At a time when many manufacturers are shifting focus away from hatchbacks, Tata Motors is reinvigorating the segment with its performance-oriented Altroz Racer, aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts. The Altroz Racer, Tata’s second performance hatchback following the Tiago JTP (sold between 2018 and 2020), features a turbo-petrol engine, manual gearbox, and enhanced aesthetics that boost its sporty appeal. Priced between Rs 9.49 lakh and Rs 10.99 lakh, the Altroz Racer is approximately Rs 50,000 more affordable than its chief competitor, the Hyundai i20 N Line (MT).
Tata Altroz Racer Review
Contents
Tata Altroz Racer Exterior and Ground Clearance:
The Altroz Racer distinguishes itself from the standard Altroz with three exclusive dual-tone paint options: Atomic Orange, Avenue White, and Pure Grey. These come with a blackened bonnet, mirrors, pillars, 16-inch alloys, and roof. The vinyl racing stripe on the Racer’s bonnet and roof may polarize opinions, but it undeniably adds to the car’s sporty look. A new roof spoiler enhances its aerodynamic profile, though an LED treatment for the headlamps and tail lamps could have added a modern touch. The Racer’s design, dimensions, and unladen ground clearance of 165mm are identical to the standard version.
Tata Altroz Racer Interior and Features:
Inside, the Racer sports a black interior accented with splashes of orange, including ambient lighting. The headrests embroidered with ‘Racer’ and orange stitching on the seats and steering wheel add to the car’s unique character. The top-spec Racer features segment-first ventilated front seats, soon to be available in the standard version as well.
The Racer borrows a large touchscreen from the Nexon, featuring a 360-degree camera, wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and connected car features. The system performs seamlessly, with excellent sound quality and camera display. The new instrument cluster, however, has limited viewing options, and the thick-bar tachometer can be difficult to read. The gear lever, shared with the Nexon and Harrier, feels budget-grade, detracting from the sporty feel. The sunroof, while a nice touch, limits front headroom, making it uncomfortable for taller drivers. Rear space is adequate for the segment, with a flat floor and reasonable width accommodating a third passenger. The lack of rear load sensors means seatbelts must be clasped in the absence of passengers to avoid a beeping alert at the start of each journey.
Tata Altroz Racer Performance:
The 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, initially detuned in the Altroz iTurbo variant, has been tuned to deliver 120hp and 170Nm in the Altroz Racer, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This setup, tweaked for quicker acceleration, eliminates the drive modes of the iTurbo, defaulting to ‘Sport’ mode.
Throttle responses are crisp, with the engine eager to impress from the start. The power delivery is linear yet rapid, with the engine’s sweet spot between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. Compared to the iTurbo, the engine revs higher, up to 6,000 rpm. The Racer’s engine feels smoother, with fewer flat spots and inconsistencies in the rev range. A bassy burble from the sporty muffler at low speeds adds to the appeal, although the engine’s three-cylinder thrum overshadows the exhaust note at higher revs.
The 6-speed manual gearbox does the job for point-to-point commuting, but the long throws and clunky shifts can be frustrating for driving enthusiasts. The hydraulically-operated clutch is snappy, requiring careful modulation for a smooth drive. The absence of an automatic option is a notable miss, especially since a dual-clutch automatic is available with the standard petrol Altroz and Nexon.
Performance-wise, the Altroz Racer achieves a 0-100kph time of 12.05 seconds, quicker than the iTurbo’s 12.82 seconds but slower than the i20 N Line’s 10.66 seconds. The Racer’s rolling acceleration times of 10.41 seconds for 20–80kph in third gear and 13.45 seconds for 40–100kph in fourth gear are also improvements over the iTurbo.
Tata Altroz Racer Ride and Handling:
The Altroz Racer’s taut chassis and excellent driving manners are commendable. Minor tweaks to the steering ratio and spring rate result in an impressive ride and handling balance. The suspension tuning is perhaps the best among modern hatchbacks, comfortably flattening road irregularities. The steering is direct, and the frontend is sharp and responsive. The ESP is well-calibrated, allowing for spirited driving before the electronics intervene. The mechanical grip is strong, although the MRF tyres squeal during aggressive cornering. The brake setup, with front discs and rear drums, remains unchanged from the standard version, delivering strong braking performance.
Tata Altroz Racer Price:
Tata Altroz Racer is priced between Rs 9.49 lakh and Rs 10.99 lakh.
FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the price range of the Tata Altroz Racer?
The Tata Altroz Racer is priced between Rs 9.49 lakh and Rs 10.99 lakh.
2. How does the Altroz Racer differ from the standard Altroz?
The Altroz Racer features a turbo-petrol engine, manual gearbox, racier aesthetics, exclusive dual-tone paint options, and sportier interior enhancements compared to the standard Altroz.
3. What are the exterior color options available for the Altroz Racer?
The Altroz Racer is available in Atomic Orange, Avenue White, and Pure Grey, all with a blackened bonnet, mirrors, pillars, 16-inch alloys, and roof.
4. Does the Altroz Racer have an automatic transmission option?
No, the Altroz Racer is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
5. What engine powers the Tata Altroz Racer?
The Altroz Racer is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 120hp and 170Nm.
6. How does the Altroz Racer perform in terms of acceleration?
The Altroz Racer achieves a 0-100kph time of 12.05 seconds.
7. What are the key interior features of the Altroz Racer?
Key interior features include ventilated front seats, a large touchscreen with a 360-degree camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and connected car features.
8. Is the Tata Altroz Racer comfortable for tall drivers?
The sunroof in the Altroz Racer limits front headroom, making it less comfortable for tall drivers.
9. How does the Altroz Racer handle on the road?
The Altroz Racer offers excellent ride and handling balance, with a direct steering response and well-tuned suspension for a confident driving experience.
10. How does the Altroz Racer compare to the Hyundai i20 N Line?
The Altroz Racer is priced more competitively but lacks an automatic transmission option and has a clunkier manual gearbox compared to the Hyundai i20 N Line. However, it excels in ride and handling, making it a strong contender in the performance hatchback segment.
Conclusion:
The Tata Altroz Racer offers a compelling package for driving enthusiasts with its sporty design, powerful turbo-petrol engine, and excellent ride and handling. While it has some shortcomings, particularly with its manual gearbox and lack of an automatic option, it remains a strong contender in the performance hatchback market. For those who prioritize dynamic driving capabilities and can overlook manual setup flaws, the Altroz Racer is a noteworthy choice.
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