Hyundai i20 N Line vs. Tata Altroz Racer: A Clash of Fun-Focused Hatchbacks
The world of performance hatchbacks is as exhilarating as it gets, and two cars are vying for attention in this space: the Hyundai i20 N Line and the Tata Altroz Racer. Both are designed to capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts, offering a thrilling blend of performance, style, and practicality. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve deep into what makes each of these hatchbacks stand out, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and overall driving experience.
Engine and Performance
Hyundai i20 N Line
The Hyundai i20 N Line is equipped with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 120 horsepower. This engine utilizes direct injection technology, which is more efficient and costlier. This technology ensures a more precise fuel-air mixture, resulting in better performance and fuel efficiency. The i20 N Line’s engine pulls hard and cleanly, offering a free-revving nature that driving enthusiasts will appreciate.
One of the standout features of the i20 N Line is its manual transmission. The gearbox is incredibly slick, with short throws and a positive shift action. The light and predictable clutch further enhances the driving experience, making gear changes a joy. Despite the presence of turbo lag below 2,000 RPM, the transmission’s slickness makes it easy to keep the engine in its sweet spot, ensuring a spirited drive.
Tata Altroz Racer
The Tata Altroz Racer also boasts a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, delivering the same 120 horsepower as the i20 N Line. However, it employs indirect injection technology, which is less efficient than the direct injection used by Hyundai. Despite this, the Altroz Racer’s engine feels strong and linear throughout the rev range, with power delivery that is both responsive and consistent.
Tata has made several tweaks to the Altroz Racer’s chassis, including adjustments to the spring rate and steering ratio. These changes result in excellent grip and cornering prowess, with the car tackling corners beautifully. The steering is direct, although some might find it a bit heavy. The ride quality is also top-notch, with the Altroz Racer absorbing bumps with maturity and confidence.
Performance Comparison
While both cars offer similar horsepower, the Hyundai i20 N Line feels lighter on its feet, thanks to its direct injection engine and a weight advantage of approximately 100 kilograms. This results in a quicker, more agile driving experience. The Altroz Racer, on the other hand, impresses with its excellent chassis and mechanical grip, making it a better choice for those who enjoy tackling corners with vigor.
Performance Summary:
| Feature | Hyundai i20 N Line | Tata Altroz Racer |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.0-liter turbo petrol | 1.2-liter turbo petrol |
| Horsepower | 120 HP | 120 HP |
| Fuel Injection Technology | Direct Injection | Indirect Injection |
| Weight Advantage | 100 kg lighter | – |
| Steering and Suspension | Sharper, lighter, European feel | Excellent grip, direct steering |
| Ride Quality | Settled at all speeds | Maturity in bump absorption |
Transmission and Driving Experience
Hyundai i20 N Line
The i20 N Line’s six-speed manual transmission is a highlight, offering a joyful driving experience with its short throws and slick shift action. The gear lever, with its sporty design, adds to the special feel of the car. Combined with the light and predictable clutch, the i20 N Line’s transmission setup makes for an engaging drive.
Tata Altroz Racer
The Altroz Racer’s manual transmission, however, falls short. The gearbox lacks precision, and the six-speed manual feels clunky during shifts. The clutch is springy and sudden, requiring a period of adjustment for drivers. Unfortunately, Tata does not offer an automatic transmission with the Altroz Racer, which is a significant drawback considering the availability of a dual-clutch automatic in other Tata models with the same engine.
Driving Dynamics
The i20 N Line stands out with its lighter and sharper steering, which feels more eager to turn into corners compared to the Altroz Racer. Hyundai has also tweaked the suspension, resulting in a ride that feels settled at all speeds, reminiscent of European cars. The Altroz Racer, while offering better mechanical grip and impressive cornering capabilities, does not match the sheer fun and agility of the i20 N Line.
Transmission and Driving Experience Summary:
| Feature | Hyundai i20 N Line | Tata Altroz Racer |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | Six-speed manual | Six-speed manual |
| Gearbox Precision | Slick, short throws | Clunky, lacks precision |
| Clutch Feel | Light, predictable | Springy, sudden |
| Driving Dynamics | Lighter, sharper steering | Better mechanical grip |
| Suspension | Settled at all speeds | Excellent cornering capabilities |
Design and Interiors
Exterior Design
Tata Altroz Racer
The Altroz Racer is a stunning hatchback with a host of sporty elements. It features racing stripes, black treatments for the bonnet, roof, mirrors, wheels, and a large spoiler. These elements, while distinctive, might come across as a bit cheesy to some. The Altroz Racer is shorter and narrower than the i20 N Line but manages to carve out its own identity with its bold design.
Hyundai i20 N Line
The i20 N Line, on the other hand, is longer, wider, and has a longer wheelbase. It features distinctive styling with red accents and twin muffler tips. The i20 N Line’s design is sporty yet less shouty compared to the Altroz Racer. It strikes a balance between aggression and sophistication, appealing to a broader audience.
