The ongoing dawn of SUVs is inching closer to a day when they overshadow all other categories. While still in the process, we're already witnessing several SUVs in the top 5 ranks of best-selling vehicles showing their undeniable appeal. Yet, a few automakers are still adamant, showing resilience, holding on to other categories. Tata Motors, for example, despite having an SUV-dominated portfolio, is maintaining its foothold in various other categories.
With the recent launch of the Altroz facelift, the automaker has renewed its presence in the premium hatchback category. This brings us to a question: will this refreshed model be enough to make a dent in a fiercely competitive market? Join us as we dive into the details and experience what the new Altroz has to offer!
Tata Altroz Design: Fresh Enough?
Before we begin, there are a few things we have to get out of the way. As soon as we laid our prejudiced gaze on the new Altroz (because of slight similarities with the previous design), all our premonitions vanished, overpowered by a wave of thoughts analysing the differences compared to its predecessor.
Tata Altroz Facelift Design
Well, we didn't have to take a very deep dive into the ocean of thoughts to pick out the changes in design. But a question that stayed with us was whether there are only surface-level changes, or if it's something deeper. Though I hate leaving you with that question, you need to wait, just as we did before we reach the driving part. More on that later!
We all have heard people say, "designs are subjective." From my perspective, the new Altroz, being a "facelift," closely mirrors its predecessor. Every time you look at the car, your mind is pushed to a place where you are forced to think of the older, more familiar model. The revised headlights, grille, bumper, and placement of the fog lamps all make it feel like something that was born in the current world. Cherry on top, new colours: Dune Glow and Ember Glow.
When you are looking at the face of the hatchback in isolation with other elements, it still has character, unlike most other modern cars, which just look more robotic, like something pulled out of a stencil (not trying to be harsh). It still has the resemblance of a literal face that most people would want to see on their car. What I see is maybe a slightly angry face with the fog lamps resembling fangs, looking at it from three-quarters. Maybe the similarity with its predecessor is not a bad thing after all!
There is not much to talk about with the side profile, except the fact that it offers a clean look with the flush door handles and almost invisible rear door handles. The new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels (the spare wheel is a 14-inch unit) adds a hint of freshness to the old silhouette.
Tata Altroz Facelift Hood & Wheels
Similarly, the rear feels connected to the predecessor, but refreshed because of the new tail lamps and the bumper, which, according to the brand, is sporty. For me? Not so much. The tail lights still have the wrap-around kind of housing found on the previous model. But taking a closer look, they seemed to have a similarity with Nexon's design. Probably because of the same pattern, an LED strip has two branches. All in all, the design might have an appeal for many with a sense of familiarity.
Tata Altroz Interior: Revisions for Comfort?
Step inside and you will see that the cabin has got some make-up in the vein of the other recent models of the brand. The simple layout of the dashboard has been replaced with a rather complicated design. Moving from the driver's side to the passenger's end, you come across a lot of glittery elements in the form of the new 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster tucked behind the two-spoke steering wheel with illuminated logo. This is the steering that has been employed on the models of the brand placed higher in the hierarchy. Completing the set is a 10.25-inch infotainment screen enabling wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These changes got a warm welcome from us. But wait, there's more!
Tata Altroz Facelift Interior
Right below the infotainment screen is a touch panel for various controls, including AC. It surely uplifts the feel of the cabin. However, if you are someone like me with 'sticky fingers', you might face a problem operating it with occasional unintentional activation of features. Scan for more details, and it won't be long before you see the passenger's side of the dashboard, which gets multiple textures and elements. This, in the words of my colleague, is "way too busy." (If you allow me to add a food reference, imagine a vibrant plate with multiple side dishes on the plate. But they have all been tossed together in a jumble! Things would have tasted better if all of them were served in separate dishes. Wouldn't it be a feast for the senses?)
2025 Altroz Facelift Infotainment Screen
Giving the illusion of more space in the cabin is the light coloured upholstery replacing the dark colours. Along with this, Tata has done the much-needed work on the seats. They now offer much better support with extensions on the side. Furthermore, there is added thigh support on all the seats. If you are someone who often spends long hours in your car, you are in luck! To top it off, the firm seats are adequate for long drives. Another upgrade that we liked a lot was the presence of a sliding armrest for the driver. Something much needed.
In the second row, if you are an average-sized person, you have sufficient space in terms of headroom and legroom. Another plus point is in the form of a retractable armrest with cupholders. Overall, in our opinion, the cabin offers everything one might need. However, a few upgrades like the use of soft-touch materials on the door and a headrest for the middle seat in the second row would have been much appreciated.
2025 Tata Altroz Seats
Ooo! We almost missed out on the details of the boot. In the non-CNG variants, you get 345 litres. Putting it into perspective, you can easily store four medium-sized bags. But because of the lower bed in the boot, you need to summon a lot of your upper body strength. This problem is solved in the CNG variants, but it comes at the cost of 135 litres of boot space. Thanks to the two-cylinder setup of the brand, you still have enough space to fit two medium-sized bags. If you try hard enough, you can fit a third small bag.
