Tata Motors first showcased the Altroz Racer, the sportiest version of the Altroz hatchback, at last year's Auto Expo. While it made a reappearance at this year’s Bharat Mobility Show with some changes, Tata had not revealed any launch plans. However, it has now been confirmed that the sportier Altroz will be launched in the coming weeks.
Powerful Turbo-Petrol Engine
The Altroz Racer is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine, similar to the Altroz iTurbo. However, it produces 120hp and 170Nm of torque, which is 10hp and 30Nm more than the iTurbo variant. This engine is tuned similarly to the one used in the Nexon SUV. The Altroz Racer is expected to come with a 6-speed manual gearbox, an upgrade from the 5-speed manual found in the iTurbo, making it a direct competitor to the i20 N Line. While the i20 N Line offers a 7-speed DCT transmission, an automatic gearbox is not anticipated for the Altroz Racer.
Exterior and Interior Updates
The Altroz Racer will feature several exterior enhancements to distinguish it as a sportier hatchback, including a dual-tone paint scheme, twin racing stripes on the bonnet and roof, 'Racer' badging on the front fenders, a revised grille, and new 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, expect significant updates to the equipment list, including a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, segment-first ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, a heads-up display, and a voice-assisted sunroof. These features could also be offered on the regular Altroz in the future. Additionally, anticipate new leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching, colored accents on the dashboard, and standard safety features such as six airbags and ESC.
Price and Competition
With these enhancements, the Altroz Racer is expected to come with a higher price tag. Besides competing with the i20 N Line, it may also face competition from the turbo-petrol variants of the Maruti Fronx, depending on pricing.