Tata Altroz: What To Expect From The Upcoming Maruti Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20 Rival

Tata Motors showcased the production version of the 45X Concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Christened the Altroz, it will be launched in India by June 2019. Here’s what we expect the Altroz to bring to the premium hatchback segment, taking on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20.

1) It will be fun to drive from the get-go

The Tata Altroz will be offered with three engine options. Those looking for an efficient petrol can choose the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder 85PS/114Nm motor. But if you want to have fun, turbocharged petrol and diesel engines will be available too. The 102PS/140Nm turbo-petrol will be one of the more powerful engines in its class, while the JTP-fettled variant (if there is one) could be even more performance oriented!

A low kerb weight, thanks to the all-new ALFA ARC platform, along with Tata’s newfound ability to design some good handling cars could mean that the Altroz will be fun to drive. Combine the new handling characteristics with the powerful engines, and you could have an affordable, mildly hot family hatchback! Tata officials hinted at this sporty characteristic of the Altroz at the Geneva show many times, and our expectations are high.

2) It will be a comfortable place to be in

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Tata cars have generally had spacious cabins, but our editor, Kartikeya reports that the Altroz Geneva Edition’s cabin did not feel as spacious as the segment-benchmark Maruti Baleno. Space may not be class-leading (though we will have to wait till we get the chance to measure the car ourselves to confirm this) but it does have many features which could make it a comfortable place to be in.

Kartik highlights that the Altroz had comfortable and ergonomic seats, the flat-bottom steering wheel felt good to hold and the cabin had nice touches all around, aimed at improving occupant comfort. Features like a sliding front centre armrest, a rear centre armrest, rear floor-mounted A/C vents, large door pockets and a sizeable boot make it very practical.

3) It will be an audiophile’s paradise

If there is one feature which all modern Tatas have excelled in, it's their stock surround sound system. Designed in collaboration with Harman, Tata cars, from the Tiago to the Harrier have some of the best audio systems in their respective segments. The Altroz has a Harman-designed multimedia system too, with the same floating 7-inch touchscreen as the Nexon, connected to what looks like an 8-speaker sound system.

4) It will stand out with unique features

The Tata Altroz Geneva Edition had the following features:

• Ambient lighting (we do not know if the colours can be adjusted)
• A 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system
• Body-coloured inserts on the A/C vents

• Cruise control
• A 7-inch digital instrument cluster display
• 17-inch alloy wheels (Indian-spec car is expected to get more practical 16-inch units)

• Rear A/C vents
• Hidden rear door handles

5) Tata will sort out the interior before launch

While we do have high expectations from the Altroz, the Geneva Edition’s dashboard design felt underwhelming. If Tata decides to give the India-spec car a dual-tone upholstery, it could look better, but the single-tone dark interior of the Geneva show car did not make us go wow. Also, a dual-tone scheme for the upholstery may make it feel roomier, unlike the dark interior theme which doesn't help its cause.

What are your expectations with the Tata Altroz? Will it be able to take on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20? Let us know in the comments section below.