drive modes (Eco, City, Sport) are available on the Accomplished+ S, with Sport sharpening throttle response and steering weight. 

Again, despite the better driving experience of the DCT, this petrol engine does not like being pushed, and it is best driven with smooth throttle inputs, regardless of the transmission.

The 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel is a four-cylinder turbocharged unit producing 89 bhp and a strong 200 Nm from just 1250 rpm. 

In daily driving, the diesel's broad torque delivery makes the Altroz feel effortlessly capable under full passenger load unlike the petrol, and at highway speeds it cruises with less engine effort. Refinement is adequate, with the typical diesel clatter present at idle, but it settles down at speed, and vibrations through the steering and floor are manageable for a car in this class. 

The diesel is only available with a 5-speed manual and is limited to the Pure, Creative S, and Accomplished S trims. 

The CNG variant uses the petrol engine in bi-fuel configuration, and makes 72 bhp and 103 Nm, which is sufficient for city use but further dulls performance. The 60-litre twin-tank setup, featuring two small tanks of 30 litres each placed under the boot, reduces boot space to 210 litres, which is the most significant practical trade-off of these variants. Though, space remains decent and usable as compared to other CNG rivals.

Ride and Handling

The Altroz's ride quality is one of the segment's consistent strengths. Its ALFA platform provides a rigidity that translates into a settled, composed feel over road imperfections, and the suspension absorbs potholes and broken surfaces without the secondary bounce that less rigid platforms can produce. 

High-speed stability is confident, and the car tracks well on highway surfaces without demanding constant correction. 

The steering remains light and easy to twirl in the city and self centres well, though it is not as effortless as the Maruti Baleno or Hyundai i20. However, it weighs up very well as speeds build, offering a reassuring and secure feel while cruising on highways. Where the steering makes up for being heavier in the city is in its feel and feedback. While not outright sporty or engaging as an i20 N Line, it is noticeably more precise and feels more connected than the standard i20 and the Baleno.

The naturally aspirated petrol's ARAI claimed figures in the 19 km/l range are competitive for the segment, with the DCT returning slightly less than the manual due to the added mechanical complexity of the gearbox. Busy city driving in real world conditions see figures of around 12-13 km/l, with highway cruising returning around 16-20 km/l, close to the claimed figure.

The diesel's 23.64 km/l ARAI figure is the standout in the range and the highest of any diesel hatchback currently on sale in India. Real-world highway returns of 17 to 21 km/l make it one of the most economical hatchbacks to run for high-mileage users who cover long distances regularly. 

The CNG variant's 26.20 km/kg ARAI figure makes it the most economical powertrain in the Altroz at current CNG prices. Close to 20 km/l is achievable in city driving conditions, with highway runs raising that to nearly 35 km/kg. 

The 37-litre fuel tank capacity is on par with its rivals. CNG variants get a twin-tank setup totalling 60 litres.

The Altroz's interior received a thorough update with the facelift, moving away from the darker, more conventional cabin of its predecessor to a lighter, more premium-feeling dual-tone theme. 

The dashboard design uses a layered approach with horizontal lines, a free-standing infotainment screen in upper trims, soft-touch materials on the upper dashboard surface, and textured accents that give the cabin a quality that holds up on close inspection.

The two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, first seen on the Nexon facelift, brings a premium-feeling element to even the lower Altroz trims. In the Accomplished S and above, the steering wheel is leather wrapped, and the steering mounted controls are backlit, adding to the premium feel.

In the Creative variant and above, the 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is well-positioned and responds with good speed. The interface, while competent, is not as visually polished as the Hyundai i20's screen. The fully digital instrument cluster provides clear readouts and customisable display modes. Below Creative, the Pure and Pure S use a 7-inch touchscreen and a semi-digital cluster, which are adequate but notably simpler.

Ventilated front seats from the Creative variant are a genuine practical benefit in Indian summers. The wireless charger, ambient lighting, and auto climate control from the same variant collectively raise the cabin experience to a level that competes with the segment's best.

The 9-speaker JBL audio system from the Accomplished S is among the better factory installations available in a premium hatchback. Sound quality, particularly at medium to high volumes, is a clear step above the 6-speaker unit in the Creative and Creative S.

Front seat comfort is good. The cushioning is well-judged for both short commutes and longer journeys, and the taller ALFA platform provides more headroom than the segment average. 

The rear seat is a genuine highlight, with shoulder room that is wider than most segment rivals, and legroom for average-height adults is comfortable. Three adults across the rear bench is more feasible than its rivals, and the rear seat recline mechanism available in upper trims adds practical comfort for longer trips.

The 345-litre boot is the Altroz's most practically significant advantage. It is larger than the Baleno (318 litres) and the i20 (311 litres), and can accommodate three full-size suitcases without requiring creative loading. The low loading lip and wide aperture makes it genuinely easy to use on trips.

Cabin material quality is one of the Altroz's consistent strengths. The upper dashboard's soft-touch surfaces, the leatherette seat covers from the Creative trim, and the consistent panel fit give the cabin a premium feel. Some lower trim variants use harder plastics in lower door panels and the lower console, which is a visible cost trade-off but does not undermine the overall impression in upper trims.

