As we said in our earlier review, the Hyundai i20 N Line has raised the bar for driving enthusiasts in the world of fast hatchbacks. We appreciated how enjoyable it is to drive, thanks to a manual three-pedal transmission that perfectly encapsulates the essence of enjoyment. However, Tata Motors has now unveiled the Altroz Racer as a new competitor. After the Tiago JTP, this hatchback is Tata’s second performance-focused vehicle, and it’s meant to appeal to car enthusiasts. How does it compare, therefore, to the i20 N Line? Now let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Under the Hood
- The three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines of the Tata Altroz Racer and Hyundai i20 N Line have a combined output of 120 horsepower. But the Altroz Racer uses indirect injection, whereas Hyundai has a more sophisticated direct injection system. This discrepancy may appear technical, yet it might affect performance in practical situations.
- The “Sport” drive mode, which is the Altroz Racer’s default setting, sets it apart by keeping the engine eager and responsive over the rpm range. Tata has made minor modifications to the chassis, such as changes to the steering ratio and spring rate. Thanks to these modifications, the automobile has excellent grip and cornering ability and is nimble around turns. For some drivers, though, the steering could seem a little too heavy. Another benefit of the Altroz Racer is its smooth ride, which makes it a good choice for people who frequently travel on uneven terrain.
- Conversely, the Hyundai i20 N Line seems more agile because it weighs about 100 kg less. Though it does have more turbo lag below 2,000 RPM than the Altroz Racer, its direct injection turbo engine gives a cleaner and more reliable power delivery. The manual transmission of the i20 N Line improves driving dynamics with its short throws and seamless shift action. Gear changes are fun thanks to the gearbox and clutch combination, which also makes the ride more interesting.
Motivating Factors
- The mechanical grip and cornering ability of the Altroz Racer make it an impressive vehicle in terms of driving dynamics. Its manual gearbox, on the other hand, has a springy clutch that takes some getting used to and feels less accurate and clumsy overall. Given that Tata provides a dual-clutch automatic in the naturally aspirated Altroz and the Nexon Turbo, which has the same engine as the Racer, the absence of an automatic transmission option is a major letdown.
- The Hyundai i20 N Line, on the other hand, offers a more elegant and seamless driving experience. It performs faster in rolling acceleration and standstill testing because to its smooth manual gearbox and more reliable clutch. The i20 N Line’s suspension and handling have also been improved by Hyundai, making it nimble and quick to turn into curves. It seems more European even though the ride is a little hard and maintains its composure at all speeds.
Style and Features
- The Tata Altroz Racer has a sleek appearance thanks to its racing stripes and blacked-out wheels, bonnet, roof, mirrors, and huge spoiler. In contrast, the i20 N Line has a more subtle yet eye-catching design with red highlights and twin muffler tips. The decision between these two aesthetics is purely subjective, and individual taste is probably going to be important.
- The Altroz Racer’s interior features an athletic design with orange accents, embroidered headrests, and cozy front seats. However, the sunroof may restrict headroom for taller drivers. Similar to the exterior, the i20 N Line’s interior features red highlights and premium components including a steering wheel and gear lever bearing the N name. Although the two vehicles have many characteristics in common, the Altroz Racer has special amenities including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree camera. The i20 N Line features an auto-dimming mirror and LED headlights.
Security and Cost
- Regarding safety, Global NCAP gave the Tata Altroz a 5-star rating and the Hyundai i20 a 3-star rating. Electronic stability control (ESC) and six airbags are standard on both vehicles, while the i20 N Line adds all-wheel disc brakes.
- The Altroz Racer is more reasonably priced by about Rs. 28,000, which makes it a desirable choice for those on a tight budget. Nonetheless, both cars provide good value for the money because they are affordably priced and well-equipped.
The Decision
With its sporting features and captivating driving experiences, the Hyundai i20 N Line and Tata Altroz Racer appeal to aficionados of driving. But for those who value an exciting driving experience above all else, the i20 N Line stands out because to its smoother handling and faster performance. Despite being excellent in many ways, the Altroz Racer lacks the i20 N Line’s X-factor and emotional appeal. The Hyundai i20 N Line manual is our top pick because to its outstanding driving dynamics and complete package.
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