First Tata Altroz rolls off the production line

UPDATE: Tata Altroz bookings to open from December 4, 2019

Tata Motors is gearing up to start 2020 with a bang. The carmaker is currently building up hype for three new models – the Harrier-based seven-seat Tata Gravitas SUV, the Tata Nexon EV and the Tata Altroz premium hatchback. Having confirmed the name for its upcoming flagship SUV yesterday, today, Tata rolled out the first Altroz from its Pune plant ahead of its launch early next year.

Tata was originally set to introduce the Altroz earlier this year, but decided to delay the launch so it could introduce the hatchback with BS6-compliant engines right from day one. The carmaker has confirmed that the Tata Altroz’s India launch will take place in January 2020.

Sporting Tata’s new Impact 2.0 design language, the Altroz that debuted at the 2019 Geneva motor show didn’t stray too far away from the stunning 45X concept. The Altroz is the first Tata car based on the company’s new ALFA (Agile, Light, Flexible and Advanced) platform – one of two platforms that all future Tata Motors products will be based on.

Compared to its exterior design, the Tata Altroz’s interior – at least as previewed in Geneva – isn’t as radical. Built around a prominent and protruding central console, the Altroz’s dashboard features a free-standing 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The steering wheel is new, and the Altroz will also get a segment-first part-digital instrument cluster. A leaked promotional clip earlier revealed the presence of ambient lighting and a Google Assistant logo, which seemingly points to app-based and Google-powered voice-activated functions.

The Altroz is set to be the widest hatchback in its class, but also has the shortest wheelbase, resulting in lesser rear legroom. However, the 341-litre boot is reasonably sized and on par with competition.

The Tata Altroz is expected to get three engine options – the 85hp, 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated, three-cylinder petrol motor from the Tiago; a 102hp, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol mill shared with the Nexon, and a 90hp version of the Nexon’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. A 5-speed manual gearbox is expected to be the only gearbox on offer at launch, with an automatic option set to be introduced later.

Expect Tata Altroz prices to be in the range of Rs 5-8 lakh (ex-showroom), which will help the model undercut its rivals – the Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Honda Jazz.

What do you think would be a truly aggressive price for the Tata Altroz? Let us know in the comments.