Tata Altroz DCA vs Punch AMT: Which One Offers Faster 0-100kmph Time?

The Tata Altroz’s naturally aspirated petrol variants and the Punch share the same 86PS 1.2-litre petrol engine. But in their automatic guises, there’s one very big difference. While the Punch gets the cost effective 5-speed AMT, Tata hasn’t skimped with the Altroz and plonked in a smooth-shifting 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Yes, the technology is more expensive in the Altroz as it asks you to spend around a lakh more (around Rs 50,000 more than an AMT) over the manual ‘box. So is it worth that extra moolah? Well, only a real-life road test can bring out that answer. 

Both the models didn’t allow us to launch the car hard to protect their respective clutch packs. As a result, they posted near-identical 0-100kmph times, which isn’t great to speak of. But what matters more in real-world scenarios is roll-on acceleration, and we have a clear winner. 

Also Read: Tata Punch vs Altroz: Which Tata Is More Dynamically Polished?

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Thanks to shorter overall gear ratios than the Punch and its quicker (and smoother) gear changes, the Altroz DCA pips the Punch in the roll-on acceleration from 20-80kmph. Yes, the Altroz’s unit does take a while to select the right gear, but the response time is faster than the Punch. It’s tuned nicely to keep the engine spinning in the meat of its powerband for a smoother drive. Plus, while driving with a hard right foot, it’s the Altroz that is smoother to drive, as you don’t get that head nod associated with an AMT. 

Yes, the Altroz’s technology is more expensive than the Punch’s AMT. And in this test, since the Altroz beats the Punch by a comfortable margin in the roll-ons, it wins this test. Plus, the DCA is a much better tuned transmission than the AMT. If you must have an automatic, then we would advise you to spend extra and pick up the Altroz, just because of its superior transmission.