Old vs New Tata Altroz: What’s Changed?

Old vs New Tata Altroz: What’s Changed?

The Tata Altroz has long been a strong contender in the premium hatchback segment, praised for its safety, design, and balanced performance. But with rising competition and evolving customer expectations, Tata Motors has recently updated the Altroz. So, what’s different? Let’s break down the key changes between the older Altroz and the latest version.

1. Design and Exterior Tweaks

While the basic silhouette of the Altroz remains unchanged, subtle yet impactful design updates help differentiate the new version from its predecessor.

  • Grille and Bumper: The updated Altroz features a revised front grille with a sleeker honeycomb pattern, paired with a re-sculpted bumper that now gets sharper contours for a sportier look.
  • New Alloys: The alloy wheels have been redesigned with a more dynamic, multi-spoke finish, offering a more premium stance.
  • Color Options: Tata has introduced new dual-tone color options and metallic shades to appeal to younger buyers.

These cosmetic upgrades freshen up the look without altering the Altroz’s mature and planted stance.

2. Interior and Feature Updates

Step inside and the evolution becomes more obvious—especially for tech-savvy buyers.

  • Infotainment System: A new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system now takes center stage. It’s sharper, faster, and finally gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—replacing the dated 7-inch screen in the previous model.
  • Digital Instrument Cluster: The semi-digital cluster has been swapped out for a fully digital 7-inch unit on higher trims.
  • Ventilated Seats & Wireless Charging: Comfort features like ventilated front seats and a wireless charger now find their way into the Altroz—making it more appealing for everyday urban use.
  • Voice-Activated Sunroof: Although a carryover, it now feels better integrated into the new tech suite.

However, in its race to be "segment-first," Tata should not forget that consistent after-sales service and long-term reliability matter more than feature count. Many customers still see Tata's service network as a mixed bag, and product durability remains a question for some.

3. Powertrain and Performance

The mechanical side of the Altroz hasn't changed drastically, but there are meaningful upgrades.

  • Engines: The lineup continues with the 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol, the 1.2L iTurbo, and the 1.5L diesel engine. Tata claims improved refinement and better drivability, especially on the turbo variant.
  • New DCA Gearbox: A major win is the new 6-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic (DCA) gearbox, replacing the lacklustre AMT expectations buyers previously had.
  • CNG Variant: Tata has introduced a twin-cylinder CNG option with no compromise on boot space, further adding to the Altroz’s versatility.

4. Safety and Platform

The Altroz continues on the proven ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) platform—one of the safest in its class, having secured a 5-star Global NCAP crash rating. The updated version adds new safety features like a 360-degree camera, electronic stability program (ESP), and traction control in higher trims.

Verdict

The new Tata Altroz feels more complete now—visually sharper, tech-forward, and more user-friendly with the new DCA and CNG variants. But as Tata continues to chase segment-first badges, it must also double down on improving after-sales service and long-term product reliability. Features sell cars, but trust retains customers. And in a segment that values peace of mind as much as value-for-money, that’s what will truly make the Altroz unbeatable.