An Overview of Two Tata Hatchbacks
The Tiago and the Altroz are two successful homegrown automaker Tata Motors products. While both are from the same compact hatchback segment, the two models have some key differences. The Tiago is an entry-level model and is considered a value-for-money hatchback. On the other hand, the Altroz is comparatively premium and sporty. But which one should you put your money on? Read this in-depth comparison between the Tata Tiago and Altroz to make an informed choice.
Tata Tiago vs Tata Altroz - Exterior Design and Styling
The Tiago sports an elegant front profile featuring a black honeycomb mesh grille with a chrome bar, sharply designed sweptback headlamps with projector units, and a muscular front bumper. The Altroz looks radically aggressive, with its blacked-out grille seamlessly merging into the sleek LED headlamps, forming one unit over the front bumper. The bumper design of the Altroz also looks sportier than the Tiago.
The side profile of the Tiago looks simple, with few highlights apart from chrome embellishments for door handles on higher-spec trims and stylish alloy wheels. The Altroz’s side profile appears bolder than a dual-tone colour scheme, blacked-out window line garnishing, and sporty alloy wheels.
At the rear, both cars follow a minimalist theme, but Altroz’s stubby tailgate design makes it look more contemporary. Moreover, the LED tail lamps of Altroz merging into the blacked-out rear panel make for a striking visual effect, especially when illuminated.
When comparing the exterior designs of Tata Tiago and Altroz, the latter undoubtedly looks more attractive, especially when you admire the hatchback from the front and rear profiles. The Tiago will appeal to buyers who want a sophisticated yet subtle-looking hatchback.
Tata Tiago vs Tata Altroz - Dimensions
The Tiago measures 3765 mm in length and 1677 mm in width and stands 1535 mm tall. The Altroz is comparatively longer and broader, with exterior dimensions measuring 3990 mm in length, 1755 mm in width, and 1523 mm in height.
The 225 mm difference in length and 78 mm difference in width give the Altroz a longer and broader stance. However, it stands 12 mm shorter in height. Overall, the dimensions indicate that the Altroz occupies a larger footprint than the Tiago.
Analysing the wheelbase, which signifies the space between the front and rear axles, the Altroz again leads with a substantial 2501 mm wheelbase over Tiago’s 2450 mm, a difference of 51 mm. This contributes to the Altroz's roomier cabin feel.
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Tata Tiago vs Tata Altroz - Interiors
The interior layouts of both hatchbacks depict a minimalist style with a black and grey dual-tone theme. However, the clever use of textures and piano black finish inserts across the dashboard, doors, and centre console make these hatchbacks appear upmarket.
The Tiago’s cabin looks neat and practical, with sufficient padding on door panels and black fabric seats. The Altroz goes overboard to make the cabin look contemporary with leatherette upholstery, an aircraft-styled instrument cluster, and piano black finish inserts across the dashboard. The flat-bottom steering wheel also complements its interior layout.
Both cars are impressively spacious for a typical 5-seater hatchback. There’s sufficient room for adults of average height, even for long drives. However, headroom and shoulder room appear to be slightly better in the Altroz. The rear bench can accommodate three passengers for shorter city drives, but the lack of rear AC vents is a miss in the Tiago. The Altroz gets rear AC vents with two adjustable headrests, making rear passengers more comfortable.
The Tiago offers 242 litres of boot capacity, while the Altroz gets 345 litres of storage capacity. So, if luggage capacity is a priority, the Altroz packs in more cargo volume. But the Tiago itself is good when travelling with family and luggage.
So in terms of comfort, quality, and premium feel, the Altroz holds an edge, thanks to its intelligent interior design, spacious cabin, and abundance of practical features. But at its price point, the Tiago also offers a fairly impressive package with decent space, generous boot volume, user-friendly interior, and satisfactory comfort.
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The Tiago has only a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 86bhp and 113Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT. It is also available in the CNG fuel variant, which generates 73bhp and 95Nm when powered by CNG.
The Altroz offers multiple powertrain options: a 1.2-litre NA petrol (88 bhp/113 Nm), a turbo-petrol (110bhp/140Nm), and a diesel unit (90bhp/200Nm). Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed DCT automatic.
So, regarding powertrain options, the Altroz gives customers much more flexibility with NA petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel engines. The Tiago petrol and CNG variants are good engines to drive in the city, but the Altroz turbo-petrol promises an exciting performance package. The powerful diesel engine also offers ample power and torque, especially for highway cruising or when carrying heavy loads.
The Tiago manual returns ARAI-certified 19 kmpl while the AMT delivers slightly more at 19.5 kmpl thanks to optimised gearshifts. The CNG version promises an even better efficiency of 26.5 km/kg. The NA petrol engine of the Altroz returns 19.33 kmpl, whereas the powerful turbo-petrol promises 18.3 kmpl as per ARAI test figures. The diesel unit delivers an impressive fuel efficiency figure of 23.64 kmpl.
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Tata Tiago vs Tata Altroz - Features and Equipment
The top-end Tiago XZ+ variant is reasonably well equipped with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, auto climate control; steering mounted audio controls, keyless entry with push button start/stop functionality, cooled glove box, height-adjustable driver seat, rear parking camera with sensors, automatic headlamps and more.
The feature list is even more expansive in the Altroz XZ+ variant, consisting of ambient lighting, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, wearable critical band, multiple driving modes (only for turbo-petrol), rear ac vents, etc in addition to features mentioned above.
Both cars offer decent equipment for their respective price range. But for those looking for a premium feel, sportier appearance, and more creature comforts, the Altroz presents better value at similar prices. The top variants of Tiago and Altroz are priced closely, so comparing features, the latter nudges ahead by a small margin.
Safety Features
On the safety front, Tiago and Altroz score impressively with 4-star and 5-star Global NCAP ratings, respectively. The standard safety kit comprises dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and corner stability control. Additionally, the Tiago offers rear parking sensors, seat belt reminders for front passengers, and high-speed warning alerts.
The Altroz further adds safety with ISOFIX child seat anchors, brake sway control, a reverse parking camera with dynamic guidelines, and a tyre puncture repair kit. The top variants include fog lamps, auto headlamps, and rear defoggers for better visibility.
After-Sales Service and Warranty
Tata Motors provides customers with a standard 3-year/1 lakh km warranty, which can be extended up to 5 years. Tiago and Altroz customers can opt for annual maintenance packages covering essential periodic maintenance services. Genuine spare parts and accessories are also reasonably priced.
Tata has the most comprehensive sales and service network in India, with over 1000 sales outlets and 716 service centres across India, so accessibility and availability of service centres are generally hassle-free. The ownership experience is further enhanced by Tata’s doorstep service facility, allowing pick-up and drop conveniences.
Which One Should You Buy?
The Tiago makes for an excellent value-for-money hatchback with its intelligent interior design, fuel-efficient engine options, generous boot space, and competitive pricing. It is an ideal choice for first-car buyers or those wanting a practical city runabout without compromising much on features or safety.
For customers looking at premium sporty styling, spirited turbocharged petrol engine performance, and abundant comfort features, the Altroz delivers on those aspects while also matching up on safety and practicality. So, as an overall package, the Altroz holds an edge, though it commands a slight premium over equivalent Tiago variants. But, it is important to do test drives before making a decision
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