Tata Altroz iTurbo Review

The Altroz iTurbo now gets added features in a new range topping variant which is also there on the other Altroz models.

Tata Altroz iTurbo

No doubt the Altroz is probably the best car that Tata Motors has made along with the Harrier probably as both represent the high point of its design prowess and also the maturity of Tata Motors as a car-maker. The Altroz is a stunning looking hatchback for sure but the one missing piece that was needed to make it a complete package was a turbo petrol engine. Times have changed and these days you have many turbo petrol cars since this technology gives both power and fuel efficiency. The Altroz was launched first with a 1.2l naturally aspirated engine which was decent but not quite giving the performance which the Altroz deserved. Now it finally gets one.

Meet the Altroz iTurbo and let's get straight to the point, which is the engine. The Altroz now gets the engine present in the bigger Nexon and that is a 1.2l turbocharged petrol with 110hp and 140Nm. The iTurbo gets a 5-speed manual while an automatic is expected to be coming sometime in the future. Start this engine and it is fairly refined while driving it immediately tells you what has changed in the Altroz iTurbo. The engine feels quick and is quite fast with a smoother power delivery over the standard 1.2l petrol. In the city you will love how the engine performs as you can nearly drive it like an automatic. The extra power and torque makes city driving much easier with less frequent downshifts being needed.

Out on the open road the Altroz iTurbo also picks up speed quickly with a power delivery which does not fall off. It builds speed well and you can cruise effortless at big speeds. That ease is something which a turbo petrol brings. We must also talk about the drive modes as it has two with City being for low-speed commuting and Sport when you are in for some fun. Honestly the Sport mode is when the car is at its best and also much better both in the city plus highway. Hence we would put it on Sports mode all the time. Also the turbo petrol engine brings in added efficiency. In all honesty this would be more efficient than the standard engine since you do not need to use the engine so hard to get performance. We saw 13kmpl in the display. The Altroz iTurbo also rides a bit stiffer but the suspension does a good job of handling our roads. The steering is also not very light or very heavy- just perfect.

However what needs improving is the gearbox as it is not very smooth to use with slightly notchy shifts and that is at odds with its sporting nature. Other bits? The Altroz iTurbo now gets added features in a new range topping variant which is also there on the other Altroz models too. It also gets connected technology which is useful plus a new voice assistant along with leatherette seats, a Harman audio system with 2 extra tweeters for the iTurbo (which sounds fantastic) and a feature where the cabin is cooled down fast in an instance. With all this the Altroz is now amongst the better equipped hatchbacks while the 5 star safety rating along with those good looks remain a strong USP (new blue colour looks great by the way!). So if you are buying a petrol Altroz and are willing to stretch your budget a bit then no doubt the iTurbo is the one to buy. It just makes the Altroz a better car no question along with being the only manual, feature packed turbo petrol hatchback in the market.

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Pros- Looks, turbo-engine, new features, steering
Cons- Gear Shift could be better, bigger touch screen needed