The ongoing dawn of SUVs is inching closer to a day when they overshadow all other categories. While still in the process, we’re already witnessing several SUVs in the top 5 ranks of best-selling vehicles showing their undeniable appeal. Yet, a few automakers are still adamant, showing resilience, holding on to other categories. Tata Motors, for example, despite having an SUV-dominated portfolio, is maintaining its foothold in various other categories.
With the recent launch of the Altroz facelift, the automaker has renewed its presence in the premium hatchback category. This brings us to a question: will this refreshed model be enough to make a dent in a fiercely competitive market? Join us as we dive into the details and experience what the new Altroz has to offer!
Tata Altroz Design: Fresh Enough?
Before we begin, there are a few things we have to get out of the way. As soon as we laid our prejudiced gaze on the new Altroz (because of slight similarities with the previous design), all our premonitions vanished, overpowered by a wave of thoughts analysing the differences compared to its predecessor.
Tata Altroz Facelift Design
Well, we didn’t have to take a very deep dive into the ocean of thoughts to pick out the changes in design. But a question that stayed with us was whether there are only surface-level changes, or if it’s something deeper. Though I hate leaving you with that question, you need to wait, just as we did before we reach the driving part. More on that later!
We all have heard people say, “designs are subjective.” From my perspective, the new Altroz, being a “facelift,” closely mirrors its predecessor. Every time you look at the car, your mind is pushed to a place where you are forced to think of the older, more familiar model. The revised headlights, grille, bumper, and placement of the fog lamps all make it feel like something that was born in the current world. Cherry on top, new colours: Dune Glow and Ember Glow.
When you are looking at the face of the hatchback in isolation with other elements, it still has character, unlike most other modern cars, which just look more robotic, like something pulled out of a stencil (not trying to be harsh). It still has the resemblance of a literal face that most people would want to see on their car. What I see is maybe a slightly angry face with the fog lamps resembling fangs, looking at it from three-quarters. Maybe the similarity with its predecessor is not a bad thing after all!
There is not much to talk about with the side profile, except the fact that it offers a clean look with the flush door handles and almost invisible rear door handles. The new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels (the spare wheel is a 14-inch unit) adds a hint of freshness to the old silhouette.
Tata Altroz Facelift Hood & Wheels
Similarly, the rear feels connected to the predecessor, but refreshed because of the new tail lamps and the bumper, which, according to the brand, is sporty. For me? Not so much. The tail lights still have the wrap-around kind of housing found on the previous model. But taking a closer look, they seemed to have a similarity with Nexon’s design. Probably because of the same pattern, an LED strip has two branches. All in all, the design might have an appeal for many with a sense of familiarity.
