Tata Altroz

Engines, mileage, and running cost

The All New Altroz is one of the most powertrain-diverse hatchbacks on sale in India. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol produces 88 hp and 115 Nm, and is available with a 5-speed manual, a 5-speed AMT, or a 7-speed DCT — the last being a segment rarity at this price point. The 1.5-litre diesel makes 90 hp and a substantial 200 Nm of torque, nearly double the petrol's figure, and is paired exclusively with the 5-speed manual for now. The factory-fitted 1.2-litre iCNG produces 74 hp and 103 Nm, and since May 2026 is also available with an AMT, making the Altroz one of the very few hatchbacks to offer an automatic with CNG.

On fuel efficiency, the 1.2-litre petrol returns an ARAI-certified figure of approximately 19.4 km/l with the manual gearbox. The diesel claims up to 26.2 km/l, and the CNG variant is rated at up to 27.8 km/kg (claimed). Running costs on CNG are particularly attractive given current fuel prices, and the factory fitment means no boot-space compromise beyond the CNG tank packaging, which reduces usable boot space to 210 litres versus 345 litres on petrol and diesel variants.

For city buyers, the AMT variants offer a no-fuss automatic experience at a modest premium over the manual. The DCT on the Creative S and Accomplished Plus S petrol variants adds paddle shifters and a monostable gear shifter, delivering a more engaging drive without the torque-converter's fuel penalty.

Performance and drive

The 1.2-litre petrol is smooth and refined, well-suited to urban commuting, though it can feel stretched on expressways when fully loaded. The DCT variant picks up the slack with quicker gear changes and a noticeably sportier character, particularly in Sport drive mode. Eco mode softens throttle response and is useful in stop-and-go traffic.

The 1.5-litre diesel is the torque king of the range, with 200 Nm making it feel effortlessly quick in the mid-range — ideal for highway cruising or carrying a full complement of passengers. Autocar India's review notes the diesel can be audibly clattery at idle, a trait common to small-displacement diesel engines, though it settles at speed. The ALFA Architecture's rigid UHSS body contributes to a composed, planted ride quality, and the suspension tuning strikes a reasonable balance between comfort and handling.

The CNG variants are predictably softer in performance terms — 74 hp and 103 Nm — but the AMT option removes the fatigue of manual gear changes in city traffic, which is the primary use case for CNG buyers.

Cabin, space, and tech

The All New Altroz's interior is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The Grand Prestigia dashboard uses a three-tone colour scheme with soft-touch painted finishes, and the CentraLuxe console adds a centre armrest with practical storage — a feature the earlier Altroz conspicuously lacked. Galaxy ambient lighting, metallic inner door handles, and a Smart Digital Steering Wheel with subtle illumination give the cabin a premium feel that punches above its price bracket.

Higher trims get a 10.25-inch HARMAN touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wired standard, wireless on top variants), paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver's display. A voice-assisted electric sunroof, 360-degree HD surround-view system, wireless charging pad, and rear seat armrest with twin cup holders are available from the Accomplished S trim upward. The Executive Lounge rear seats with extended under-thigh support improve long-distance comfort for rear passengers.

Boot space is 345 litres on petrol and diesel variants — rated by Autocar India as the best in this class. The five-door body with 90-degree opening doors makes loading and unloading easier than most rivals. The car measures 3,990 mm long, 1,755 mm wide, and 1,523 mm tall, on a 2,501 mm wheelbase, with a 37-litre fuel tank.

Safety and ADAS

Safety is the Altroz's strongest suit. It earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, scoring 29.65 out of 32.00 in Adult Occupant Protection and 44.90 out of 49.00 in Child Occupant Protection — the highest scores in its segment as of the September 2025 test. Crucially, the 5-star rating applies across petrol, diesel, and CNG variants.

Six airbags are standard across the entire range, as is Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The ALFA Architecture's UHSS body structure provides a strong safety foundation. Additional standard safety equipment includes TPMS, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear defogger, rain-sensing wipers, and an SOS calling function (E-Call/B-Call). Select higher variants add a 360-degree HD surround-view system for low-speed manoeuvring. The Altroz does not offer a forward collision warning or autonomous emergency braking system in the conventional ADAS sense, but its passive safety credentials are class-leading.

Variants and pricing

The All New Altroz is available in 27 variants across seven trims. The entry Smart Petrol MT starts at ₹6.00 lakh (ex-showroom), while the range-topping Accomplished Plus S Petrol DCT is priced at ₹10.75 lakh. The Smart CNG MT is priced at ₹7.30 lakh, making it an affordable factory-CNG entry point. The Creative S DCT petrol sits at ₹9.65 lakh, and the Accomplished S Petrol DCT at ₹10.50 lakh. Diesel variants run from ₹8.30 lakh (Pure Diesel MT) to ₹10.45 lakh (Accomplished S Diesel MT). CNG AMT variants — launched May 2026 — start at ₹8.69 lakh.

The trim ladder progresses from Smart → Pure → Pure S → Creative → Creative S → Accomplished S → Accomplished Plus S. Key step-ups include: AMT availability from Pure trim, the sunroof and 360-degree camera from Accomplished S, and the DCT from Creative S. All variants get six airbags and ESP as standard.

How it compares

Against the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Altroz counters with a diesel engine option, a DCT automatic, a stronger safety rating, and a more premium interior. The Baleno holds an edge in resale value and fuel efficiency on the petrol. Versus the Hyundai i20, the Altroz matches it on features at comparable price points and surpasses it on safety ratings, while the i20 offers a turbo-petrol option the Altroz does not. The Honda Elevate is a crossover rather than a direct rival, but buyers considering it for its safety credentials should note the Altroz's 5-star BNCAP score.

The Altroz's diesel is a genuine differentiator — no other mainstream hatchback in this segment currently offers a diesel engine. The factory CNG-AMT combination, introduced in May 2026, is another segment-first that broadens its appeal to fleet and high-mileage urban buyers.

Who should buy it

The Tata Altroz is the right choice for buyers who prioritise safety above all else — the 5-star Bharat NCAP rating is the best in class and applies to every powertrain. It suits families who want a premium hatchback with genuine diesel efficiency for long highway runs, or city commuters who want the running-cost benefits of CNG without sacrificing the convenience of an automatic gearbox. The DCT petrol variants appeal to enthusiast buyers who want a more engaging drive in a practical hatchback. Buyers who clock high annual mileage will find the CNG AMT variants particularly compelling on a total cost of ownership basis.