September 2022 - Tata Altroz Diesel Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

In this variant explained article, you'll find out which variant of the Tata Altroz diesel you should buy based on the ex-showroom prices, variant-wise features and value for money. Here we compare and objectively analyse the 2022 Altroz diesel variants and the features to figure out which variant is worth buying for a good value for money and ownership experience. Then we will compare the engine specs, dimensions and mileage of the Tata Altroz with another diesel-powered B2-segment hatchback — the Hyundai i20.

Tata Altroz 2022

Updated: This Tata Altroz diesel variants explained article includes the latest September 2022 prices of the Altroz along with our buying recommendation for all Altroz diesel variants.

Also Read: Tata Altroz Petrol Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

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Tata Punch Petrol Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Tata Altroz Diesel?

The pros or advantages of Tata Altroz diesel are:

  • A diesel engine alone is worth some praise as only a handful of hatchbacks offer this luxury these days for mile munchers
  • The diesel engine carries a reasonable premium over the normal petrol and turbo petrol options
  • 5-star safety GNCAP rating
  • Notable features of the Altroz include projector headlamps, font and rear armrests, auto AC with rear vents, cruise control, power mirrors, wearable key, keyless entry with push-button start/stop and full-colour LCD instrument cluster
  • Well-priced and feature-loaded XZ variant is an easy recommendation for Altroz diesel buyers

The Tata Altroz diesel has the following shortcomings or problems:

  • Power, torque, gears and fuel efficiency are all lower than the i20 diesel
  • No automatic transmission option with the diesel engine
  • The XE Plus variant misses out on several must-have features
  • Lower variants get skinny 165-section tyres with 14-inch wheels; we wish it had at least 15-inch wheels with 175-section tyres
  • Long and confusing variant lineup makes decision making difficult for potential buyers
  • A 6-month interval for service centre visits is too short for keeping the warranty intact; 1 year is the industry standard

What Is The Price Of Tata Altroz Diesel Variants?

The Altroz diesel is available in 5 main variants with prices starting at Rs. 7.85 lakh for the XE Plus trim. The top-spec Altroz XZ Plus diesel costs Rs. 9.95 lakh.

TATA ALTROZ DIESEL PRICE

EX-SHOWROOM | SEP 2022

Variant

Turbo Diesel Manual

XE Plus

Rs. 7,84,900

XM Plus

Rs. 8,44,900

XT

Rs. 8,94,900

XZ

Rs. 9,44,900

XZ Plus

Rs. 9,94,900

The Tata Altroz diesel carries a premium of Rs. 1.25 lakh over the 1.2L normal petrol engine variants. Compared to the turbo petrol-manual, the diesel-manual’s prices are Rs. 58,000 to Rs. 70,000 higher.

TATA ALTROZ DIESEL

PETROL VS DIESEL | PRICE COMPARISON

EX-SHOWROOM | SEP 2022

Variant

1.2L Normal Petrol Manual

Difference

Turbo Diesel Manual

Difference

1.2L Turbo Petrol Manual

XE Plus

Rs. 6,59,900

Rs. 1,25,000

Rs. 7,84,900

-

-

XM Plus

Rs. 7,19,900

Rs. 1,25,000

Rs. 8,44,900

-

-

XT

Rs. 7,69,900

Rs. 1,25,000

Rs. 8,94,900

Rs. 70,000

Rs. 8,24,900

XZ

Rs. 8,19,900

Rs. 1,25,000

Rs. 9,44,900

Rs. 58,000

Rs. 8,86,900

XZ Plus

Rs. 8,69,900

Rs. 1,25,000

Rs. 9,94,900

Rs. 70,000

Rs. 9,24,900

Tata Altroz Petrol Vs Diesel — Should You Buy The Tata Altroz Diesel?

Considering the fuel prices in Delhi as of September 2022 and the official mileage figures, you can expect to recover the higher upfront cost for the Altroz diesel over the Altroz petrol in about 94,000km. For the turbo petrol variants, this kilometre-to-breakeven figure is between 40,000 and 50,000km depending on the variant.

It’s worth noting that the Altroz diesel also offers better torque output and drivability than the petrol engine. Once we add the value of the performance, then the realistic km-to-breakeven figure drops to 40,000 for normal petrol variants. Compared to the turbo petrol engine, the Altroz diesel will help you recover the higher upfront cost in 16,000 - 24,000km. This is, again, assuming that you value the better torque output of the Altroz diesel and are willing to pay a reasonable price for the same.

