The Indian car market is heating up again, and this time it’s the new Tata Altroz making all the noise. Tata Motors has taken a bold step forward with their new and improved Altroz, aiming straight at the heart of the compact car market where the Maruti Swift has ruled for years. But now, with better looks, smart features, strong performance, and impressive safety, the Altroz is ready to shake things up.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or a first-time car buyer, the new Altroz promises to deliver an experience that blends style with practicality. Let’s break it down and see how this stylish compact car is making a mark.
Design & Style
Tata has always taken car design seriously, and the Altroz is no different. The new Altroz comes with a sportier, sharper design that gives it an edge over the Maruti Swift. The front grille has been reworked with a bolder look, and the LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) now look more premium.
The Altroz stands out with its coupe-like side profile, sleek alloy wheels, and muscular rear design. While the Swift still has that youthful charm, the Altroz carries a more mature and classy road presence.
In terms of size, the Altroz is slightly larger than the Swift. This gives it a better stance on the road and adds to the spaciousness inside.
Engine & Performance
Tata offers the Altroz with three engine options – a 1.2L Revotron petrol, a 1.2L iTurbo petrol, and a 1.5L diesel engine. The performance is smooth and punchy, especially in the turbo variant, which is great for highway cruising.
Compared to the Maruti Swift’s single 1.2L petrol engine, the Altroz gives more options to customers depending on their driving needs. Whether you want better mileage or better performance, Tata gives you the choice.
Transmission options include both manual and DCA (Dual-Clutch Automatic) in petrol variants. The shifts are smooth and responsive, especially with the DCA, making city driving easier.
Ride & Handling
The Altroz is built on Tata’s ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) platform, which adds strength and stability to the ride. It feels planted at high speeds and handles corners well without body roll.
The suspension is tuned to handle bad roads with ease. Even on speed breakers or potholes, the Altroz remains composed. Compared to the Maruti Swift, the Altroz feels a bit more confident and solid, especially at higher speeds.
The steering is light at low speeds and becomes firm as you go faster. This makes it easy to park and also fun to drive on highways.
Features & Tech
Here’s where the Altroz takes a big lead. Tata has loaded it with features that you’d normally expect in more expensive cars. The dashboard looks modern and comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s also a semi-digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, cruise control, push-button start, and rear AC vents – all of which are missing in many competitors.
On the safety front, Tata Altroz proudly holds a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP. Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and corner stability control come as standard.
Overview Table: Tata Altroz vs Maruti Swift
| Feature | Tata Altroz | Maruti Swift |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.2L Petrol, 1.2L Turbo, 1.5L Diesel | 1.2L Petrol |
| Transmission | Manual, DCA | Manual, AMT |
| Mileage | 18–23 km/l | 22.38 km/l (Petrol) |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star Global NCAP | 2-Star Global NCAP |
| Touchscreen | 7-inch Touchscreen | 7-inch Touchscreen |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | No |
| Boot Space | 345 Litres | 268 Litres |
| Automatic Climate Control | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | No |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹6.64 – ₹10.74 Lakh | ₹6.49 – ₹9.64 Lakh |
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Maruti Swift still has an upper hand on paper. The Swift delivers around 22.38 km/l, while the Altroz petrol variants return around 18 to 20 km/l, and the diesel can stretch up to 23 km/l.
However, the real-world difference is not very large. Also, the extra safety, space, and comfort of the Altroz make up for the slightly lower mileage, especially for buyers who value a better driving experience.
Price & Variants
The Tata Altroz starts at ₹6.64 lakh and goes up to ₹10.74 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available in multiple trims – XE, XM, XT, XZ, and XZ+, each offering a different level of features.
The pricing is competitive, and despite offering more features, the Altroz stays well within reach of the average Indian car buyer. Compared to the Swift, which starts at ₹6.49 lakh and goes up to ₹9.64 lakh, the Altroz offers more value for slightly more money.