Motoring First: Tata Altroz Racer Review

Introduction

• Discussion about the Tata Altroz Racer, a new variant of the Tata Altroz driven by Karthik
• Name joke of the car's stripes being called 'Balaja Tika'
• Cosmetic variant of the Alta Altras
• First impressions not very positive, emphasis on it being more of a marketing move than a true performance update

Tata's Strategy

• Tata has a history of launching cosmetic editions (Dark Editions, Camo editions, etc.) to keep the lineup fresh
• Altroz Racer is seen as an extension of this trend
• Altras's sales performance is behind its sibling, the Punch
• Altroz Racer aims to rejuvenate interest in the mid-life cycle of the Altroz

Engine and Performance

• Uses the turbo petrol engine from the Nexon, previously available on the Altroz but now with increased horsepower from 110 to 120 HP
• Addition of a six-speed manual gearbox instead of the earlier five-speed
• Drivetrain from the Nexon but tuned for the Altras
  • No significant modification to the suspension, gearbox ratios, etc.
• Suspension setup: good for general use, not sporty
  • Jumpy on bumpy concrete roads

Design and Features

• Exterior: Contrast black Bonnet with stripes, blacked-out logos, new spoiler
  • Use of CAD and wind tunnel for better stability and reduced drag
• Interior: High practical driving position, but not very