The premium hatchback segment is one competitive space with every car maker vying for a slice of the pie. These hatches are more than a match for pricier sedans with the feature list they offer these days. A segment that already has established players like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20 and the Honda Jazz, Tata Motors is the latest car maker to join the club with the new Altroz. Revealed first as the 45X concept at the 2018 Auto Expo in Delhi, the Tata Altroz finally hits Indian roads in production form. We were in the golden city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan for first driving impressions of the Altroz. Read on.

Tata Altroz Exterior

The Altroz is the first model from Tata Motors to be based on their all new ALFA (Agile, Light, Flexible, Advanced) architecture. While the Altroz measures sub 4-metre in length, the platform will support a whole range of body styles, sedan, MPV etc and lengths from 3.7m to 4.3m. The new architecture is also hybrid and electrification ready. In fact an electric concept of the Altroz was showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

So now let’s get down to the design and styling. Let me tell you that the Altroz is a beauty pageant winner straight away. It has many similar design and styling cues from the 45X. And that’s what I applaud Tata Motors for. The production versions of vehicles are very similar to concept form, case in point even the Harrier and the Nexon.

The Altroz has a very sharp end with a flat bonnet flanked with a couple of creases. The smiling front grille finished in black reminds you of the Indica but is next level of course. There are large sweeping headlamps that feature projectors. The fog lamps get integrated daytime running lamps well. The front fascia gets a black element running across the top and a chrome piece on the bottom side from end to end. On the side, you get a thick black element that runs from the front and tapers towards the end of the rear window. There are large wheel arches and the Altroz features 16 inch diamond cut alloy wheels. While the design looks great, the tyres could have been a bit thicker. The rear door handles are fitted on the C Pillar rather than the conventional position and gives the Altroz a two door hatchback appearance from a distance. The rear gets dual tone treatment with the rear spoiler,  boot lid and tail lamp surrounds finished in black. The Altroz lettering sits flush on the tail gate and the large wrap around tail lamps have a very funky design. You can also opt for a whole black roof.

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