2025 Tata Altroz Bootspace
Tata Altroz Features: Hello! Long List
If you are someone who has been tracking the news updates with the keyword "Tata Altroz Facelift", you already know there are more features in this iteration of the vehicle. So instead of going through all the features. We will hover over the list, swerving through some of the most notable features. The car now gets the highly in-demand sunroof. It now gets voice assistance. The list extends with ambient lighting, express cooling, four speakers and tweeters each, cooled glovebox, leather wrapped gear knob, rear AC vents, auto fold ORVMs, air purifier, and more.
Since we are done regurgitating the brochure. Let's bring out the big guns. The crisp details of the fully digital instrument cluster come into play when you get the extension of the map on this screen. However, you would have to make some effort to learn the steps to use it. Similarly, the blind spot monitor acts as an extra helping hand. Before we go ahead, it is worth mentioning that the aforementioned two features are only available in the Accomplished +S variant.
Now, coming to what could have been. There is still some space left for features like telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, an auto-dimming IRVM, and a few others available in the segment.
Tata Altroz Driving Dynamics: Same Superb Chassis
We got a chance to get behind the wheel of the CNG and diesel Altroz with a manual transmission. (The version with the new five-speed AMT was absent from the fleet.) Diving into the details, this is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine for CNG and petrol, while the diesel is a 1.5-litre unit with four cylinders. Here are the stats.
2025 Tata Altroz
ENTER STATS TABLE
Since the Altroz Facelift has the same underpinnings as its predecessor, there is not much change in the driving dynamics of the vehicle, and this is not a bad thing. However, we would have appreciated it if there had been a bit more spice. When operating on CNG, the engine leaves you asking for more. Adding to the woes, there is still a need for some refinement. If you are someone who likes quick maneuvers, you might have to think twice with this one. Since mileage is one of the major concerns when talking about CNG powertrain, you have enough range under your belt credits to the 60-litre tank. We haven't had the chance to test the mileage yet. However, the official numbers claim it to be 26.90 km/kg. When using petrol as a fuel, you might feel a slight difference in the throttle response. Still, the pep you get in the segment seems to be missing. When cruising on the highway, the grunt is sorely missed. Crossing the 100 kmph mark feels like pushing the limits.
Navigating through traffic feels like a breeze in the Altroz, thanks to its wonderfully light clutch. You might even forget you're driving a manual! The engine's impressive tractability reduces the need for frequent gear shifts, which is a huge plus in our book. However, while the driving experience shines in many areas, the transmission setup could use some improvement. After some time behind the wheel, you may notice a bit of stickiness during gear changes, which detracts from an otherwise smooth ride. It's an aspect that deserves a bit more attention to elevate the overall experience.
Tata Altroz
The diesel engine is one of the USPs for the Tata Altroz in the current market. On paper and in real-life driving, there is not much lack of power. But, but, but..., unlike the petrol engine, the diesel might not be the most comfortable in stop-and-go situations. There is a sort of hesitation in operation (so to speak) once you pull your feet back. The jerks are easily noticeable even by the passengers. You might need some time to adapt to its quality and to transition into a relatively smoother driving experience. This brings us to the power build-up, which is linear but takes its sweet time. It's best not to expect it in the lower rev band. Above 2,000 rpm, things get better, but fade out again at the later ends of the circle. At this point, you might prefer upshifting or leaving the throttle alone as the vibrations start to creep into the cabin, and the noise might not be very pleasant.
To balance it all out, the Altroz offers a planted ride even at high speeds. The handling and balance are something to vouch for. On uneven surfaces, it chews up the undulations and spits them out without breaking a sweat. (Probably, I shouldn't be mentioning this, but at a point we came across a pothole-infested patch of road, where an SUV passing us hesitated to cross. But my colleague is in the driving seat, powered through, and the hatchback did not disappoint us.) Switching lanes at triple-digit speeds is not a problem; with all of this, the hatchback induces confidence for the driver. Topping it off, the steering is light but gains weight like a pig on steroids when the speed increases, giving necessary feedback.
Tata Altroz Facelift Review
Conclusion
The Tata Altroz facelift is a smart update in the premium hatchback segment, mixing familiar features with some fresh touches. The design changes aren't wildly different, but they help the car keep its recognizable look. Inside, the upgraded tech, more comfortable seats, and overall improved interior make a positive difference, though some design choices might not appeal to everyone. On the road, it still handles confidently and feels stable, but the petrol and CNG engines could be a bit smoother and more spirited. The diesel version gives a little extra punch, though it's not perfect either. With a sturdy build, lots of features, and improved practicality, the Altroz facelift stays competitive. But in a market that's always changing, these updates may help it maintain its popularity rather than set new standards. All of this within the bracket of Rs 6.89 lakh (ex-showroom) to Rs 11.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
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