Tata Altroz Racer – The Hyundai i20 N Line is a cool car to drive thanks to its turbo engine and sporty vibe. But then, Tata Motors has brought in the Altroz Racer, which is powered by Nexon’s mightier turbo engine. So, the Altroz has never received such a major upgrade. The 1.2L Turbo Revotron engine is capable of 120 PS and 170 Nm and it works with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The delivery of power is smooth, there is hardly any lag and the car’s mid-range pull gives it a lively feeling on twisting roads. It is estimated to reach 0-100 km/h in less than ten seconds, which will place it among the fastest hatchbacks in India.
Design
The new Altroz Racer from Tata has a striking new character. The dual-tone color pattern with the black top gives the car a sporty look right away. The hood and roof are marked by racing stripes that add even more boldness. The newly designed alloy wheels and the classic “Racer” logos are the elements that differentiate the car. The design is not merely for show; it is the clear statement of Tata to produce a real hot hatch that not only performs well but also looks the part.
Cabin
The sporty character of the Altroz Racer comes with a revamped interior. Black is the primary color in the cabin with hot or cool accents on the seats, dashboard, and stitching. A larger-than-life 10.25-inch touchscreen is placed in the middle and it is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Performance data can be observed on a 7-inch digital cluster. Among the top-of-the-line features are ventilated seats, an electric sunroof, ambient lighting, and a powerful Harman audio system. The entire cabin experience is very modern, young and laden with features.
Dynamics
Sharp handling is a necessary quality of a hot hatchback. Tata has adjusted the suspension of the Altroz Racer so that it is stiffer and more stable at high speeds. The car is able to do quick lane changes without loosing its composed and is also able to stay mounted through long corners. The driver can feel the steering as if it is very accurate and it inspires confidence especially during the harder push of the car. Through the combination of wider tyres and expected all-disc brakes on the top variants, the braking performance is kept strong and predictable. The overall driving dynamics are characterized as mature and engaging.
Rivalry
The Altroz Racer and the i20 N Line have now become direct competitors. Both make 120 PS but the manner of their performance delivery is different. The i20 N Line comes with a DCT automatic and a sporty exhaust note as the major benefits. It feels more refined and polished. Conversely, the Altroz Racer lays stress on the pure driving feel, better build quality and a more India-compatible setup. It also offers ventilated seats as a segment-first feature and is expected to be priced lower than the N Line. The 5-star safety rating of Tata is another substantial point in its favor.
Verdict
Tata Altroz Racer is more than just a contender to i20 N Line. It’s a real hot hatch tailored for Indian roads delivering power, features, safety and sporty character at a very affordable price. Though the i20 N Line still wins when it comes to DCT automatic enthusiasts, the Altroz Racer provides an amazing combination of excitement, practicality and value. With its more powerful engine, extensive features and impressive dynamics, the Altroz Racer is going to be regarded as a true “i20 N Line Killer” in the Indian hot hatch market.