Interior Design and Comfort
Tata Altroz Racer
Inside, the Altroz Racer sports splashes of orange with racer embroidery on the headrests, orange stitching on the seats, and steering. The front seats are comfortable, although taller drivers might find headroom compromised due to the sunroof. The rear seats offer comparable space to the i20 N Line and include an armrest for added comfort. However, the lack of load sensors means the seatbelt warning can be annoying if rear passengers forget to buckle up.
Hyundai i20 N Line
The i20 N Line’s interior features black with red accents throughout, giving it a sporty and premium feel. The dashboard, while adorned with hard and non-textured plastics, is well-designed. The front seats are broader and more comfortable, though they lack the seat ventilation function available in the Altroz Racer. The gear lever and steering wheel, with their sporty design, add a touch of sophistication, making the i20 N Line’s interior feel more premium.
Interior and Comfort Summary:
| Feature | Hyundai i20 N Line | Tata Altroz Racer |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Design | Sporty, sophisticated | Bold, distinctive |
| Interior Accents | Black with red accents | Orange with racer embroidery |
| Front Seats Comfort | Broader, more comfortable | Comfortable, compromised headroom |
| Rear Seats Space | Comparable to Altroz Racer | Comparable to i20 N Line |
| Special Features | Sporty gear lever and steering | Lacks seat ventilation function |
Feature Comparison
Tata Altroz Racer
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Ventilated front seats
- Rear armrest
- 360° camera
Hyundai i20 N Line
- LED headlamps
- Auto-dimming mirror
- All-wheel disc brakes
The Altroz Racer offers more features geared towards comfort and convenience, while the i20 N Line focuses on performance and safety.
Feature Summary:
| Feature | Hyundai i20 N Line | Tata Altroz Racer |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay | – | Available |
| Ventilated Front Seats | – | Available |
| Rear Armrest | – | Available |
| 360° Camera | – | Available |
| LED Headlamps | Available | – |
| Auto-dimming Mirror | Available | – |
| All-wheel Disc Brakes | Available | – |
Safety
Safety is paramount in modern vehicles, and both the Altroz Racer and the i20 N Line come equipped with a range of safety features.
Tata Altroz Racer
The Altroz Racer secured a 5-star crash safety rating from Global NCAP in 2020, making it one of the safest cars in its segment. It offers six airbags, ESP, and a robust safety architecture.
Hyundai i20 N Line
The i20 N Line, while achieving a lower 3-star rating in 2022, also comes equipped with six airbags, ESP, and all-wheel disc brakes, enhancing its safety profile.
Safety Summary:
| Feature | Hyundai i20 N Line | Tata Altroz Racer |
|---|---|---|
| Global NCAP Rating | 3 stars (2022) | 5 stars (2020) |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| ESP | Available | Available |
| All-wheel Disc Brakes | Available | – |
Pricing and Value
Tata Altroz Racer
The Altroz Racer is priced competitively, being approximately ₹28,000 more affordable than the i20 N Line. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who do not want to compromise on performance and features.
Hyundai i20 N Line
Despite being slightly more expensive, the i20 N Line justifies its price with superior performance, driving dynamics, and a more engaging driving experience. The additional cost is offset by the joy it brings to driving enthusiasts.
Pricing and Value Summary:
| Feature | Hyundai i20 N Line | Tata Altroz Racer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Slightly more expensive | ₹28,000 more affordable |
| Value Proposition | Superior performance, engaging | Budget-friendly, feature-rich |
| Driving Experience | More engaging | Balanced ride |
Verdict
Both the Hyundai i20 N Line and Tata Altroz Racer are excellent choices for those seeking a performance-oriented hatchback. They offer a blend of style, performance, and practicality, but each caters to a slightly different audience.
- Hyundai i20 N Line: For those who prioritize driving engagement, slick controls, and quicker performance, the i20 N Line is the clear winner. Its direct injection engine, lighter weight, and superb transmission make it the more enjoyable car to drive. The i20 N Line’s interior, with its sporty design and premium feel, adds to its overall appeal.
- Tata Altroz Racer: The Altroz Racer impresses with its excellent chassis, mechanical grip, and feature-rich interior. It’s the better choice for those who prioritize ride quality, cornering ability, and additional comfort features. However, the lack of an automatic transmission and the clunky manual gearbox are significant drawbacks.
In conclusion, if you are a driving enthusiast looking for a hatchback that offers a thrilling driving experience and a connection with the car, the Hyundai i20 N Line is the car to go for. It’s the car that will put a wider grin on your face every time you get behind the wheel. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced ride with impressive handling and a feature-packed cabin, the Tata Altroz Racer is a compelling option.