The new Tata Altroz Revotorq turbo-diesel is a different matter altogether. The engine is from the Nexon — the 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit — but it’s tuned down to 90 hp and 200 Nm. Torque peaks from 1,250 rpm and stays strong across the rev-range. The biggest difference is the weight. The Altroz diesel is the same building block and, as such, the 110-kg-odd difference in weight at the front leads to some interesting changes in dynamics.
Compared to the Revotron petrol, the Tata Altroz diesel feels way punchier. The front is more planted and the suspension feels a tad stiffer making it a tiny percentage firmer on the steering feel front, but abundantly adding to its planted feel. Another difference is that the diesel gets slightly narrower and taller 185/60 tyres on the same 16-inch wheels. It feels sprightly and extremely potent and is capable using its torque to its advantage — be that getting up to speed quickly or eking out more km/l from its oil-burning combustion motor. I managed 22.5 km/l on the drive back and the car just felt better and better. The engine noise is barely audible inside the cabin and the suspension, when driven spiritedly, felt even better.
I have to say I was very impressed with the new Tata Altroz. It’s a fantastic package; and not just for a Tata. It has the goods to turn the segment on its head. The one unknown quantity remains the consistency of quality. If it stays as good as felt on that first drive a year and 10-15k kilometres later, this could well be the car that brings home the gold for Tata Motors.
Need to Know: Tata Altroz Revotron XZ
Price: Rs 7.90 lakh (estimated)
Engine: 1,199 cc, three-cylinder, petrol
Max Power: 86 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 113 Nm @ 3,300 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed, manual, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson Strut front, twist beam rear
Weight: 1,036 kg
Tata Altroz Revotorq XZ
Price: Rs 8.90 lakh (estimated)
Engine: 1,497 cc, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 90 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque: 200 Nm @ 1,250-3,000 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed, manual, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson Strut front, twist beam rear
Weight: 1,150 kg
Story: Jim Gorde
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
