Tata Motors is scheduled to introduce a new variant in the Altroz range. To be christened as the Altroz Racer, it will be Tata Motors’ third attempt at the small performance car segment after the Indica Vista D90 and the Tiago and Tigor JTP twins.
The Indica Vista D90 was Tata’s first take at a performance version. Unlike most brands that had a petrol powertrain, the Vista D90 stood out from the crowd due to the diesel motor it breathed life through. Tata did offer a higher tune compared to the vanilla Indica Vista, and it was further complemented by additional features including a factory-fitted touchscreen unit back in 2013. There was also an optional body kit available at the dealer level.
The Tiago and Tigor JTP breathed a fresh air of life into the segment and caught the eyes of the enthusiasts. Offsprings of the joint venture between Tata Motors and Jayem Automotive, they were propelled by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine developing 112bhp and 150Nm of torque, mated with a five-speed manual unit. The updates weren’t limited to the engine alone, as Jayem Tata Special Vehicles (JTSV) retuned the suspension, styling, and transmission too.
The Tata Altroz Racer was revealed at the Auto Expo 2023 and post its launch next month, will lock horns with the likes of the Hyundai i20 N Line and the Fronx Turbo. The sportier iteration of Tata’s premium hatchback gets cosmetic changes, feature upgrades, and mechanical revisions too.
Under the hood, the new Altroz Racer will source firepower from the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine albeit in a higher state of tune. The power output will be up from 108bhp and 140Nm to 120bhp and 170Nm. Further, the five-speed manual gearbox will make way for a six-speed unit.
On the features front, the 2024 Altroz Racer will come equipped with an electric sunroof, new 10.25-inch touchscreen system, ventilated front seats, six airbags, wireless charger, and a tweaked instrument console. In terms of design, the car will get a blacked-out roof and bonnet, ‘Racer’ badge on the fenders, new alloy wheels, and twin white stripes across the bonnet and roof.