Tata Altroz
 |
| Image Courtesy: carwale.com |
What? First the Harrier, and now the Altroz? I had to spell check it twice to get it right. It sounds stupid. Altroz. You sound so pretentious saying that you have a Tata Altorz. Sorry, Altroz. Come up with some better names Tata. Anyway, back to the review. This is Tata's attempt at a segment that used to dominate the Indian car market, the premium hatchback segment. Its an especially important car for Tata since its the first one to use the Alpha platform, which will underpin many future Tata Cars. So there's a lot resting on its sculpted shoulders. Let's see how it deals with the expectancies...
Note Worthy
 |
| Image Courtesy: carwale.com |
|
The Looks! : I Like! I Like very much! Tata has been dishing out some very appealing cars in the last few years, and this has to be the best of the lot. Its Edgy, modern, but not overdone (*cough-toyota- cough*). The black belt line, the wrap around lights, the beautiful rear section, complete with black highlights all look individualistic but cohesive. Excuse me for putting way too many pics...
 |
| Image Courtesy: carwale.com |
|
The Ride and Handling : This has become a Tata Stronghold. The car has a well judged suspension and a sweet steering. Its quite the joy to drive. This does not come at the cost of terrible low speed characteristics. Its rounds off potholes pretty well, although there is a slight firmness to the ride, its more reassuring rather than uncomfortable.
The Diesel Motor : The 1.5 L 4 cylinder Diesel from the Nexon at a lower state of tune (90 hp and 200 Nm of torque) is refined and quite tractable. The engine's power delivery is more linear rather than punchy, which means its quite good for the daily grind. The clutch is light, but the gearbox is not that great since it does not respond well to quick gear changes.
 |
| Image Courtesy: carwale.com |
|
Not Worthy
The petrol motor: Sigh! A 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine from Tata performs exactly as you would expect it to. Poorly. There's no much power anywhere. Its also not that efficient either. Stick a turbo in it will you? Throw in an automatic transmission while you're at it. It's 2020, everybody wants an automatic option.
Mixed Bag Fit and Finish: The Interior is functional, simple and clean. But the fit and finish of some of the parts are just not up to the mark.
 |
| Image Courtesy: carwale.com |
|
The name. Its ALTROZ-IOUS! Did you think I forgot about that?
Things to Note
Equipment on offer: All variants get ABS and 2 airbags, along with two driving modes. The 7 inch touch screen is not available on the XE and XM variants as standard, but can be specced by opting for the "Rhythm Pack". The top end variant is loaded with features... if it was released two years ago. It misses out on key features like connected car features, traction control or wireless charging.
 |
| Image Courtesy: carwale.com |
|
 |
| Image Courtesy: carwale.com |
Practicality: There's a lot of space wherever you sit. There are plenty of cubby holes and the moderately sized boot. The seats itself have well judged cushioning and are wide enough to seat three people abreast. It also has a 5 star N-Cap rating, which is a big surprise for a car weighing a little over a ton. Kudos to the Alpha platform.
Which Varinat do I buy?
 |
| Image Courtesy: carwale.com |
|
The standard XT variant alone provides all the necessary features including the infotainment system. Adding the Luxe pack for Rs 10,000 gives you the Alloy Wheels and the good looking contrast roof, so not really that much. The XM with the Rhythm Pack is also a good take, since it gives you almost everything you need. Whatever you do, don't buy the XS (o) option. Its a waste.
Note: Wait for the 1.2 L turbo petrol and the Dual Clutch Automatic Version which would iron out the glaring faults of this Version.
Comments
Post a Comment