First, the Tata Altroz Revotorq has recently been awarded a five-star Global NCAP safety rating for adult occupant protection and a three-star rating for child occupants, making it among the safest cars in the market. Second, the car’s suspension seems well-calibrated and reassuringly responsive, making the car feel properly planted; thanks in some part to the diesel engine. The diesel engine is the same unit that is used in the Nexon, a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged unit that feels potent across the — rather lazy — rev band. The output, though tuned down from the Nexon, still feels more than adequate for a car of its size and weight, at 1,150 kg. The diesel puts out 90 hp and a full 200 Nm, the latter of which peaks from as low as 1,250 rpm and stays strong across range, making for a very meaty response. The idle speed is rather relaxed, so getting a move on from standstill or at cruising speeds in higher gears makes a little lag evident. However, stay in the potent part of the range and there is always a meaty filling at hand.
In the test, the Tata Altroz Revotorq went from zero to 100 km/h in 13.2 seconds, but that figure seems to be getting less relevant with each passing day. The 40-to-60-km/h time is crucial for overtaking and getting a move on and the Altroz feels very potent there, in pretty much all the middle three gears. It feels peppy and is actually quite frugal. With about 16 km/l in the city and as much as 22.5 km/l on the highway, there is little left wanting in the value department. The ex-showroom price is Rs 9.29 lakh for this dual-tone version and Rs 25k less without the black roof.
The handling in the atrocious weather was indeed commendable. The XZ diesel has 16-inch wheels with 185/60 rubber and they parted the waves — almost literally — in search for maximum traction; aided by the weight and the suspension pushing them down just right to soak up undulations without compromising on grip and feel, maintaining directional stability yet feeling agile enough to manoeuvre around sudden potholes.
The Altroz is a fresh breath of air in the premium hatchback space and the Tata Altroz Revotorq is a genuinely credible offering for what it brings to the table. It’s reasonably quick, handles well, and has good space and equipment — balancing style and practicality with a touch of the modern and exclusive, too. Tata Motors were looking at establishing the gold standard and the Altroz sure is a step in the right direction.
