A year ago when Tata Motors launched the all-new Altroz we wished that Tata brings in the JTP version of the Altroz. But, then the folks at Tata scraped the idea of JTP altogether after launching of the JTP Twins: Tiago & Tigor.
However, it's 2021 and something good had to happen. It did.
Tata Motors unveiled the all-new Tata Altroz i-Turbo version to the lineup. The closest thing to the dream of having a JTP Altroz. On the 1st anniversary of the Altroz product the automaker introduced the new i-Turbo variant ahead of it's launch on 22nd of January.
The Altroz i-Turbo will be offered to the public within the XT, XZ, XZ+ variant of the model lineup.
From the exterior, the i-Turbo variant doesn't get any changes. However, Altroz gets a new skin color. Tata Motors has introduced a new harbor blue color from the XM+ variant onwards, while the i-Turbo is available with a contrast black roof in the XZ and XZ+ variants. For freshness, all variants of the Altroz now feature sporty black and light grey interior color options.
Talking of the tech on offer the Altroz equipped with the iRA tech that offers 27 features with five layers of connectivity, which include – remote commands, vehicle security, location-based services, gamification, and live vehicle diagnosis.
Remote commands: Remote lock/unlock, remote headlight on/off, remote distance to empty check, and remote horn.
Vehicle commands: intrusion alert, find my car, stolen vehicle tracking, remote immobilization, and emergency SMS.
Location-based service: geofencing, time fencing alert, valet mode, nearest service station, roadside assistance, and share location.
Gamification: social tribes, trip details, and driving score.
The vehicle is capable of identifying more than 70 commands in Hindi, English, and Hinglish. Moreover, the vehicle continues to offer the ‘What 3 Words’ technology with a unique three-word address that is easy to say, share, and is accurate too. Reminds us of the tech on offer in the "OVERKILLED" Mercedes from the Total Dhamaal movie.
Feature's to be highlighted include Xpress cool (cools the cabin in no time), leatherette seats, personalized wallpaper on the infotainment screen, and one-touch up-down power window. The Altroz i-Turbo variant also gets two additional tweeters by Harman. The Altroz i-Turbo rides comfortably on the 165/80 R14 steel wheels for XT lineup while on the XZ and XZ+ variant the Altroz sails on a set of 195/55 R16 Alloys.
Pop the hood and here is all where all the magic happens, a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit producing a healthy 108bhp and 140Nm torque at it's peak performance. The i-Turbo too comes with a 5-speed gated manual transmission. Come on Tata give it the 6th gear. The Turbo variants come with City and Sport mode for customers seeking a quicker response.
The turbo petrol engine claims to return a fuel efficiency figure of 18.13kmpl. Apart from this, the Altroz continues to be offered in 1.2-litre Revotron petrol and a 1.5-litre turbocharged Revotorq diesel engine option.
We at TheRaceMonkey always keep safety as our utmost priority and we are happy to report that the Altroz is the only car in the Premium Hatchback segment to be boasting five-start Global-NCAP safety over it's other rivals.
Talking of rivals, let's meet the cars which will be competing against the TATA Altroz i-Turbo. Hyundai i20 Turbo, Volkswagen Polo TSI. We wouldn't consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno into consideration since the manufacturer decided to pull the plug for the production version of the Baleno RS.
The Tata Altroz i-Turbo is the only vehicle in the segment to be offered with a 1.2-litre Turbocharged unit while the others house in a smaller 1.0-litre Turbocharged engine. Does this make the Altroz the fastest? Well, only a drag race with the competition will let it out. For now, on paper it doesn't appear to happen.
Proofreading:- Aishiki Chakrabarti