Hyundai i20 IVT vs Tata Altroz DCT: Premium Hatchback Comparison Guide 2024

Top Reasons for Consideration

Hyundai i20 Asta Opt IVT:

1. Advanced Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2. Premium Design: "Sensuous Sportiness" design language for a distinctive appearance.

3. Spacious Interior: Class-leading 2580mm wheelbase for ample passenger space.

4. Safety: 6 airbags and advanced features like Electronic Stability Control.

5. Comfort: Leatherette upholstery, sunroof, and ambient lighting for a premium feel.

6. Performance: 1.2L Kappa engine with IVT transmission balancing efficiency and smooth driving.

7. Practicality: 351 liters of boot space for good cargo capacity.

8. Brand Value: Hyundai's reputation for quality and feature-rich vehicles.

Tata Altroz XZA Plus S DCT:

1. Distinctive Design: Unique "concept car for the road" look with shark nose-like front end.

2. Spacious Interior: 1755mm width offering ample shoulder room.

3. Advanced Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

4. Safety: 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, though only 2 airbags.

5. Practicality: 345-liter boot space for good cargo capacity.

6. Comfort Features: Automatic climate control, cruise control, and sunroof.

7. Brand Value: Tata's reputation for robust build quality and improving technology.

8. Fuel Efficiency: 1.2L Revotron engine with 6-speed DCT balancing performance and efficiency.

Let's break down the key specifications:

1. Pricing:

• i20 Asta Opt IVT: Rs. 1,105,900

• Altroz XZA Plus S DCT: Rs. 1,009,990

(Altroz has an 8.7% price advantage)

2. Engine Specifications:

• i20: 1.2L, 86.76bhp@6000rpm, 114.7Nm@4200rpm

• Altroz: 1.2L, 86.79bhp@6000rpm, 115Nm@3250rpm

3. Transmission:

• i20: IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)

• Altroz: 6-Speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)

4. Fuel Efficiency:

• i20: 20 kmpl

• Altroz: 19.33 kmpl

5. Dimensions (LxWxH):

• i20: 3995mm x 1775mm x 1505mm

• Altroz: 3990mm x 1755mm x 1523mm

6. Wheelbase:

• i20: 2580mm

• Altroz: 2501mm

7. Boot Space:

• i20: 351 liters

• Altroz: 345 liters

8. Safety:

• i20: 6 airbags

• Altroz: 2 airbags, 5-star Global NCAP rating

9. Infotainment:

Both feature 10.25-inch touchscreens

While the Altroz has an edge in pricing and transmission type, the i20 leads in terms of safety features and interior space.

Exterior Design:

The Hyundai i20 Asta Opt IVT showcases a bold and modern aesthetic. Its large frameless grille, angular headlights, and distinctive Z-shaped LED taillights create a striking presence. This design is more polarizing and attention-grabbing, which may resonate with style-conscious buyers seeking to make a statement.

In contrast, the Tata Altroz XZA Plus S DCT boasts a unique and eye-catching design philosophy. The shark nose-inspired front end, sleek black grille, and large swept-back headlights create a distinctive face. Its upswept windows and black embellishments contribute to a sporty, forward-leaning stance. The unconventional placement of rear door handles on the C-pillar adds a unique touch, though it may divide opinions.

Interior and Comfort:

Step inside the i20, and you're greeted by a well-thought-out, user-friendly interior. Key features include:

• Low-set dashboard enhancing visibility

• Large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• Premium touches like leatherette upholstery and ambient lighting

• Class-leading wheelbase translating to generous rear-seat space

The Altroz's cabin, while perhaps not as cutting-edge as its exterior, offers a pleasant ambiance. Noteworthy elements include:

• 7-inch digital instrument cluster

• Spacious front seats ensuring comfort

• Flat-bottomed steering wheel for a sporty feel

• Class-leading width offering excellent shoulder room for three rear occupants

Driving Experience:

The i20's 1.2L Kappa engine, paired with the IVT transmission, is engineered for smooth and comfortable city driving. While it may lack some punch during quick acceleration, it offers a refined experience for daily commutes. The i20's ride quality is well-judged, with effective damping and stability on long journeys.

On the other hand, the Altroz's 1.2L Revotron engine coupled with a 6-Speed DCT should provide a more engaging driving experience. The Altroz is praised for its well-balanced ride and handling characteristics, featuring a suspension that effectively absorbs road imperfections while maintaining stability at higher speeds.

Practicality:

Both vehicles offer similar boot capacities (i20: 311L, Altroz: 345L), with the Altroz having a slight 10.9% advantage. The i20 provides a sunroof, adding to the sense of spaciousness and premium feel. The Altroz's 90-degree opening doors enhance ease of ingress and egress, particularly beneficial in tight parking situations.

Feature Comparison

Infotainment and Connectivity:

• i20: 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, 7 speakers including subwoofer

• Altroz: 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, 4 speakers

Safety Features:

• i20: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Assist

• Altroz: 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear camera with guidelines, 5-star Global NCAP rating

Comfort and Convenience:

• i20: Sunroof, wireless phone charging, leatherette upholstery, ambient lighting

• Altroz: Sunroof, automatic climate control, cruise control, rear AC vents

Exterior Features:

• Both offer LED headlamps, LED DRLs, LED taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels

Additional Features:

• i20: Blue Link connected car features, voice commands, rear armrest with cup holders

• Altroz: Wearable key, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps

Both cars offer a comprehensive set of features catering to tech-savvy users. The i20 edges ahead with its superior safety package and more premium interior amenities, while the Altroz counters with unique features like the wearable key.

Persona-Price Based Recommendation

For a style-conscious, tech-savvy young professional in the Rs. 10-12.5 lakh price range, the Hyundai i20 Asta Opt IVT emerges as the recommended choice. Despite its 8.7% higher price point, it offers superior value through a combination of advanced features, premium design, and a more spacious interior.

Key factors supporting this recommendation:

1. Safety: Comprehensive package including 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and Hill Hold Assist.

2. Space: Class-leading wheelbase translating to excellent rear-seat comfort.

3. Premium Feel: Leatherette upholstery, ambient lighting, and sunroof enhancing the overall experience.

4. Technology: Advanced infotainment system and Blue Link connected car features catering to tech-savvy users.

5. Design: Bold styling aligning with the style-conscious aspect of the buyer persona.

While the Tata Altroz XZA Plus S DCT is a strong contender with its unique design, potentially more engaging DCT transmission, and impressive Global NCAP safety rating, the i20's overall package of safety features, interior space, and premium amenities makes it a more compelling option for this specific buyer persona within the given price range.