Depending on whether you value the better performance of the diesel engine or not and your usage, you can refer to these km-to-breakeven figures to decide if you should choose the Altroz diesel or not.

TATA ALTROZ PETROL VS DIESEL

BUYING RECOMMENDATION

 

KM-To-Breakeven

KM-To-Breakeven (w/ performance benefit)

Cost Over Petrol

Petrol-Manual (All variants)

94,000km

40,000km

Rs. 1,25,000

Turbo Petrol-Manual (XT, XZ Plus)

49,000km

24,000km

Rs. 70,000

Turbo Petrol-Manual (XZ)

40,000km

16,000km

Rs. 58,000

You can use our Fuel Cost Calculator to see how much any petrol, diesel or CNG car will cost to run based on the latest fuel price in your city.

Fuel Cost Calculator in India

Note: Check your Car EMI with our - Car Loan EMI Calculator

Tata Altroz Diesel XE Plus - Base Model Features

XE Plus

The base XE Plus variant of the Tata Altroz diesel costs Rs. 7.85 lakh (ex-showroom). The most notable features of the Altroz XE Plus are:

  • Drive modes
  • Front power windows
  • Body-coloured bumpers and door handles
  • Black outside mirrors
  • Adjustable front headrests
  • Tilt steering
  • Dead pedal
  • Bottle holders and pockets in all doors
  • Umbrella holders in front doors
  • MID
  • 14-inch steel wheels
  • Flat bottom steering wheel
  • Manual central locking

The base XE Plus diesel variant of the Altroz doesn’t offer the following must-have features:

  • Power mirrors
  • Internally-adjustable outside mirrors
  • Steering-mounted controls
  • Day/night inside mirror
  • Larger wheels with wheel covers

XE Plus

Because of these missing must-have features in a car costing almost Rs. 8.0 lakh ex-showroom, we don’t recommend buying this variant.

TATA ALTROZ XE PLUS

BASE MODEL STANDARD FEATURES

Safety

Functional

Style & Entertainment

Speed-sensing auto door lock

Manual AC w/ electric controls

12V front power outlet

Body-coloured bumpers

Impact-sensing auto door unlock

Adjustable Front headrests

Dead pedal/Driver footrest

Body-coloured door handles

ISOFIX 

2x umbrella holders

4-inch MID

Black outside mirrors

Puncture repair kit

Front power windows

4x door bottle holders

14-inch steel wheels

Front seatbelt load limiters

Drive modes (Eco, City)

Follow-me-home headlamps

Flat-bottom steering wheel

Std. safety features

4x door pockets

Tilt steering

Spoiler

Remote central locking

USB charger

Anti stall assist

Music system w/ Bluetooth, USB

     

4x speakers

Tata Altroz Diesel XE Plus vs XM Plus Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

XM Plus

The Tata Altroz XM Plus variant is the next in line with an ex-showroom price of Rs. 8.45 lakh This variant is Rs. 60,000 more expensive than the lower XE Plus variant. It adds the following notable features:

  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • Android Auto and Apple Carplay
  • Steering-mounted controls
  • Power mirrors with auto folding
  • Rear parcel tray
  • Rear power windows
  • 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers
  • Dual horn
  • Voice alerts

TATA ALTROZ XE PLUS VS XM PLUS | PRICES

 

XE Plus

Difference

XM Plus

Diesel-Manual

Rs. 7,84,900

Rs. 60,000

Rs. 8,44,900

XM Plus

The additional features of the Tata Altroz XM Plus also don’t justify the price gap from the lower variants. But for budget-conscious buyers, this is the minimum variant worth buying to enjoy a decent ownership experience. We’ll still strongly recommend stretching your budget for the XT to get better value as well as more useful features.

