2025 Tata Altroz Review: Solid Hatchback with Some Rough Edges

The Tata Altroz has been a consistent player in India’s premium hatchback segment since its debut, and the 2025 model year has brought several meaningful updates. With improved features, a unique CNG offering, and the distinction of being the only diesel-powered hatchback still available in the Indian market, the Altroz continues to make a strong case for itself.

I recently had the chance to experience the Altroz with my friend Aditya, driving it across new routes, highways, and twisty backroads. While the car impressed on many fronts, it also revealed some of Tata’s long-standing challenges.

Driving Experience: Diesel vs CNG

Between the two fuel options tested the CNG and the diesel it was the diesel that truly stood out. The familiar torque surge from the diesel engine brought back memories of my Ford EcoSport, which I sold before moving to a Maruti Jimny as my daily driver. The Jimny has its own charm, but the effortless pull of a diesel motor is something hard to replicate.

The CNG, however, deserves a mention as well. Tata has cleverly packaged the twin-cylinder CNG system without compromising much on boot space, a unique feature in this segment. For those seeking economy without losing practicality, the Altroz CNG has a clear advantage.

Quick Summary

Ride and Handling

One area where Tata continues to shine is ride quality. The Altroz glides over rough patches with ease and maintains excellent composure at high speeds. On highways, the hatchback feels stable and planted, while on twisty B-roads it displays confidence that rivals would envy.

This solid road presence is one of the key reasons why Tata cars often feel more premium than their immediate competition. The Altroz inherits this DNA perfectly, offering both comfort and engaging dynamics.

Interior Features and Technology

Tata has loaded the Altroz with features in its latest iteration, bringing it on par with Korean and Japanese rivals. Standout elements include:

• High-resolution infotainment screen: Crisp visuals, better clarity, and smooth performance.

• 360-degree camera system: Among the best in its class, with sharp resolution.

• Premium audio system: Continuing Tata’s tradition, the sound quality is top-notch.

• Blind spot monitor: Borrowed from larger segments, this adds to driving convenience.

The technology package feels modern and enhances the driving experience. However, not all implementations are flawless.

Fit and Finish Concerns

Despite the progress, Tata still struggles with consistency in build precision. During the media drive, we observed that no two cars looked exactly alike. For example, bonnet and grille panel gaps varied from one car to another, and boot alignment was inconsistent.

The particular Altroz we tested had a hard-to-operate passenger seat sliding mechanism, unlike the smoother action on another car. These may seem minor, but such inconsistencies highlight Tata’s need to close the quality control gap.

Powertrain Quirks

The diesel-powered Altroz we tested delivered strong performance, but it wasn’t without quirks. Lifting off the throttle produced a strange sound, somewhat like an unhappy turbo wastegate. While this didn’t affect drivability, it was noticeable and could be bothersome to some owners.

On the electronics front, most features worked without a glitch during the test drive. However, we did encounter a few software bugs, especially with the infotainment screen. The “home” button at the top of the display occasionally required multiple touches to register.

The Blind Spot Monitor Problem

The blind spot monitoring system, though useful, comes with a frustrating caveat. When the turn signal is activated, the system takes over the screen replacing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto maps with its camera feed.

This becomes particularly irritating on highways where navigation is crucial. For example, when approaching a junction with both a flyover and an underpass, the driver may need to check maps for the correct route. The moment the indicator is used, the map vanishes, leaving the driver guessing. This poor integration undermines the usefulness of the feature and highlights an area where Tata could learn from rivals..

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Tata Altroz available with a diesel engine in 2025?

A. Yes, the Altroz remains the only diesel hatchback currently on sale in India.

2. Does the Tata Altroz CNG compromise on boot space?

A. No, Tata’s twin-cylinder CNG setup allows for a usable boot, unlike many rivals.

3. How is the ride quality of the Tata Altroz?

A. The Altroz offers excellent ride comfort and high-speed stability, making it well-suited for both city and highway driving.

4. Are there quality control issues with the Altroz?

A. Some units show inconsistent panel gaps and uneven fit and finish, an area Tata still needs to improve.

5. Does the blind spot monitor affect navigation?

A. Yes, when using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, the blind spot camera feed replaces maps during turns, which can be inconvenient.

Verdict

The 2025 Tata Altroz is a strong contender in the premium hatchback space, particularly for buyers seeking a diesel engine or efficient CNG setup. It offers a well-rounded package with good ride quality, a premium feature list, and solid highway performance.

However, Tata still needs to address lingering issues in fit, finish, and software polish. The carmaker has closed about 95% of the gap with established Korean and Japanese competitors, but that missing 5% continues to hold it back.

For buyers prioritizing value, fuel efficiency, and highway stability, the Altroz remains one of the best options in its category. But for those seeking flawless consistency and top-tier refinement, rivals still maintain an edge

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