Tata Altroz is expected to put on a strong show against premium hatchbacks like Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Elite i20
Tata Motors kicked off 2019 with a bang as it launched the long-awaited Harrier premium SUV based on the H5X concept in January. The homegrown auto major is preparing to make a strong impact in yet another popular segment by the middle of this year as the Altroz premium hatchback has been teased for the first time.
The Mumbai-headquartered brand had a phenomenal 2018 by outgrowing the industry in overall sales volume and announced its intention to be present in 90 per cent of the accessible volume space. The Altroz is part of that strategy and it debuted in near-production avatar at the 2019 Geneva Motor earlier this year.
The Altroz is based on the 45X concept displayed at 2018 Auto Expo but toned down to a conventional appearance. It is the second vehicle adorning the Impact Design 2.0 philosophy that premiered in the five-seater Harrier. Tata will be launching the seven-seater version of the Harrier later this year and it could be christened as Cassini. Ahead of its arrival, Tata will introduce the Altroz.
The premium hatchback will compete against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo. The Baleno has been an undisputed best-seller in its segment in recent times and the Altroz could instigate a close rivalry.
The GOT themed teaser says “Altroz is coming” and it has been released officially following a road-going prototype of the Altroz was spotted at the brand’s manufacturing plant suggesting that the production could have already begun. The Altroz will be offered in two petrol and one diesel engine options. Lower variants will get 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol from Tiago making 85 hp with balancer shaft to reduce engines vibrations.
The higher variants will be treated with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine from Nexon developing 102 hp and 140 Nm while the 1.5-litre diesel motor from the compact SUV is reportedly detuned to pump out close to 90 horsepower in the Altroz. Expect five-speed manual and AMT transmission to be sold right from the get-go.