- i20 Diesel no more available
- Tata Altroz now the only premium diesel hatchback
- More such moves expected from carmakers
Now, the latest development in 2023 is the farewell of the diesel engines from the Hyundai i20. The i20 diesel is now discontinued, and you can thank the new stringent RDE norms for the same. And with this exit, there remains only one diesel premium hatchback in the segment. Tata Altroz Yes, it is now the sole diesel premium hatch that you can buy in India. Maruti Baleno, was already available only in petrol since Maruti scrapped the diesel engines altogether in 2020.
Lets have a closer look at the sole survivor.
Tata Altroz- The Only Option
With the axing of the diesel of the i20, Tata Altroz is now your only option for now. This gives Tata Altroz a big advantage as being segment-exclusive. But till then remains the question. The segment has very little demand for diesel powertrains. The sedans with the new launches of the Hyundai Verna and the Honda City have parted ways with the diesel. Tata updated its lineup with the RDE norms already, but the diesel hatch is still on sale.
Will the Altroz diesel also be axed? Even this isnt totally off the table yet.
Also, Read - 2023 Toyota Innova Crysta Diesel; Top 5 Awesome Features
Tata Altroz - Engine Packs Enough Punch
The Altroz comes with a 1.5-liter turbo diesel unit that generates power of 90 PS with a peak torque of 200 Nm mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The petrol is a 1.2 liter Naturally aspirated unit churning out 86 PS with 113Nm pf torque. The Turbo petrol unit returns figures of 110 PS and 140 Nm. The figures are decent and also, with just now this on offer, there's not much that you can complain about.
Features
Tata Atroz cabin does not feel any less in terms of features on offer. It is brimmed with plenty like Ambient lighting, cruise control, rear Ac vents, Harman premium sound system, voice commands, Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay, Digital instrument cluster, and turn-by-turn navigation to name a few.
Safety
Standard safety features like ABS with EBD, stability control, and Airbags are present. But the airbags are only 2 in number, even on the top-trim. This is a miss, considering it is a premium product. Although the 6 -airbag mandate will be enforced from October 2023, this wouldnt make a difference, but as of today, it does.
VERDICT- The time of diesel is phasing out. The new world order is debated to be electric, but the transition is through petrol, hybrid, and CNG fuels. Diesel has its own advantage, the major being its economical nature. It costs less and provides more fuel economy. Now, it would be interesting to see what Tata does with the Altroz in the future. Will they capitalize on the opportunity or go with the trend? This is an answer, only the future beholds.
Also, Read- Maruti Baleno, Ertiga, XL6 Gets New Connectivity Features: Read Details
