Tata Motors made waves in the premium hatchback segment with the Altroz, praised for its bold design, 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, and ride quality. However, enthusiasts longed for more power under the hood. The company has now answered those demands with the 2021 Tata Altroz iTurbo, equipped with a turbocharged petrol engine aimed at taking on the Hyundai i20 Turbo, VW Polo TSI, and others.

After taking the iTurbo for a spin, here’s our in-depth first drive review that covers performance, ride quality, features, and whether it finally fills the power gap that Altroz critics highlighted.

Under the Hood – What Powers the iTurbo?

The biggest update to the iTurbo is the engine. Tata has borrowed the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from the Nexon, slightly detuned to suit the Altroz’s dynamics.

• Power Output: 110 PS @ 5500 rpm
• Torque: 140 Nm @ 1500–5500 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox

While the numbers may not top the segment, the linear torque delivery and early boost make daily driving lively. Turbo lag is minimal, and the engine feels eager up to mid-range, though it does get vocal at higher revs. It’s not a hot hatch, but it’s surely a warm one.

Performance and Driving Experience

On open roads, the iTurbo performs much better than the standard Altroz. The added power is noticeable right from the low end. City driving feels effortless, and overtaking on highways is no longer nerve-wracking.

Tata has also added a new “Sport” driving mode, alongside the regular “City” mode, which sharpens throttle response for a more spirited drive. Although a 6-speed gearbox or automatic would’ve made it more competitive, the existing 5-speed manual is smooth and precise.

Highway stability is excellent, as with the standard Altroz. Ride quality continues to be its strong point – it handles bumps, potholes, and uneven roads confidently. The steering feels well-weighted, offering ample feedback at higher speeds.

Design – Still a Head-Turner

The iTurbo doesn’t stray far from the existing Altroz design, which is already among the most attractive hatchbacks in India. Tata hasn’t overdone the sporty look, but a few cosmetic tweaks differentiate it slightly:

• A new Harbour Blue colour exclusive to the iTurbo variant
• iTurbo badging on the tailgate
• Contrasting black roof and dual-tone options

The design remains sharp, aggressive, and premium. LED DRLs, projector headlamps, and sporty alloy wheels continue to lend it a commanding road presence.

Interiors and Features – Added Tech for the Turbo

Inside, the iTurbo gets a few thoughtful enhancements. The cabin continues to be spacious and well-built, with decent ergonomics. New additions include:

• New black-and-light-grey interior theme
• Connected car technology – iRA (Intelligent Real-time Assist)
• Voice commands in Hindi, English, and Hinglish
• Xpress Cool (quick cabin cooling feature)

The 7-inch infotainment touchscreen now supports connected car features like remote vehicle tracking, live diagnostics, geofencing, and more. However, the system can still feel a little sluggish compared to rivals.

Top Features Include:

• Cruise Control
• Harman 8-speaker audio system
• Reverse camera
• Keyless entry with push start
• Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control

Still, it misses out on features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, or a wireless charger – things that newer i20 variants offer.

Space and Comfort

The Altroz was already one of the roomiest cars in its class. The iTurbo keeps the same generous rear legroom and shoulder room, easily accommodating three adults in the back seat. Boot space at 345 litres remains unchanged and is quite competitive.

The front seats offer good bolstering and thigh support. The iTurbo makes for a comfortable long-distance cruiser thanks to its mature suspension setup and supportive seating.

Mileage and Real-World Efficiency

Tata claims a mileage of 18.13 km/l for the iTurbo, which is reasonable for a turbo-petrol car. In real-world mixed driving conditions (city + highway), expect anywhere between 13–15 km/l, depending on driving habits.

Drive it enthusiastically in Sport mode, and the number may dip. However, given the performance trade-off, this fuel economy remains acceptable.

Variants and Pricing

The Tata Altroz iTurbo is available in the top three trims:

• XT
• XZ
• XZ+

Starting Price: ₹7.73 lakh (ex-showroom)
Top variant price: Around ₹8.85 lakh (ex-showroom)

It is priced aggressively compared to the i20 Turbo and Polo TSI, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking performance.

Verdict – Should You Buy the Tata Altroz iTurbo?

With the iTurbo, Tata Motors has addressed the most crucial feedback for the Altroz – the lack of a more spirited engine. It now offers a healthy blend of performance, practicality, design, and features, at a value-for-money price point.

It may not be as polished or refined as the i20 Turbo or as punchy as the Polo TSI, but it brings enough excitement to the table for most buyers. The Altroz iTurbo strikes a great balance between sporty appeal and everyday usability.

If you’re looking for a safe, stylish hatchback with a turbocharged edge, the Altroz iTurbo is finally a compelling package.

Final Rating: 8/10

Pros:

• Strong ride quality and high-speed stability
• Improved performance over regular Altroz
• Excellent design and 5-star safety
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• No automatic transmission
• Engine not as refined as rivals
• Misses a few premium features