TATA ALTROZ XM PLUS

FEATURES OVER XE PLUS

Entertainment & Style

Functional

7-inch touchscreen

Voice alerts

Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Power mirrors with power folding

Steering-mounted controls

In-built navigation

16-inch steel wheels w/ wheel covers

Rear parcel tray

Image and video Playback

Rear power windows

Voice commands

Dual horn

What3Words navigation

 

Tata Altroz Diesel XM Plus vs XT Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

XT

The Altroz XT diesel costs Rs. 8.95 lakh (ex-showroom), which is Rs. 50,000 higher than the XM Plus’ price. For this additional sum, it adds the following notable features:

  • Auto AC
  • Cruise control
  • Rear camera
  • Front fog lamps
  • Day/night inside mirror
  • Keyless entry with push-button start/stop
  • Footwell lighting
  • LED DRLs
  • Cooled glovebox
  • Idle start/stop

TATA ALTROZ XM PLUS VS XT | PRICES

 

XM Plus

Difference

XT

Diesel-Manual

Rs. 8,44,900

Rs. 50,000

Rs. 8,94,900

It not only offers a well-rounded ownership experience with the features, but also justifies the higher asking price over the lower variants. The only features you might miss in the XT are:

  • Projector headlamps
  • Height-adjustable driver seat
  • Front and rear armrests
  • Rear AC vents

XT

This is the most affordable variant of the Altroz diesel we can recommend to a budget buyer without any complaints. However, you should consider stretching the budget a bit more for the higher XZ variant, which offers even better value for money.

TATA ALTROZ XT

FEATURES OVER XM PLUS

Safety

Functional

Style & Entertainment

Front Fog Lamps w/ Cornering

Auto AC

Keyless entry w/ push-button start/stop

Footwell Lighting

Day/Night IRVM

Cruise control

One-touch Down Driver’s Window

LED DRLs

Rear parking camera

Idle Start/Stop

Cooled Glovebox

2x Tweeters

Anti-theft Alarm

 

Glovebox light

 

Tata Altroz Diesel XT vs XZ Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

XZ

The Tata Altroz XZ diesel costs Rs. 9.45 lakh (ex-showroom). It’s Rs. 50,000 more than the XT. The XZ variant adds the following notable features over the Altroz XT:

  • Automatic halogen projector headlamps
  • Rear washer wiper
  • Rear defogger
  • Rear AC vents
  • Rear fog lamps (with turbo only)
  • Front armrest
  • Auto wipers
  • Fabric upholstery
  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Ambient lighting on dashboard

TATA ALTROZ XT VS XZ | PRICES

 

XT

Difference

XZ

Diesel-Manual

Rs. 8,94,900

Rs.  50,000

Rs. 9,44,900

XZ

While it doesn't get the unique black interior and exterior theme, it does offer a fairly long list of features, which will immensely improve your ownership experience. The XZ variant is our top recommendation for all Altroz diesel buyers. If you can afford this variant, then this is the one you should buy to get the best value for money without compromising on the ownership experience.

TATA ALTROZ XZ

FEATURES OVER XT

Safety & Functional

Style

Adjustable front seatbelts

Projector headlamps 

16-inch machined alloy wheels

Adjustable rear headrests

Height-adjustable driver seat

Ambient lighting on dashboard

12V rear power outlet

Front armrest w/ sliding & storage

Quilted fabric upholstery

Tray in glovebox

Rear AC vents

Black roof (optional)

Rear defogger

Auto wipers 

Metal finish inside door handles

Rear wiper & washer

Rear armrest

Premium printed roofliner

Auto headlamps

Sunglass holder

 

Tata Altroz Diesel XZ vs XZ Plus Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

XZ Plus

The Altroz XZ Plus variant is another Rs. 50,000 more expensive and costs Rs. 9.95 lakh. For the higher asking price, the XZ Plus variant adds the following features over the XZ variant:

  • Tyre pressure sensors
  • Telematics
  • Dual-tone exterior
  • Flat wiper blades
  • Leather upholstery
  • Leather steering and gear
  • 7-inch full-colour LCD instrument cluster with navigation

TATA ALTROZ XZ VS XZ PLUS | PRICES

 

XZ

Difference

XZ Plus

Diesel-Manual

Rs. 9,44,900

Rs. 50,000

Rs. 9,94,900

XZ Plus

Strictly on the value front, this variant is right up there with the XZ variant. However, it adds mostly good-to-have features. So, we’ll leave it up to you to decide if you want to upgrade to this top model or not.

TATA ALTROZ XZ PLUS

FEATURES OVER XZ

Others

Style

Quick cool auto AC

Black roof (std)

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Flat front wiper blades

Telematics & connected car tech

Leather upholstery

2x tweeters

Leather steering and gear

Navigation on instrument cluster LCD

7-inch colour LCD  instrument cluster

One-touch up/down driver window

 

Which Variant Of The Tata Altroz Diesel Should You Buy?

With the diesel engine, you should skip the XE and XE Plus variants as they don’t have several must-have features. Even if you don’t want to stretch your budget, you should at least buy the XM Plus variant and compromise a little bit on the value for a better ownership experience.