The Altroz since its launch has been one of the best looking hatchbacks, and its 2025 facelift continued that legacy. 

Its sports a sharp front fascia with swept back headlamps with new eyebrow-shaped LED daytime running lights, a piano black grille with horizontal slats, an angular front bumper with a wider lower air intake and fog lamps on the extreme ends.

Flush door handles are a segment-first, and enhance its clean side profile, and the turn indicators were finally moved from the fenders to the ORVMs with the facelift. The 16-inch alloys, though decent looking, are a clear downgrade from the pre facelift model in my opinion.

At the rear, interconnected LED tail lamps spanning the full width of the tailgate are the most visually distinctive element. 

The light bar-style treatment gives the Altroz a presence that reads as premium on the road and is a design execution that outpaces what the Baleno or i20 manage at the rear. The boot lid incorporates a subtle spoiler element that contributes to the car's clean, well-resolved side-to-rear transition.

Its 165 mm ground clearance is the lowest figure in the segment. On well-maintained urban roads this is a manageable figure, but it requires a more careful approach on steep speed breakers and rough rural surfaces.

The Altroz is offered in five colour options, namely Dune Glow, Ember Glow, Pure Grey, Royal Blue, and Pristine White.

The Altroz's five-star Bharat NCAP rating and six airbags standard across every variant from the base Smart are the safety package's two most important attributes. The pre-facelift Altroz also received a Global NCAP five-star rating under GNCAP's older testing protocols.

In the premium hatchback segment, no direct rival currently matches both. The Maruti Baleno received a four-star BNCAP rating, while the Hyundai i20 scored 3 stars in its Global NCAP test.

ESP, hill hold, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX mounts are also standard across the full range, providing a solid active safety baseline at even the entry Smart trim. TPMS is available from the Creative variant. 

The 360-degree camera from the Creative variant is a useful addition for a wide car in urban parking situations.

The one notable safety gap across the Altroz range is the absence of ADAS features. 

While most buyers do not expect ADAS in this segment, Maruti now offers it in the Baleno's top-end variants, and Honda entered the game first by doing the same with the third generation of the Amaze.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the segment's bestselling premium hatchback and the Altroz's primary rival by volume. 

Its 2026 facelift brought multiple updates, including a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z-series petrol engine, a 5-speed AMT option for both petrol and CNG, ventilated front seats from the Zeta variant, Level 2 ADAS on the top Alpha(O) trim, and a sunroof from select variants. All of this, combined with Maruti's unmatched national service network and resale value track record make it a default pick for most buyers. 

The Altroz leads the Baleno on interior design and feel, boot space, diesel availability, and crash safety credentials. 

For buyers who weigh long-term ownership practicality and running costs, the Baleno remains a strong alternative. For those who want the diesel, a large boot, or the most comprehensively safe base variant, the Altroz makes a compelling case.

The Hyundai i20 leads the segment when it comes to features and refinement. The i20 offers a smoother four cylinder petrol engine as opposed to three cylinders in most of its rivals, a CVT automatic option, a more premium feeling interior, better tech, and Hyundai's reliable after-sales service experience. 

It does not offer a diesel, received a three star GNCAP safety rating, and gets a smaller 311-litre boot.

Buyers who prioritise a smooth and refined driving experience should favour the i20, and those who prioritise safety, luggage practicality, and diesel efficiency should pick the Altroz.

The Toyota Glanza shares the Baleno's platform and other underpinnings. Unlike the Baleno, the Glanza still gets the four cylinder K12 engine which is the segment benchmark for offering peppy performance and refinement, which the Altroz lacks in comparison. It also carries Toyota's service and reliability assurance. 

The Altroz counters with its diesel engine, a DCT option, better crash safety ratings, and a longer feature list. 

For buyers who want Toyota's badge and ownership experience in a premium hatchback, the Glanza is worth considering. The Altroz should be the default pick for those requiring a diesel, large boot space (usable even in CNG), and reassuring safety.

The Tata Altroz makes its case on a combination of safety, practicality, and powertrain breadth that no direct rival can match simultaneously.

Five-star Bharat NCAP with six airbags as standard from the base, 345 litres of boot space that outpaces every hatchback and many compact SUVs in this price range, a diesel engine option that all its rivals have long abandoned, a 360-degree camera and ventilated seats from the mid Creative trim, and a 9-speaker JBL audio system at the top are segment-leading features.

An unexciting petrol engine without a turbo petrol option, low 165 mm ground clearance, no diesel automatic option, and Tata's inconsistent service experience are its main limitations.  

The diesel Creative S is the most compelling sweet spot in the range for buyers who cover significant monthly mileage, offering diesel running costs, a large touchscreen, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and 360-degree camera, the DCT as an additional gearbox option, and a 345-litre boot. 

The Accomplished+ S DCT is the Altroz at its most accomplished, pairing the JBL audio, connected car tech, air purifier, and drive modes with the 6-speed DCT's smooth driving experience. 

For buyers who want the sunroof without the top trim's price, the Creative S in manual or AMT petrol offers the best balance of features and value across the range.