Tata Motors has introduced the Altroz Racer, equipped with a powerful turbo petrol engine and notable mechanical enhancements, raising the question of whether it qualifies as a true hot hatch. Amidst the SUV dominance in India, sporty hatchbacks have become rare, but the Altroz Racer aims to rekindle interest in this segment. Unveiled at the Auto Expo 2023, it has finally launched after a year and a half of anticipation.

Under the hood, Tata Motors has equipped it with a 118 bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine from the Nexon, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. Although there are future plans for a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the manual version is currently the only option.

This engine is the third turbo petrol variant in the Altroz lineup, joining the standard 1.2-litre 89 bhp Revotron engine and the previous 1.2-litre i-Turbo variant, which produced 109 bhp and 140 Nm of torque. The Altroz Racer boasts an increase of nearly 20 bhp and an additional 30 Nm of torque. The engine’s power delivery is smooth and linear, with a noticeable surge once it crosses 2,000 rpm. This power is further accentuated by a specially designed twin exhaust system, adding a growl to the engine’s acoustics.

Enhancing the driving experience, Tata Motors replaced the mechanical clutch with a hydraulic one, making gear shifts smoother and more effortless. The ALFA platform, known for its rigidity, underpins both the Altroz and the Punch. Tata Motors has fine-tuned the suspension and steering for the Altroz Racer, which became evident during testing at the CoASTT High Performance Centre in Coimbatore. The recalibrated steering is light at low speeds but gains weight with acceleration, providing superior feedback and responsiveness. On the track, the Altroz Racer handled corners with minimal understeer, maintaining firm road grip and stability.

Despite the firmer suspension setup, the Altroz Racer continues to offer a comfortable ride, effectively cushioning uneven roads and bumps. Inside, the cabin features an all-black design with racing stripe accents on the floor mats and leatherette upholstery. The dashboard sports a glossy black panel with colorful inserts matching the Altroz Racer’s body paint scheme, available in Atomic Orange, Avenue White, and Pure Grey. Key features include a new 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera with a blind spot monitor, a wireless phone charger, a 7-inch digital driver’s console, and a voice-operated electric sunroof. The top trim R3 model also offers front ventilated seats and enhanced connected technology through IRA, including an emergency call feature and Amazon Alexa voice assistance.

The Tata Altroz Racer combines performance with practicality, offering significant mechanical upgrades and advanced features, making it a compelling choice in the sporty hatchback segment.