Tata Altroz DCT vs i20 N-Line: Automatic Premium Showdown 2024

Top Reasons for Consideration

Tata Altroz XZA Plus S DCT:

1. Distinctive design with wide-opening doors (90 degrees)

2. Spacious interior with comfortable seating for five

3. 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system

4. 5-star Global NCAP safety rating

5. Well-balanced ride and handling characteristics

6. 6-Speed DCT for smooth automatic transmission

7. Larger boot space at 345 liters

Hyundai i20 N-Line N6 DCT:

1. Sporty exterior with N-Line specific enhancements

2. Powerful 1.0L Turbo GDi petrol engine (118.41bhp)

3. Advanced 7-Speed DCT for responsive performance

4. Longer wheelbase (2580mm) for potentially more interior space

5. Sporty interior with leatherette upholstery

6. Disc brakes on all four wheels for better stopping power

7. Hyundai's reputation for feature-rich offerings

Let's break down the key specifications:

1. Pricing:

- Tata Altroz XZA Plus S DCT: Rs 1,009,990

- Hyundai i20 N-Line N6 DCT: Rs 1,114,799

2. Engine Specifications:

- Altroz: 1.2L Revotron, 1199cc, 86.79bhp@6000rpm, 115Nm@3250rpm

- i20 N-Line: 1.0L Turbo GDi petrol, 998cc, 118.41bhp@6000rpm, 172Nm@1500-4000rpm

3. Transmission:

- Altroz: 6-Speed DCT

- i20 N-Line: 7-Speed DCT

4. Fuel Efficiency (ARAI):

- Altroz: Not specified in the data provided

- i20 N-Line: 20 kmpl

5. Dimensions:

- Altroz: 3990mm (L) x 1755mm (W) x 1523mm (H), Wheelbase: 2501mm

- i20 N-Line: 3995mm (L) x 1775mm (W) x 1505mm (H), Wheelbase: 2580mm

6. Boot Space:

- Altroz: 345 liters

- i20 N-Line: 311 liters

7. Safety Features:

- Altroz: 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, 5-star Global NCAP rating

- i20 N-Line: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and other safety features

8. Infotainment:

- Altroz: 10.25-inch touchscreen

- i20 N-Line: 8-inch touchscreen

The i20 N-Line offers 36.4% more power and 49.6% more torque, thanks to its turbocharged engine, while the Altroz provides 10.9% more boot space.

The Altroz is 9.4% more affordable, with a price difference of Rs 104,809.

The i20 N-Line has a 3.2% longer wheelbase, potentially offering more interior space, but a 9.9% smaller boot.

Exterior Design:

The Tata Altroz boasts an avant-garde design, with its shark nose-like front end, sleek grille, and swept-back headlights. The Altroz's wide-opening doors (90 degrees) are a standout feature, offering easy ingress and egress, especially beneficial for families with young children or elderly members. The dual-tone theme and sporty rear end add to its appeal, making it a visually striking option.

The Hyundai i20 N-Line features a more aggressive and sporty design and includes N-Line specific enhancements like a distinctive front bumper, all-black front grille with chequered flag design, side skirts with red accents, and twin-tip exhaust. The i20 N-Line's design is more eye-catching and may appeal to families who want a sportier look.

Interior and Comfort:

The Altroz shows off a layered dashboard design with good quality materials. The 90-degree opening doors make entry and exit particularly easy. It offers unique storage solutions like an umbrella holder in the doors. The seats are comfortable, and the flat rear floor might offer better comfort for three rear passengers.

The i20 N-Line's interior features sportier touches with red accents throughout, including on the seats, steering wheel, and gear lever. The seats have red piping and N-Line branding. The leatherette upholstery enhances the premium feel. While comfortable, the i20 N-Line's interior has a more performance-oriented ambiance that may not be universally appealing.

Driving Experience:

The Altroz with its 6-speed DCT promises smooth performance. The suspension is well-balanced, offering a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. The steering is responsive and offers a strong connection, being light at low speeds and appropriately weighted at higher speeds.

The i20 N-Line with its turbocharged engine and 7-speed DCT delivers a more spirited driving experience. The suspension is likely tuned for a sportier feel, which may result in a firmer ride. The more powerful engine should provide quicker acceleration and better highway performance.

Practicality:

The Altroz offers 10.9% more boot space (345L vs 311L) and its wide-opening doors enhance practicality for families.

Both vehicles provide split-folding rear seats for added versatility.

The Altroz's flatter ride may be more comfortable for daily use and long trips.

Feature Comparison

Infotainment and Connectivity:

- Altroz: 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

- i20 N-Line: 8-inch touchscreen with similar connectivity options

Comfort Features:

- Both: Automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start

- Altroz: Cooled glovebox, rear AC vents

- i20 N-Line: Leatherette upholstery, paddle shifters

Safety:

- Altroz: 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, 5-star Global NCAP rating

- i20 N-Line: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC

Convenience:

- Both: Height-adjustable driver seat, rear defogger

- Altroz: Rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps

- i20 N-Line: Tilt and telescopic steering

Exterior Features:

- Both: LED headlamps, LED taillights, and 16-inch alloy wheels

- i20 N-Line: Sportier bumpers, twin-tip exhaust

The Altroz offers a 28.1% larger touchscreen and some unique convenience features, while the i20 N-Line provides 200% more airbags and performance-oriented equipment.

The choice between them will largely depend on whether the buyer prioritizes practicality or a sportier driving experience.

Persona-Price Based Recommendation

Comfort-seeking family buyers in the Rs 10-12.5 lakh price range would go with the Tata Altroz XZA Plus S DCT for several reasons:

1. 9.4% more affordable price point, offering better value for money

2. 10.9% larger boot space, crucial for family needs

3. Distinctive design with practical 90-degree opening doors

4. 5-star Global NCAP safety rating

5. Well-balanced ride quality suitable for Indian road conditions

The Altroz offers a well-rounded package that aligns closely with the needs of comfort-seeking family buyers in this price range. Its combination of space, practicality, and safety makes it a compelling choice for everyday family use.

However, if a more engaging driving experience and sporty aesthetics are important to you, and you're willing to compromise slightly on practicality and pay a 9.4% premium, the i20 N-Line N6 DCT is also a worthy contender. Its 36.4% more powerful turbocharged engine and sportier handling could appeal to enthusiast drivers who still need a practical family car.