Auto Expo 2023: Tata’s Hyundai i20 N Line Rival, Altroz Racer, Breaks Cover

• Tata Altroz Racer breaks cover at Auto Expo 2023. 
• It uses the Nexon’s 120PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired with a six-speed MT.
• Gets cosmetic tweaks inside and out to distinguish it from the standard car.
• The Altroz Racer also has a sunroof and a larger infotainment system, currently missing in the hatchback.

Tata Motors has taken the wraps off the Altroz Racer at the ongoing Auto Expo 2023. This particular variant of the hatchback is the most powerful Altroz ever. Basically, it’s Tata’s answer to the sportier Hyundai i20 N Line. To ensure it stands out from the seas of Altrozes, this particular model also gets a host of cosmetic tweaks. 

But before we talk about design, let’s focus on the heart of the matter. The Altroz Racer is powered by the Nexon’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine putting out 120PS and 170Nm. In contrast, the Altroz i-Turbo puts out 110PS and 140Nm, 10PS and 30Nm lesser than the sportier model. It also gets the TA78 six-speed manual gearbox in place of the five-speed MT of the i-Turbo. 

With more power, you might expect changes underneath the skin to make it an even more competent handler. But guess what? Tata hasn’t altered the underpinnings of the hatch. Not a bad move in our opinion as the Altroz is already one of the most dynamically accomplished models in its segment. 

Coming to the looks, the hatch looks largely similar to the standard car. However, the blacked out roof and alloy rims give the hatch a sporty demeanor. Inside, the hatch gets an all-black with plenty of splashes of red on the seats and dashboard for contrast. It also gets a sunroof and a larger infotainment system, a feature currently missing in the standard car. 

We hope the Altroz Racer becomes a reality as we’ll have more than one choice in this particular space. Yes, this being the more powerful variant, you would have to shell out a few more bucks over the i-Turbo variants priced between Rs 8.35 lakh and Rs 9.55 lakh (ex-showroom). It’s now a more befitting rival to the sportier Hyundai i20 N Line.