Design
A Handsome Hatch!
- The Tata Altroz was already a good-looking car, and the facelift modernises the styling with new elements.
- The nose looks sharp with the sleek twin-pod LED headlights and sleek DRLs.
- The bumper has been revised and gets functional airdams that channel air for better brake cooling.
- The silhouette remains the same but flush door handles and 16-inch alloys look nice.
- At the rear, the connected LED taillights are the biggest change and add to the Altroz’s modern appeal.
- Some might find the alloy wheel design to be similar to styled steel wheels made for EVs.
Interiors
Is the cabin all-new?
- While the layout and theme of the cabin is unchanged, new elements uplift the look of the cabin.
- The two-spoke steering wheel, big infotainment system, ambient lighting, and touch-sensitive AC panel look modern.
- Different textures for the plastics feel nice to touch. All major touchpoints get soft touch fabric with leatherette on the gear knob and steering wheel.
- The driver seat has a wide range for height adjustment, allowing for a sporty driving position.
- Seats feel super comfy with extended support for the thigh.
- Dashboard design might age quickly.
- Really tall occupants could have a restricted view due to the roof line coming in their line of sight, depending on the seat height.
- The front central armrest is not at the same level as the armrest on the doors.
- While overall quality is acceptable, map lighting and the toggle switch panel for the sunroof feels wobbly.
Space & Practicality
Super practical and adequate space for four
- Plenty of storage options with well thought-out door pockets, dual cupholders (front and rear), spacious glovebox and seatback pockets.
- Ingress egress is made easier with 90-degree opening doors.
- The rear seats are super comfortable for average sized adults with segment-best underthigh support.
- Rear occupants get rear AC vents and a central armrest for comfort over long journeys.
- Tall people won’t have enough headroom, despite the scooped out roofline.
- Three people will be a tight fit, and the middle passenger doesn’t get a headrest.
- Seatback angle could’ve been more reclined for better comfort over long distances.
Features
Segment benchmark?
- The 10.25-inch touchscreen has a crisp resolution, easy to understand interface and quick response times.
- It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- The 10.25-inch digital driver’s display has multiple views and crisp graphics.
- The driver’s display can also show the feed of your navigation.
- The 8-speaker sound system gives a surround sound-like feel.
- Features like wireless phone charger, push-button start/stop, voice-assisted electric sunroof, auto headlamps and an auto-dimming inside rear view mirror are also present.
- While the Altroz doesn’t miss out on any particular feature, Tata could’ve taken this opportunity to make this the segment benchmark with additions like auto IRVM, ventilated seats and leatherette upholstery.
Safety
Desh ka loha!
- Standard equipment includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts, and electronic stability program (ESP).
- Tyre pressure monitoring system, hill hold assist, and SOS calling as part of connected car technology gets added in the higher variants.
- Quality of the 360-degree camera is good, and multiple 2D and 3D modes along with various angles increase its usability.
- The pre-facelifted model was 5-star rated by Global NCAP, and the facelift carries the same platform and bodyshell.
- Blind spot monitor integration in the lower variants takes up the entire infotainment display while indicating, so you can’t see your navigation.
- No load sensors for the rear seatbelts.
Performance & Mileage
What the Altroz is like to drive?
- The Tata Altroz is offered with a NA petrol, a petrol-CNG, and a diesel engine option
- The NA petrol engine gets the option of a manual, automated manual (AMT), and dual-clutch automatic (DCA).
- NA petrol engine’s performance is smooth, best suited for regular city commutes.
- Switching between petrol and CNG is seamless on the go.
- CNG’s performance feels adequate for city runabouts and relaxed highway cruising.
- Diesel engine’s performance is effortless. Picks up speed and maintains triple digit speeds with ease.
- Manual transmission is easy to use with a light clutch with progressive release point.
- The dual-clutch transmission is super smooth, but also quick when you want it to be.
- Paddle shifters with the DCT give you manual control for more involvement in the drive.
- The NA petrol engine gets really vocal at higher RPMs when going for a quick overtake.
- NA petrol’s performance feels underpowered for anything other than regular city commutes.
- While adequate in terms of performance, the diesel falls short in the refinement department.
- No option for an automatic with the diesel.
Comfort & Storage
Sweet spot!
- The Altroz’s ride is well cushioned, and absorbs all speed breakers and imperfections with ease.
- Even over rough roads, the movement is controlled and you don’t feel the bumps as much as you should.
- Highway high speed stability is good and it maintains comforts even over undulations and expansion joints.
- It handles a fast corner surprisingly well, remains stable and doesn’t roll around too much.
- Better insulation would’ve helped iron out the suspension noises over bad roads or big/deep potholes.
Verdict
Should You Consider The Tata Altroz Facelift?
- With the facelift, Tata has brought the Altroz’s package up to date in terms of visual cues and features, while retaining its existing strengths of in-cabin practicality, safety, and the beautiful balance of a comfortable ride and poised handling. If you were looking for a premium hatchback in 2025, this is the one to get.
