Tata Motors has recently unveiled the Altroz DCA (Dual-Clutch Automatic). The hatchback is available in seven variants, with prices starting at Rs. 8.09 lakh for the XMA+, XTA, XZA, XZA (O), XZA+, XTA Dark, and XZA+ Dark (ex-showroom).
The Altroz Automatic is powered by a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 85 BHP and 113 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission with seven speeds. The Altroz DCA comes in six different colours: Opera Blue (New), Downtown Red, Avenue White, Arcade Grey, Harbour Blue, and Cosmo Dark.
Tata Altroz DCA ex-showroom prices:
XMA+ – Rs. 8,09,900
XTA – Rs. 8,59,900
XZA – Rs. 9,09,900
XZA (O) – Rs. 9,21,900
XZA+ – Rs. 9,59,900
XTA Dark – Rs. 9,05,900
XZA+ Dark – Rs. 9,89,900
So, if you’re looking for an automatic in the premium hatchback segment, you have a few options, all with different types of automatic transmissions. So, with each of the competitors, let’s break it down to make it a little easier.
1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Maruti Suzuki had decided to forego the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in favour of a more cost-effective AMT gearbox. Maruti has made numerous improvements to their AMT over the years, but there is still some sluggishness and head nodding, especially for those who enjoy a more spirited form of driving. That’s not to say that the CVT doesn’t have a rubber band effect when pushed hard, but the AMT just feels inferior to the others. Nonetheless, it offers a more affordable option, with prices ranging between Rs 7.69 lakh and Rs 9.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
2. Toyota Glanza
The Glanza is no exception in this regard. In fact, it has the same engine and transmission options as the Baleno and only differs with a few cosmetic changes on the outside and inside. Toyota’s high-end hatchback costs between Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 9.69 lakh (ex-showroom). The slight price premium over the Baleno can only be justified by Toyota’s superior three-year/one lakh-kilometer standard warranty on its products in India.
3. Hyundai i20
The i20 is likely one of the most well-equipped hatchbacks in the segment, but it does come at a reasonable price. To begin with, there are two automatic transmissions to select from an IVT and a DCT. The Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) is simply another name for CVT, whereas the DCT is clearly a Dual-Clutch Transmission. While the IVT is only available with a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, the DCT is available with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine. Price? Well, IVT ranges between Rs 8.90 lakh and Rs 10.66 lakh while the DCT costs between Rs 9.76 lakh and Rs 11.48 lakh. That’s quite a lot more expensive than the Altroz DCA, at least
4. Volkswagen Polo
Last but not least, the Volkswagen Polo now comes with a six-speed torque converter unit rather than the seven-speed DSG. The automatic variants cost between Rs 8.93 lakh and Rs 9.99 lakh, making it significantly more expensive than its competitors, especially given its age. According to online reports, VW will soon phase out the Polo in the Indian market.
Is Altroz DCA a better option than others?
All in all, it’s easy to tell that Tata Motors has priced the Altroz fairly well, given that it comes with a superior DCA gearbox. It costs only Rs 40,000 more than the AMT-equipped Baleno (base variant comparison), which isn’t a lot when you consider the kind of transmission the homegrown brand is offering. There’s also the five-star Global NCAP crash test safety rating to consider, which again gives the Altroz a slight edge over its rivals. The only bummer here is the fact that the DCA isn’t offered with the turbo-petrol variants. Maybe Tata is saving that for another day?