We are very excited to bring this comparison between two of the most popular premium hatchbacks in the country after Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz have been going toe-to-toe on the sales charts for a few months now. Although the i20 has always had an edge over the Altroz, the latter has been challenging the i20 for the second spot on the list of highest-selling premium hatchbacks in our market consistently now. Therefore, it is only natural to put these two to the test to guide you to make a suitable decision according to your needs. So, without any further ado, let us get into a detailed Tata Altroz vs Hyundai i20 comparison.

Also read: Premium Hatchback Sales Report for May 2021 – Baleno, i20, Altroz and more!

Exteriors and Dimensions

The Tata Altroz is a modern and stylish-looking premium hatchback. Based on the award-winning Impact 2.0 design language, Tata Altroz features an aggressive front grille, with Dual Chamber Automatic Projector Headlamps, LED DRLs, Sporty Bumper and Angular Unique Front Fascia. The side profile is also distinctly Altroz with 90-degree opening doors, Characteristics Creases on the Sides, 16-inch Dual Cut Laser Tone Stylish Alloy Wheels, Piano Black ORVMs with Chrome Inserts, C-Pillar Mounted Rear Door Handles, Roof Integrated Rear Spoiler and much more. On the back, one gets greeted with Split Taillamps connected by a blacked-out slab giving the rear a modern appearance, sporty bumpers and more. Overall, the Altroz does look stunning from all angles.

Hyundai has always made sure that the i20 badge keeps on breaking the stereotypes in terms of exterior design and this version of the i20 is no different. The 3rd gen i20 is sure to make heads turn everywhere you go with its bold characteristic creases on the front, along with the Parametric jewel pattern grille. The LED Projector Headlamps and LED DRLs additionally, enhances the front look and make it look bolder and wider. The chrome on the window rims also gives the side profile a modern and flashy look. The Z-shaped tail lamps, joined by a chrome strip are extremely sporty but could be polarising. The puddle lamps and chrome outside door handles do make it look premium. The stylish alloy wheels contribute to the overall bold and modern design of the premium hatchback.

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Although both these premium hatchbacks are somewhat similar in exterior dimensions, the Hyundai i20 has a substantial edge in terms of wheelbase. This also translates into a ton of cabin space for the rear passengers. However, it is the Altroz that has a larger boot space for when you are out on a vacation with your family.

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Interiors and Features

When it comes to interior designing, Tata Altroz comes with a modern cabin look. Developed in India for Indian customers, the iRA (Intelligent Real-time Assist) app has a whole host of connected and safety features. This includes over 70 Voice Commands in Hindi, English and Hinglish, keeping the Indian sensibilities and lingo in mind. Apart from that the 3 Word Navigation System also allows navigating any place using just 3 keywords. New and useful features include Xpress Cool for faster cooling of the cabin during those hot summer days, Leatherette Seats, One-touch Power Windows, 2 Additional Tweeters by Harman for an even more engaging Audio Experience, Black and light grey interiors and a new Harbour Blue Colour theme.

The Hyundai i20 is arguably the most extensively feature-packed product in the premium hatchback segment. The 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Hyundai’s own Connected Car Tech with Bluelink App and wireless charging. There is an air purifier incorporated in the centre console between the two seats. Another segment first is the Bose 7-Speaker Audio System with a subwoofer. For the love of Sunroofs in India, Hyundai has made sure that this premium hatchback comes with an electric sunroof as well. Other features include Ambient lighting, Automatic climate control, Cruise Control, Rear AC Vents, Leatherette Upholstery, Cooled Glovebox and Keyless Entry and Go.

Also read: Hyundai i20 vs Renault Kiger – Clash of Segments – Which one suits you better?

Tata Altroz vs Hyundai i20 Safety Comparison

Tata Altroz is the only 5-star Safety Rated hatchback in India at the Global NCAP. It has features like Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Corner Stability Control, Reverse Parking Sensors with Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, Height Adjustable Seatbelts with Pretensioners & Force Limiter, Crash Sensing Auto Door Unlock and more.

On the safety front, the 3^rd Gen i20 gets equipped with 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, Rear View Camera and segment firsts: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Hill Start Assist. The Digital Instrument Cluster and the steering wheel have been imported from the higher segment Hyundais like the Verna and the Creta.

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Tata Altroz vs Hyundai i20 Comparison – Specs and Prices

There are three engine options on offer including a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine making 86 PS and 113 Nm, a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine making 110 PS and 140 Nm and a 1.5-litre diesel engine making 90 PS and 200 Nm of peak power and peak torque respectively. There is the option of a sole 5-speed manual gearbox with all the variants of the Altroz. The prices of the Tata Altroz range from Rs 5.80 lakh to Rs 9.56 lakh, ex-showroom.

The Hyundai i20 comes with a plethora of engine options from a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol making 82hp and 114Nm, a 1.5-litre diesel making 100PS and 240Nm and a new 1.0-litre turbo petrol making 120PS and 171Nm. These engines can be combined with manual, CVT, iMT and DCT transmission options. With this particular launch, however, Hyundai has gone into a league of their own with prices ranging between Rs 6.85 lakh and Rs 11.34 lakh, ex-showroom.

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Verdict

Now, we know that choosing between these two extremely popular and capable premium hatchbacks is no mean feat. You really can’t go wrong with either of these but there are some situations where one might suit your needs better than the other one. If you are someone who is looking for an extremely safe car with all the modern amenities, don’t crave for the convenience of the automatic transmission and would also like to save some money, the Tata Altroz is the one for you. However, if you are used to indulging in some sorts of luxury and features and want your car to have the flexibility and convenience of multiple powertrain and transmission options and are ready to shell out some extra for some unique equipment, the Hyundai i20 is the one for you.

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