Tata Altroz Racer Review: How Does the New Altroz Racer Perform?
By Kuldeep- 16 Jun 2024
Tata Altroz Racer Review: How Does the New Altroz Racer Perform?
Tata Motors' cars are known for their safety and mileage. However, the company has not had a strong lineup in the performance hatchback segment. In 2018, there were rumors that Tata Motors was preparing to introduce a Racer edition to its lineup.
However, the company put an end to all rumors by launching the JTP variant of its Tiago and Tigor. The following two years were disrupted by the pandemic, which put an end to the discussion about the racing edition car.
However, after a long wait, Tata Motors showcased the Altroz Racer at Auto Expo 2023 last year. Since then, there has been a lot of buzz among customers about this sportier design of the new Altroz racing variant.
Now, in June 2024, the company has introduced the new Tata Altroz Racer. It is worth mentioning that the new Altroz Racer has been developed with the help of India's first F1 racing driver, Narain Karthikeyan. As a result, Tata's Altroz premium hatchback now has a performance variant.
To see how well the new sporty model of the Tata Altroz lives up to the company's claims, we went to the new CoASTT race track in Coimbatore. Here, we thoroughly drove the new Tata Altroz Racer and have brought a full review of the car for you.
Tata Altroz Racer Design and Features
In terms of design, the new Tata Altroz Racer looks like a sporty version of the regular Altroz. It features a black top section and a dual-tone color scheme in the lower section.
In the sporty design of this car, Atomic Orange, Pure Grey, and Avenue White colors have been used. All these colors come with a blacked-out dual-tone scheme. Additionally, there are white stripes on the bonnet that extend to the roof.
The exterior design also features a blacked-out grille, ORVMs, 16-inch black wheels, and Racer badging. The new hatchback has "Racer" badging located just above the front wheel arch.
Additionally, a sunroof, i-Turbo+ badging on the boot lid, a rear spoiler, and a dual-tip exhaust setup make the car's look quite attractive. Step inside the cabin of the Altroz Racer, and you'll notice significant changes compared to the regular hatchback.
The Racer variant features an all-black interior, highlighted with Atomic Orange accents around the air vents. Additionally, there is white striping and contrast stitching on the seats.
Speaking of the seats, the Racer variant features Racer logos on the headrests. Additionally, ventilated seats have been provided at the front. This feature is quite essential for comfortable driving during hot weather conditions.
Meanwhile, significant changes can also be seen behind the steering wheel. It includes a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and fully automatic temperature control.
In addition to these, other upgrades in the Altroz Racer include ambient lighting and a 360-degree camera system. It also features a wireless phone charger, an air purifier system, and a new sunroof with voice command functionality.
The Altroz Racer is equipped with 6 airbags, electronic stability control, and cruise control, along with several latest safety features. Additionally, it includes an e-call/b-call system for emergency or breakdown situations.
Tata Altroz Racer Powertrain
The Altroz Racer features a significant change in its engine. The car is equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. This engine produces a maximum power of 120 PS at 5,500 RPM and peak torque of 170 Nm.
This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which delivers power to the front wheels of the Tata Altroz Racer. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 11.3 seconds.
The Altroz Racer's clutch features a new hydraulic control system. According to Tata, this system makes gear shifts easier. Additionally, changes have been made to the car's suspension setup and steering.
Tata Altroz Racer Driving Impression
As mentioned earlier, the new Tata Altroz Racer has been developed with the help of India's first F1 driver. When we drove this car on the CoASTT race track in Coimbatore, we found it enjoyable to drive on straight roads.
While driving around corners, the car remains quite controlled, overall giving you a sense of confidence without feeling scared. The Altroz Racer is a powerful compact hatchback. However, it feels a bit low in terms of height.
Once you reach around 2,500 RPM, the car's engine begins to tighten up for speed, and as you approach 5,500 RPM, you can fully enjoy the car's performance.
It is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox that is quite easy to operate and facilitates smooth gear shifts. The hydraulic clutch operation makes gear shifting easier compared to the regular Altroz.
The suspension setup on the Altroz Racer is considerably firmer compared to the regular car. Additionally, its sharp and precise steering setup allows you to fully enjoy driving the Altroz Racer.
We feel that the only area where improvement is needed in the Altroz Racer is its braking. The placement of the pedal in the new car is correct, but it feels quite spongy, requiring constant pressure with strong legs to maintain effective braking.
Our thoughts on the new Tata Altroz Racer
The Tata Altroz has established itself as a reliable and family-friendly hatchback over the past five years. However, the Altroz Racer differs slightly from the daily-use hatchbacks.
