If you’re planning to buy a premium hatchback in 2025, you’re in for a treat. The newly launched Tata Altroz facelift has spiced things up in the segment dominated by popular names like the Hyundai i20, Maruti Baleno, and Toyota Glanza. With prices starting at ₹6.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Altroz challenges its rivals not just in price, but in safety, features, performance, and practicality.
Let’s break it down and see which car truly offers the best value for your money.
Price Comparison – Altroz vs Rivals
Pricing (Ex-showroom):
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Starts at ₹6.61 lakh
- Toyota Glanza: Starts at ₹6.86 lakh
- Tata Altroz Facelift: Starts at ₹6.89 lakh (Introductory)
- Hyundai i20: Starts at ₹7.04 lakh
While Baleno has the lowest starting price, Tata is offering more features right from the base variant in the Altroz. The Altroz’s pricing is introductory, so now might be the right time to buy before the price increases.
Check official prices on Tata’s website
Maruti Baleno official website
Hyundai i20 official page
Toyota Glanza website
Dimensions & Boot Space
| Model | Length | Width | Wheelbase | Boot Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Altroz | 3990mm | 1755mm | 2501mm | 345L (best in segment) |
| Hyundai i20 | 3995mm | 1775mm | 2580mm | 311L |
| Maruti Baleno | 3990mm | 1745mm | 2520mm | 318L |
| Toyota Glanza | 3990mm | 1745mm | 2520mm | 318L |
The Altroz facelift offers the largest boot space in its class. Even the Altroz CNG variant gives 210L of usable boot space, which is far more than what single-cylinder CNG Baleno or Glanza offer. However, Altroz has the lowest ground clearance at 165 mm.
Engine, Transmission & Fuel Options
This is where Altroz wins hands down in versatility.
| Car | Petrol | Diesel | CNG | Automatic Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altroz | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 6-speed DCA, AMT |
| i20 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | iVT (CVT) |
| Baleno | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | AMT |
| Glanza | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | AMT |
Altroz is the only car in this comparison to offer petrol, diesel, and CNG. Plus, the DCA (dual-clutch automatic) in the Altroz is considered the best in the segment for smoothness and responsiveness. Baleno and Glanza only get an AMT, which isn’t as refined. i20’s iVT is smooth but lacks diesel and CNG options.
Safety – The Altroz Advantage
Altroz is the only premium hatchback in India with a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP. That alone gives it a massive edge if you’re prioritizing safety.
| Feature | Altroz | i20 | Baleno | Glanza |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global NCAP rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Not tested | Not tested | Not tested |
| 6 Airbags | ✅ (Top trims) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Rear disc brakes | ❌ (Expected in Racer) | ✅ (N Line only) | ❌ | ❌ |
| ADAS | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| TPMS | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Rain-sensing wipers | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
If safety is your top priority, Altroz is the clear winner.
Features – Value for Money Battle
Here’s where Tata has really stepped up with the facelift.
- Infotainment: Altroz offers a new 10.25-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster with full-screen maps.
- Sunroof: Offered in Altroz and i20, missing in Baleno and Glanza.
- Flush Door Handles: Exclusive to Altroz, feels more premium.
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay: Available on Altroz and Glanza.
- 360-Degree Camera: Altroz and Glanza offer it, i20 misses out.
- Paddle Shifters: Altroz is the only one to get them.
- Air Purifier & Ambient Lighting: Present in Altroz, basic lighting in rivals.
Baleno and Glanza are the only ones to offer HUD (Heads-up Display) and auto-dimming IRVM, which are useful features. But overall, Altroz offers a more modern feature set, especially in higher variants.
Verdict – Which Hatchback is Best for You?
If you’re on a strict budget and want low maintenance, the Maruti Baleno or Toyota Glanza are solid options with tried-and-tested engines and wide service network.
If you want style, strong features, a smooth CVT and sporty design, the Hyundai i20 is a good choice, especially in top trims.
However, if you’re looking for a car that:
- Offers top-notch safety
- Gives you the most engine & fuel options (including diesel & CNG)
- Comes loaded with practical and premium features
- And still priced aggressively…
Then Tata Altroz is the best value-for-money premium hatchback you can buy today.
And with introductory pricing, this might be the best time to bring one home.