Beyond the XM Plus, the XT looks like a good value-for-money option, but the jump to the XZ is more than worth it. So, we’ll suggest you to skip the XT and go for the Altroz XZ, which is also our top recommendation. From there, you can decide based on your budget if you want to upgrade to the XZ Plus. It offers good value but only adds good-to-have features.

TATA ALTROZ DIESEL MANUAL

BUYING RECOMMENDATION

Variant

VFM Rank

Price

Recommendation

XE Plus

Rank 5

Rs. 7,84,900

Not recommended

XM Plus

Rank 4

Rs. 8,44,900

Budget buyers can consider

XT

Rank 3

Rs. 8,94,900

Worth upgrading for XM Plus buyers

XZ

Rank 2

Rs. 9,44,900

Top recommended

XZ Plus

Rank 1

Rs. 9,94,900

Up to buyers

What Are The Engine Specifications Of The Tata Altroz Diesel?

The Altroz is the only other B2-segment hatchback with a diesel engine besides the Hyundai i20. It has 90PS of power, which is 10PS less than the i20; 200Nm of torque, which is 40Nm less than the i20 diesel and 1 less gear. Even the i20’s fuel efficiency figure is almost 10% better than the Altroz diesel. While it’s nice to see at least the option of a diesel engine in the Altroz, it is lagging a fair bit behind the i20 diesel’s specs.

TATA ALTROZ DIESEL Vs RIVALS

ENGINE SPEC COMPARISON

 

Altroz

i20

Displacement

1.5L Turbo

1.5L Turbo

Cylinder

4

4

Cubic Capacity

1497cc

1493cc

Power

90PS @ 4000rpm

100PS @ 4000rpm

Power:Weight

78.25PS/t

90.91PS/t*

Peak Torque

200Nm @ 1250 - 3000rpm

240Nm @ 1500 - 2750rpm

Torque:Weight

173.91Nm/t

218.18Nm/t*

Manual

5-speed

6-speed

Manual FE

23.03kmpl

25.2kmpl

*Estimated

What Are The Dimensions Of The Tata Altroz?

For a B2-segment diesel hatchback buyer, the Altroz and i20 are the only options. Between these two cars, the i20 is wider and has a longer wheelbase with bigger wheels for lower variants. The only saving grace for the Altroz is its larger boot space.

TATA ALTROZ VS COMPETITION

DIMENSION COMPARISON

 

Altroz

i20

Length

3990mm

3995mm

Width

1755mm

1775mm

Height

1523mm

1505mm

Wheelbase

2501mm

2580mm

Boot Space

345L

311L

Ground Clearance

165mm

170mm

Fuel Tank

37L

37L

Tyre Size (Base)

165/80 R14

185/65 R15

Tyre Size (Top)

195/55 R16

195/55 R16

Find out how you can get the best mileage or fuel efficiency from your car:

10 Tips To Get Better Mileage From Your Petrol, Diesel Or CNG Car

What Are The Colour Options Of The Tata Altroz Diesel?

The 2022 Altroz diesel is available in the following 7 exterior colour options:

  • Grey
  • Light blue
  • Dark blue
  • Gold
  • Black (with black interiors in XT Dark and XZ Plus Dark only)
  • White
  • Red

Note: Here is a quick look at our length-based segmentation of cars to give you an idea of how we classify cars based on their size:

CLASSIFICATION OF CARS

SEGMENT

SUB-SEGMENT

LENGTH

EXAMPLE

A Segment

A

< 3699mm

Alto, Kwid (Exception), Santro, Celerio

       

B Segment

B1

3700 - 3850mm

Ignis, GO, Nios, Swift, Tiago

       

B Segment

B2

3850 - 3999mm

Altroz, Baleno, Dzire, Amaze, Nexon, Brezza

       

C Segment

C

4000 - 4499mm

Exceptions: New City, Virtus, Slavia

Creta, Seltos, Compass, T-Roc, Ertiga

       

D Segment

D1

4500 - 4750mm

Carens, XUV700, Elantra, Civic, Harrier, Scorpio N, Hector, Innova, Kodiaq, CR-V

       

D Segment

D2

> 4750mm

Gloster, Fortuner, Superb, Camry, Carnival

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mahesh Yadav

Mahesh is a fan of compact, quirky and underrated vehicles that punch above their weight. Multix, Nano and Navi are his favorites.

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