At a time when most automobile manufacturers are focusing on SUVs, Tata Motors has introduced a compelling addition to its premium hatchback lineup - the Tata Altroz Racer. Launched in 2020, the first Altroz marked Tata’s foray into the premium hatchback market. Now in 2024, the Altroz Racer is designed to appeal to enthusiasts craving performance without compromising practicality. Positioned as a sporty, performance driven variant, the car claims to deliver a true racing experience. So, I put it to the test to find out if the Racer truly has the prowess to ignite your driving passion.
What’s new in the Tata Altroz Racer?
Exterior Design: Sporty Elegance
The Tata Altroz stands out with aggressive styling and bold aesthetics but the changes on the Racer are purely cosmetic. The Racer variant boasts a pronounced front grille with a glossy black finish, sporty decals, a contrast black roof, and the Racer badging on the fenders, sitting on 16-inch black alloy wheels. The rear is equally stylish, with a new blacked-out spoiler and a I-Turbo+ badging on the tailgate but the downside is the halogen headlamps and taillamps.
The Altroz Racer is available in three body colour options as Atomic Orange, Avenue White, and Pure Grey, all with dual-tone treatment and racing stripes. Despite the sporty upgrades, the car maintains its size, with a marginal weight increase.
Altroz is built on the ALFA architecture, same as Punch and Tata is using this architecture to make many more of its future cars.
Interior: Premium and Sporty
Stepping inside, the Altroz Racer continues to impress with a cabin blending sportiness and comfort. The seats are upholstered in premium leather with contrast stitching and the Racer logo on the headrests. The dashboard features a carbon-fiber like finish, with orange accents around the AC vents and gearbox enhancing the racing vibe.
New Features
One of the key highlights is the addition of a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The display also doubles up as video screen for the 360-degree view cameras and the bind-spot monitor system.
The 360-degree camera and blind view monitor are available from R2 trim and above, while the top-spec R3 trim gets the air purifier system.
The top-spec Racer trim also gets iRA connected car technology, offering features like remote lock/unlock, geo-fencing, roadside assistance, and the Alexa car-to-home command function. Safety is prioritized with 3-point seatbelts, ISOFIX, ABS, electronic stability control, etc... The Altroz already holds a 5-star safety rating from the Global NCAP.
The Altroz Racer comes with six airbags as standard, coupled with 8 speaker sound system (4 speakers & 4 tweeters) that ensure your favorite tracks sound as thrilling as your drive feels.
Engine: Power Meets Precision
Under the hood, the Tata Altroz Racer is powered by a 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine that produces 120 PS at 5500 RPM and 170 Nm of torque between 1750 to 4000 RPM. This engine, borrowed from the Nexon facelift, is mated to a smooth 6-speed manual transmission, ensuring drivers can fully exploit its power. However, the lack of an automatic transmission option might be a deal-breaker for some. While the manual gearbox will appeal to enthusiasts, many consumers may prefer an automatic option, which Tata might consider introducing in the future.
Driving Experience: A Thrill on Wheels
The first drive of the Tata Altroz Racer leaves a lasting impression. One can feel a noticeable boost in the performance. The turbocharged engine offers brisk acceleration, making the drive experience a lot more fun. The car is a lot dynamic now and there is a greater sense of urgency in the power delivery. The suspension too has been stiffened up slightly to cope with the weight of the engine.
The electric power steering is one of the nicer units around and it inspires confidence at higher speeds. The clutch is light to operate, but there is more to the Altroz Racer than that.
Driving in the City
In the city, the Racer has very good drivability. On the highway, the Altroz Racer handles patchy roads and smaller potholes decently. Most of the time, the suspension does its job silently and isn't clunky or loud. On the open road, the Altroz Racer claims to hit from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds, which is a bit far from some hot hatches.
Driving on the Track
We pushed the car on a track and the Altroz Racer performed admirably, holding its line well through curves and corners, with well-controlled body roll and impressive grip. The car’s straight-line stability and high-speed manners are exceptional, making it a fast and effortless long-distance cruiser.
Introductory Price (Ex-showroom)
Verdict: A Racer with Everyday Practicality
The Tata Altroz Racer successfully combines sporty performance with everyday practicality. With its competitive pricing and an array of high-end features, the Tata Altroz Racer is ready to carve out a unique niche in the premium hatchback market. The only drawback is the absence of an automatic transmission option, which might deter some buyers. So, if you're a driving enthusiast seeking thrills or someone who appreciates a well-rounded hatchback, the Tata Altroz Racer is a compelling choice.
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