With more horsepower than before, the Altroz Racer is here to take the fight against the sole B-segment hot hatch on sale right now – the i20 N-Line. Almost identical power figures from three-cylinder turbo petrol, six-speed manual, new paint job and separate variant line-up are all the similarities between the two. But what are the differences? Let’s take a look at how the Altroz Racer and i20 N-Line stacks up against each other on paper.
Engine and Powertrain:
The Racer now gets a more powerful 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine
Sourced from Nexon, the 1.2-litre Revotron turbo petrol engine in the Altroz Racer now makes 118bhp and 170Nm. This is 9bhp and 30Nm up compared to the iTurbo which made 109bhp and 140Nm. Meanwhile, compared to the standard petrol-powered Altroz, the power output is up by 45bhp and 57Nm. This engine is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but Tata isn’t offering its DCA dual-clutch automatic with the Racer yet.
You do get a DCT with the i20 N-Line, not with the Racer
In comparison, the 1.0-litre direct-injection three-cylinder turbo-petrol punches out 118bhp and 172Nm. It’s mated to a six-speed manual as standard while there’s also a choice for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Variants and Pricing
Where the Altroz Racer starts at Rs 9.49 for the R1 variant, the N6 variant of the i20 N-Line commences at Rs 9.99 lakh. The R2 variant for the Racer is almost a lakh more at Rs 10.49 lakh while the R3 trim retails at Rs 10.99 lakh.
In comparison, the N8 variant of the i20 N-Line is priced at Rs 11.27 lakh while the two DCT paired versions are priced at Rs 11.15 lakh and Rs 12.37 lakh, respectively. If you want the dual-tone version, it carries a premium of Rs 15,000 for the N8 trims and Rs 20,000 for the N6 trims.
Tata Altroz Racer Pricing:
| Variant | Tata Altroz Racer |
| R1 | Rs 9.49 lakh |
| R2 | Rs 10.49 Lakh |
| R3 | Rs 10.99 lakh |
Hyundai i20 N-Line Pricing:
| Variant | Hyundai i20 N Line |
| N6 | Rs 10 lakh |
| N6 DCT | Rs 11.15 lakh |
| N8 | Rs 11.27 lakh |
| N8 DCT | Rs 12.37 lakh |
Where the entry-level variant of the Racer undercuts the N6 manual of the N-Line, by just over Rs 50,000, the R3 variant is almost Rs 28,000 more affordable than the equivalent top-spec N8. Moreover, the automatic versions of the i20 N-Line start at almost Rs 16,000 more than the range-topping Racer trim.
Styling and Design
N-Line proudly shouts out its sporty credentials
Appearance-wise, the i20 N-Line carries a significant upgrade over its standard counterpart with an aggressive-looking bumper, sportier wheels, side skirts and dual exhaust tips at the back. In terms of colour, the i20 N-Line can be had in Abyss Black, Titan Gray, Starry Night, Atlas White, and Thunder Blue with the last two ones getting a dual-tone option with the blacked-out roof.
Also Read: Tata Altroz Racer: Variants Explained
You get three colour options with the Altroz Racer
On the other hand, the Altroz Racer has a more subtle approach with a blacked-out roof, twin racing strips, a blacked-out wheel, and a slightly larger roof-mounted spoiler. There’s no sportier body skit or prominent exhaust tips making the sportier intentions felt. You do get newer colour options called Pure Grey, Avenue White, and Atomic Orange.
Contrast highlights and additional features are part of Racer update
On the inside, both these hatchbacks carry an all-black theme. But in the Altroz Racer has contrast highlights all around the cabin. There are orange highlights seen around the dashboard, contrast steering stitches, around the gear lever, seat piping, and racing strips running down the centre of the seats. Meanwhile, the i20 N-Line has contrast red stitching all around the cabin with red accents on the vents, on the sportier-looking gear lever, a sportier steering wheel, and red ambient lighting.
Tata Altroz Gains Two New Variants; XZ+OS Trim Upgraded
Which one makes a better hot hatch?
When it comes to hot hatches, the options in the Indian market were limited. With the arrival of the Racer, the N-Line has serious competition now. And the output being equally matched it comes down to the pricing and appearance. Where the i20 is more expensive, it also shows off its sportier credentials more prominently. And the Racer, on the other hand, should be much improved than the iTurbo we experienced before as it needs to justify its name instead of being an all-around family hatchback. We will be driving the Altroz Racer soon, so stay tuned for a detailed First Drive Review.
