KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Tata Altroz facelift launched at Rs. 6.89 lakhs
- Gets a petrol, petrol+CNG, and a diesel powertrain options
- Comes with modern features like a sunroof, 65W fast charging, and more
Tata Altroz facelift has been launched after a long while at a starting price of Rs. 6.89 lakhs, making up for an extremely well-rounded package when it seemed like it could be the end of the road for it. It takes the upgrades to a whole new level, be it exteriors or the tech-laden cabin that offers a 360-degree camera, a fast 65W fast charger even for the rear seat passengers, a slew of engine and transmission choices, and whatnot. But even then, as you know, no car is perfect, and there seem to be some things that we desired the Altro could've offered, to make it an even better offering. In this section, that's exactly what we are going to talk about, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community of avid petrolheads to never miss out on any latest news and automotive updates.
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1. Ventilated Seats From The Altroz Racer
The Tata Altroz facelift has put its best foot forward, and you have to give it to Tata, the styling is on point and hits the right spot where a premium hatchback should strike. Not just its exteriors, the cabin space is where the brand has pushed for achieving a plush experience. And to be honest, this has to be one of the best out there, with its styling and the feature set on offer. But it skips out, surprisingly, on the seat ventilation. Now, you might say that it is too much to ask from a hatchback, considering where it evolved from, but the Altroz Racer already offers this feature. I think, if the Altroz offered this as well, it would have been a stronger statement, especially for the in-cabin experience.
2. A Diesel Mill But With Just A Manual
Now, the Tata Altroz offers a comprehensive suite of engine options and gearbox combinations. It now comes with a petrol, petrol + CNG, and a diesel mill, which, for reference, is the last of its kind, a diesel hatchback. While everything else is all good and a diesel mill needs all the appreciation to be the last man standing in its class, it misses out on an automatic transmission. This engine already does duty on the Nexon and is offered with a DCT gearbox, so an inclusion here could have sweetened the deal. But even then, the diesel fanboys have something to cheer about.
3. Heads-Up Display
Another feature that could have taken the Altroz to near perfection is a heads-up display unit, which its rival, the Maruti Baleno, offers. This is a nice little addition that is small in size, but has a very functional usability for the driver who can check important details right off the windscreen in front, without having to move their eyes off the road. This is yet another feature that the Altroz could utilise, but for now, let's just be hopeful for when its next update comes.
4. CNG Automatic: Tata Already Offers This, But Not Here!
Tata, a while ago, made the choice to introduce an AMT gearbox with the CNG models of the Tata Tiago and the Tata Tigor, which offered a good mix of convenience and fuel economy. Interestingly, this combination is currently not available with the Altroz. However, I hope and expect this to be a part of the line-up a little later, but for now, it is what it is.
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5. No Diesel Or CNG With The Top-spec Accomplished + S Trim
The diesel is there with the Altroz, but if you want the guzzler with all the bells and whistles, you're in for a disappointment. While you already compromised with the more convenient DCA gearbox, the diesel is limited to just the second to top trim, the Accomplished S model. With that said, even if you splurge and go for the top-spec diesel trim, you will miss out on features like the 26.03 cm HD Digital Cluster with MAP View & Blind Spot Monitor, air purifier, connected car technology, customizable audio modes, and the SOS calling function. But interestingly, you don't even get an option for CNG with the top model, which makes it exclusive to just the 1.2L Revotron Petrol DCA option, rooting out even a manual gearbox from the scene. These restrictions on the combination make it a little tedious to work around, where a buyer tries to weigh in on what he/she can live without.
Verdict
This update is a well thought out package that puts the Altroz amongst the top tier contenders in its segment. There is no doubt that it has something for everyone, but with a lot of hits, there are some misses as well While its commendable how far the Altroz has come, the diesel fanboy inside is just as happy for the retention of the oil burner, if there were these little add-ons with the Altroz facelift, it could have been an even better package. But remember when at the starting I mentioned that no car is perfect, it stay true for each and every car out there, but at the same time, if it checks your boxes, it is the perfect car, for you!
