A speculative rendering shows what the Tata Altroz NRG, a Tiago NRG-inspired model, could look like in the real life
The Tata Altroz was unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show recently. The latest small car from the Indian automaker is the production version of the 45X concept that was shown at the Auto Expo 2018 in February last year. Hatchbacks have been traditional hot-sellers but with the SUV trend fast catching up, many companies have been sprucing up their hatchbacks to look as rugged as a small SUV.
One such model is the Tata Tiago NRG, which has served as the inspiration for the artist of this Tata Altroz NRG rendering. The Tata Altroz is its company’s second all-new model to be designed as per the IMPACT 2.0 philosophy. It looks a lot like the 45X concept but has been scaled down to measure less than 4 metres long.
Also, some of the details of the concept, like the handle-less doors and the huge alloy wheels, have been replaced with more conventional features like smaller wheels and pillar-mounted door handles at the rear. As per the rendering, the Tata Altroz NRG would retain the design cues but will sport new bits to look more rugged and bold.
As with the Tiago NRG, the Altroz version has been imagined with higher ground clearance, a black plastic cladding at its lower section, and a new set of wheels. The interior isn’t seen in the speculative rendering but you can expect it to see an upholstery change and a new trim to go with the more rugged exterior if such a model ever goes in production.
The Tata Altroz will be available with a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine. It is being said that there will be no diesel engine option on offer but Tata Motors, which has been traditionally strong in the diesel car market, could offer a Nexon-sourced 1.5-litre oil-burner with a 5-speed manual transmission.
By the end of the decade, the Tata Altroz will even receive an electric powertrain that will offer a driving range of up to 300 km. The petrol and diesel versions should launch by July this year and have an entry-level price of Rs 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The new model will compete with the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, and Honda Jazz.