The Indian hatchback market has long been a volume-driven space. But every once in a while, a carmaker attempts to redefine it through design, safety, or technology. Tata Motors’ answer to that challenge arrived in 2020 with the Altroz. And with the 2025 Tata Altroz facelift, the company isn’t just refining its formula—it’s evolving the very definition of a “premium hatchback.” We recently drove the Tata Altroz Facelift and came away with mixed impressions. While it scores well in many areas, a few aspects still need fine-tuning if Tata truly aims to dominate this highly competitive segment.
Tata Altroz Facelift – Exterior Design
At first glance, the Tata Altroz Facelift doesn’t scream ‘new.’ But look closer and you’ll notice meaningful updates. The Luminate LED headlamps, a bolder 3D front grille, and the Infinity LED tail lamps add fresh character to the overall design. The coupe-like silhouette remains largely unchanged but now features flush-fitting door handles—one of the few segment-first features.
The floating roof design and new alloy wheel options inject some dynamism, especially in the striking new colours like Ember Glow and Dune Glow. That said, the design update feels more evolutionary than revolutionary. The Altroz already had a strong visual foundation, and this facelift smartly builds on it rather than starting from scratch. Still, those expecting a dramatic overhaul may find the visual changes underwhelming—especially when rivals like the Hyundai i20 or Maruti Suzuki Baleno go for bolder design statements in their refreshes.
Tata Altroz Facelift – Interior & Features
Step inside, and the Tata Altroz Facelift feels distinctly more premium. The updated dashboard features soft-touch materials and a dual-tone beige-black upholstery that lend an upscale vibe. Subtle enhancements like the Galaxy ambient lighting strips and redesigned air vents contribute to a more sophisticated cabin. Rear seat comfort has also improved. The revised setup—with better thigh support and 90-degree door openings—enhances perceived comfort without altering the core dimensions.
The new 10.25-inch UltraView infotainment system by Harman is crisp, intuitive, and finally in sync with 2025 expectations. It integrates seamlessly with the HD digital cluster, offering real-time navigation and alerts—a feature still missing in some more expensive cars. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now come as standard, along with two 65W USB-C ports, a wireless charger, and an air purifier. While these additions cater to the tech-savvy buyer, we did encounter some lag in the infotainment system’s response during our test drive.
Tata Altroz Facelift – Powertrain Options
Arguably the biggest talking point is the Altroz’s uniquely diverse powertrain lineup. It remains the only premium hatchback in India to offer petrol, diesel, and CNG options—all within the same model range. That’s practically unheard of in today’s SUV-dominated market.
Under the hood, there are three choices: a 1.2L Revotron petrol (paired with a 5-speed manual, 6-speed DCA, or a new 5-speed AMT), a 1.2L iCNG with Tata’s twin-cylinder technology (which smartly preserves boot space), and a 1.5L Revotorq diesel—still the only diesel hatchback option in this segment. This flexibility is commendable, offering something for every kind of buyer—from the economy-focused city driver to the long-distance diesel user.
Tata Altroz Facelift- Drive Experience
Now, let’s talk about the drive experience. Tata Motors has reshuffled the engine and transmission choices for the Altroz lineup. Notably, the Altroz Racer variant with the turbo-petrol motor is no longer available for now. There’s new automated manual transmission (AMT) has been introduced for the standard 1.2-litre petrol engine. This 88hp, 115Nm, three-cylinder petrol unit can now be paired with a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, or the newly added 5-speed AMT.
The CNG version continues to use the same 1.2-litre petrol as its base, though output dips slightly to 73.5hp and 103Nm when running on CNG. At present, it’s only offered with a manual, but an AMT version is expected soon. For diesel enthusiasts, there’s still a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit producing 90hp and 200Nm, available exclusively with a 5-speed manual. We drove the diesel and CNG variants with a manual gearbox.
One of the practical touches on the CNG version is its ability to start directly in CNG mode—a convenience not all rivals offer. Despite modest figures on paper, performance within city limits is more than acceptable. It’s not a lively engine, but it doesn’t struggle to keep pace in urban traffic either. Its key appeal lies in running cost savings, not thrills, and the light clutch makes stop-go driving relatively stress-free. However, its limitations show on highways, where overtakes demand patience. Switching to petrol mode gives a slight performance boost, but even then, the engine isn’t particularly eager. Pushing it hard results in noticeable mechanical noise and a whiny engine note that seeps into the cabin.
The diesel, on the other hand, is a better pick for regular intercity drives and is punchy. It offers ample mid-range strength and makes light work of overtaking. The strong torque delivery at lower revs contributes to a relaxed cruising experience. But refinement isn’t a strong suit here—the motor is audibly present even at idle and gets louder as you climb through the revs.
Where the Altroz continues to score is in its ride and handling balance. The suspension feels slightly taut at low speeds, transmitting some firmness through the tyres, but as road conditions worsen, the chassis shows its strengths. It handles poor surfaces impressively well, giving the car a rugged feel that’s uncommon in hatchbacks of this size.
At higher speeds, the Altroz maintains composure and inspires confidence. Handling is another plus—steering feedback is precise, and the car responds intuitively to inputs. Manoeuvring in tight spaces is also easy thanks to the light steering setup. What slightly mars the experience is the cabin refinement. At cruising speeds, wind noise around the mirrors and road noise from the tyres start to intrude, revealing the car’s less-than-ideal sound insulation.
Tata Altroz Facelift – Safety
Safety remains one of the Altroz’s strongest suits. Already the only car in its class with a 5-star GNCAP crash rating, the facelift builds on that legacy. Standard across all variants are six airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, ISOFIX mounts, rear parking sensors, a 360° surround view camera, and SOS calling. Tata has also reinforced the body with what it calls “Diamond Strength” structural upgrades, featuring improved crumple zones. It’s one of the few cars under ₹10 lakh that feels genuinely engineered to protect—not merely to tick boxes.
Tata Altroz Facelift -Pricing and Variants
The Tata Altroz Facelift starts at ₹6.89 lakh (ex-showroom) and spans a broad spectrum of variants. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for a top-spec model with a sunroof and a DCA gearbox, there’s likely a version that fits. Tata’s new persona-based variant strategy—Smart, Pure, Creative, Accomplished S, and Accomplished+ S—introduces more choice but may confuse buyers used to the simpler XE/XZ format. Understanding what each persona includes will likely require a trip to the brochure or dealership.
Tata Altroz Facelift – Verdict
So, is the Tata Altroz Facelift just a cosmetic update—or something more? In truth, it’s both. While the design tweaks are subtle, the updates in cabin quality, infotainment, and safety equipment are meaningful. The diverse powertrain lineup—especially the continued presence of a diesel engine and the addition of an AMT—sets it apart as a well-rounded offering.
That said, it’s not without flaws. The infotainment system could be snappier, the overall driving experience lacks a sporty edge, and the new variant nomenclature adds unnecessary complexity.
But in the bigger picture, the Tata Altroz facelift showcases Tata Motors’ clear grasp of what Indian premium hatchback buyers truly want: style, substance, and safety. It might not be the most exciting hatchback on sale, but it makes a compelling case as one of the most complete.