Tata Altroz vs Hyundai i20 N-Line: Style Meets Sport 2024

Top Reasons for Consideration

Tata Altroz XT:

1. Striking Design: Offers a distinctive exterior with a "concept car for the road" look, appealing to style-conscious buyers.

2. Spacious Interior: Class-leading width provides ample space for passengers and comfort.

3. Safety: Boasts a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, demonstrating Tata's commitment to occupant protection.

4. Fuel Efficiency: ARAI-certified mileage of 19.33 kmpl offers decent fuel economy for daily use.

5. Practical Boot Space: 345-liter boot capacity is generous for its class, enhancing practicality.

6. Comfortable Ride: Known for its well-balanced ride quality, suitable for both city and highway driving.

7. Value for Money: At Rs. 809,900, it offers a good balance of features and comfort at a competitive price point.

8. Build Quality: Tata's reputation for robust build quality adds to the Altroz's appeal.

9. Advanced Features: Equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and other modern conveniences.

Hyundai i20 N-Line N6:

1. Sporty Performance: Powered by a 1.0L Turbo GDi engine producing 118.41bhp and 172Nm of torque.

2. Enhanced Driving Dynamics: Features stiffer suspension and retuned steering for a more engaging drive.

3. Distinctive Styling: N Line-specific design elements including sporty bumpers, alloy wheels, and twin exhausts.

4. Advanced Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

5. Safety Features: 6 airbags for enhanced safety.

Let's break down the key specifications of both models:

1. Price:

- Tata Altroz XT: Rs. 809,900

- Hyundai i20 N-Line N6: Rs. 999,500

(The Altroz is approximately 18.9% more affordable)

2. Engine Specs:

- Altroz: 1.2L Revotron engine

* Power: 86.79bhp@6000rpm

* Torque: 115Nm@3250rpm

- i20 N-Line: 1.0L Turbo GDi engine

* Power: 118.41bhp@6000rpm

* Torque: 172Nm@1500-4000rpm

(The i20 N-Line offers 36.4% more power and 49.6% more torque)

3. Transmission:

- Altroz: 5-speed manual

- i20 N-Line: 6-speed manual

4. Fuel Efficiency (ARAI-certified):

- Altroz: 19.33 kmpl

- i20 N-Line: 16 kmpl

(The Altroz offers approximately 20.8% better fuel efficiency)

5. Dimensions (LxWxH):

- Altroz: 3990mm x 1755mm x 1523mm

- i20 N-Line: 3995mm x 1775mm x 1505mm

(The Altroz is 1.2% taller, while the i20 N-Line is marginally longer and wider)

6. Boot Space:

- Altroz: 345 liters

- i20 N-Line: 311 liters

(The Altroz offers about 10.9% more boot space)

7. Safety:

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

- i20 N-Line: 6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes

(Both feature ABS with EBD and other essential safety features)

8. Infotainment:

- Altroz: 7-inch touchscreen

- i20 N-Line: 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Exterior Design:

The Tata Altroz XT offers a striking and unconventional design with its shark nose-like front end, sleek grille, and large swept-back headlights. The clever play of colors and dual-tone theme add to its sporty appeal, giving it a concept car-like appearance that stands out in the crowd.

In contrast, the Hyundai i20 N-Line N6 offers a more aggressive and sporty appearance with its bold front bumper featuring red accents, chequered flag-inspired grille design, and sportier alloy wheels. The rear gets a new bumper, twin muffler tips, and a roof spoiler, giving it a more dynamic and youthful look.

Interior and Comfort:

The Altroz's interior features a layered dashboard design with textured plastics and gloss finishes. Its 90-degree door opening enhances ingress and egress. As the widest car in its class, the Altroz provides excellent shoulder room for three rear occupants.

The i20 N-Line N6's interior exudes a sportier vibe with red accents throughout the cabin, including on the seats, steering wheel, and gear lever. The seats feature a more athletic design with N-Line branding and leatherette upholstery, adding a premium touch. While both offer comfort, the i20 N-Line's interior feels more special and enthusiast-oriented.

Driving Experience:

The Altroz's 1.2L Revotron engine offers decent performance for daily use with smooth power delivery and good low-end torque, making it suitable for city driving. It impresses with well-balanced ride and handling, effectively absorbing bumps and providing good stability at high speeds.

The i20 N-Line N6, with its turbocharged engine, offers significantly more performance with a strong mid-range punch and rev-happy nature. Its stiffer suspension and retuned steering provide a more engaging driving experience, with better cornering abilities and reduced body roll. However, this might come at a slight cost to ride comfort on rough roads.

Practicality:

Both cars offer split-folding rear seats for enhanced cargo flexibility. The Altroz's 10.9% larger boot space gives it an edge in practicality. Both cars provide various storage solutions in the cabin, enhancing everyday usability.

Feature Comparison

Infotainment and Connectivity:

- Altroz: 7-inch touchscreen (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay not mentioned for this variant)

- i20 N-Line: 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Comfort and Convenience:

- Both offer automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and keyless entry

- Altroz: Cooled glovebox

- i20 N-Line: Sunroof, drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sports)

Safety Features:

- Altroz: 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and rear camera

- i20 N-Line: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and rear camera

Exterior Features:

- Altroz: LED DRLs, LED taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels

- i20 N-Line: Sportier bumpers, twin muffler tips, roof spoiler, red brake calipers

Additional Features:

- Altroz: Wearable key, 90-degree door opening

- i20 N-Line: Sportier seats with N-Line branding, red interior accents

The i20 N-Line N6 offers more performance-oriented and premium features, aligning with its sportier character. However, the Altroz provides a well-rounded package of features that cater to the needs of most buyers in this segment, with a particular emphasis on practicality and comfort.

Persona-Price Based Recommendation

For the style-conscious, tech-savvy young professional in the Rs. 8-10 lakh range, the choice between the Tata Altroz XT and Hyundai i20 N-Line N6 depends on personal priorities and budget considerations.

If performance and sporty driving dynamics are top priorities, and the budget allows for a 23.4% price premium, the Hyundai i20 N-Line N6 is the clear choice. Its turbocharged engine (offering 36.4% more power and 49.6% more torque), sportier suspension, and enhanced styling cater to the enthusiast driver.

For those prioritizing a balance of style, comfort, practicality, and value, the Tata Altroz XT emerges as the more suitable choice. It offers:

- A distinctive design

- Excellent safety ratings (5-star Global NCAP)

- A comfortable ride

- 20.8% better fuel efficiency

- 10.9% larger boot space

- A more affordable price point (18.9% less expensive)

Considering the target price range and the overall package, the Altroz XT represents better value for money while still offering a premium experience and standout design.