Tata Altroz Facelift: There’s a major shakeup taking place in the Indian premium hatchback space, with Tata Motors all set to bring in the 2023 Altroz facelift.
Given the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz, leading the charge in the space, the new Altroz aims to take the segment by storm with a package of safety, technology and a refined look that could potentially alter how buyers perceive the segment.
Tata Altroz Facelift An Overhaul of the Total Product Image
The facelift Altroz gets a design overhaul that tackles some of the criticisms of its earlier design and adds to its premium appeal. Up front, the grille has been totally redesigned; it gets slimmed-out chrome treatment that looks more upscale. The updated headlamp clusters now feature LED projector units for a unique light signature that no other rival can boast of.
The profile benefits from new alloy wheel designs, which are more aptly proportional to the vehicle. Body lines are sharp and contemporary, and properly applied updated graphics and chrome accents help make the bike feel more premium.
The rear end is complemented by new taillights featuring fresh LED lights and that provide a modern look in line with current design trends.
This is where the interior of the MKZ the corner of its cross/grille from the Fusion.
The cabin makeover is aimed at rectifying what more than passable was deemed to be in the predecessor model – especially given rival – Swift - cabin offerings.
Sitting front and center is a larger touchscreen infotainment system replete with wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. “From a 4-inch display size like that on the iPhone 5 to 5 inches or so is quite possible” with stretchable displays, said Huh June-hee, head of Chonbuk National University’s Industrial Technology Research Institute, adding that the screen sizes will be larger or the same as found sizes on main rivals.
There’s much attention paid to materials quality, and soft-touch surfaces have replaced hard plastics in most key areas. New silver accents and upgraded ambient lighting options for a more premium feel to the cabin. Premium fabric and leatherette seat choices further elevate the sense of refinement within the cabin.
Updated digital instrument cluster, it appears that readability has been improved along with more information to see. Listings throughout the cabin are better, the door pockets are larger and the center console storage more useful.”Owners had expressed concern in that area, Snyder said, so it was addressed.
Powertrain Evolution
With the facelift are coming updated powertrains which will achieve the combination of performance and efficiency. The current petrol engine is the 1.2-litre one - the version of which will be refined and made fuel efficient and NVH levels are expected to drop.
While peak power doesn’t deviate too far from the competition, torque delivery is far more linear from the bottom to the top.
The transmission list also grows to incorporate a dual-clutch automatic in some models, closing the auto transmission gap to the Swift. This feature contributes to seamless gear shifts and enhanced acceleration response, which is especially beneficial when pilot aptitude control enters Engaged Deceleration Region in the city.
The diesel powertrain option also gets upgrades for improved refinement and efficiency. It ensures that at a time when most rivals are doing away with diesel derivatives, the Altroz will come with a unique positioning edge for those among us that prioritise fuel efficiency and range.
Safety Technology Leadership
Leveraging Tata’s heritage in safety, the Altroz facelift offers best in class features and adds another level of safety with introduction of several active safety features which were not available in this segment before.
Convenience and safety are boosted by reverse park camera with guidelines, front parking sensors and cornering stability control.
This contributes to the inherent rigidity, but chassis rigidity is up overall, despite using more high-strength steel, so the 5-star Global NCAP safety rating carries over. This dedication to security gives the company a major edge over opponents who sacrifice safety for cost.
Exterior Comfort and Convenience Features
Revised suspension tuning also calms previous ride quality complaints in the updated model. There is a stout three-link suspension front and rear that works to strike a good balance between comfort and handling, the latter of which TG found could be excellent in the previous version with the right configuration (some owners found the optional suspension setups on the last version to be overly firm). This upgrade enhances the vehicle’s family and tripping standing.
Better vent location and increased cooling capability result in moving more air past your head. The automatic climate control works quietly, and it continues to maintain the cabin temperature, no matter what the temperature is outside — regardless of how hot we set it, as well.
Technology Integration
On the connectivity front, there is a big upgradation, thanks to the connected car technology. The device provides the ability to remotely start a car and lock and unlock it, locate the vehicle and receive text alerts if the car alarm is activated. This suite of technology outpaces Swift and other recommended rivals.
The voice command capability is not limited to simple operation, but may also be used for navigation, air conditioning and infotainment system control.
The system is also more user-friendly and instinctive for Indian Accent Recognition as it incorporates natural language processing functionality.
Competitive Positioning
Scale without steep increase in price make Altroz a head turner with more value. Base editions cost less than those of the Swift and offer similar specification levels. The mid and the top variants also offer that little bit extra on the list of features, which make the marginal price markup logical.
Having said that, the model’s large footprint still gives it an edge over the Swift in terms of rear seat comfort and boot space. Families and those who value passenger comfort over small-car size will appreciate this useful edge.
Market Differentiation
Strategically positioned, as a premium but not sacrifice the life and quality option in the form of the Altroz. Marketing stresses its advanced design, safety technology and full-tech spec as major points of distinction from rivals in the segment.
Tata Altroz Facelift Conclusion
Also read — Tata Altroz facelift unveiled: Why changes are important for premium hatchback The facelifted Tata Altroz is a substantial improvement over its predecessor with plenty of changes to push the segment benchmark hard.
The blend of new found looks, advanced tech, a good safety score and competitive pricing make it a rather tempting package for a premium hatchback buyer.
While the Swift has always ruled the roost in the compact car segment, thanks to the brand quotient and proven reliability, the Altroz will have to find its headway through its safety, space and modern feature set. Early signs suggest that these drivers are now superseding traditional brand loyalty in the minds of buyers.
In a rapidly evolving premium hatchback space, the updated Altroz manages to not only establish itself as an alternative, but also a top one at that for the buyer who knows what they want. And, if successful, it could redefine segment dynamics and force rivals to up their game to stay relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The key exterior differences in the Altroz facelift are which?
A: The facelifted version has a new front grille, updated LED headlights, updated alloy wheels, slightly altered taillights and more sophisticated use of chrome trim across the exterior. The overall layout is slightly more modern but the identity of the Altroz is maintained.
Q: How about the new infotainment upgrade vs Swift’s?
A: The new Altroz gets a bigger touchscreen especially compared to the Swift and also gets wireless for its connectivity features. The response time and UI experience have been enhanced for better user experience according to customer feedback, becoming more intuitive.
Q: There will be an automatic transmission?
A: Yes, a few variants will get a dual-clutch automatic gearbox which promises smoother shifts and better performance than regular automatics or AMTs.
Q. How are the road manners better? Q: Has suspension tuning been changed, and if so, how does it differ?
The revisions make especially degustible the daily commute and long haul, both frequent past complaints around firmness.
Q: Is the facelift retaining the 5-star safety rating?
A: Yes Tata continues to put the same focus on safety with even more reinforcements to the body structure guaranteeing the continuity of the Global NCAP 5-Star rating.
Q: What are the fuel economy numbers for the new engines?
A: Official figures are still to be announced, but initial testing indicates an improvement of 5-8% in both petrol and diesel cars through engine improvements and weight reduction.
Q: Will the connected car capabilities require a subscription?
A: Some advanced functions may be limited or require an early termination fee, which is in line with industry practices. The fundamentals of connecting with friends and family members are all still free.
Q: Does it have more boot space than the Swift?
A: The Altroz still has better boot space compared to the Swift in my perspective, and the facelift has not changed this space advantage, as it is well-packaged and designed to maximise space.