Tata Motors is betting big on the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine to drive demand for its premium hatchback, the Altroz. After seeing steady interest in the DCA automatic variant, the company has now added an affordable AMT version, hoping to broaden its reach in the automatic transmission space.
And it looks like the strategy might just pay off.
Demand
Currently, in the 1.2 petrol category, Tata reports that 88 per cent of buyers still opt for the five-speed manual, while just 12 per cent go for the DCA automatic. While the DCA is smoother and more advanced, its premium pricing keeps it out of reach for many.
That’s exactly why Tata brought in its tried-and-tested AMT unit — to bridge the gap and offer buyers a more affordable automatic option. The carmaker is confident that the AMT-equipped Altroz could contribute up to 30 per cent of total sales in the future, which would be a big jump from the current 12 per cent share of automatic transmissions.
Options
The newly launched AMT is available across several trims, starting from the Pure variant all the way up to the Creative S. It’s paired with the familiar 1.2-litre NA petrol engine that produces 84 bhp and 115Nm of torque.
This engine has become Tata’s top seller within the Altroz lineup. In fact, a massive 90 per cent of petrol Altroz buyers choose the NA engine over the turbo variant, which contributes just 10 per cent to petrol sales.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Altroz’s powertrain demand:
| Powertrain Type | Share in Demand |
|---|---|
| 1.2 NA Petrol | 55% |
| CNG | 35% |
| Diesel | 15% |
| Turbo Petrol | 10% of petrol |
Note: Percentages are not exclusive — petrol and CNG segments overlap.
Potential
One area Tata is watching closely is the possibility of offering a CNG-AMT combination. While it hasn’t made any promises yet, the brand hinted that it could explore this setup if enough demand builds over time. This would make the Altroz one of the few hatchbacks in India to offer both convenience and efficiency in the CNG category.
For now, the focus remains firmly on the NA petrol-AMT setup, which gives Tata a better shot at tapping into the growing automatic transmission market without pushing prices too high.
Engine
The 1.2-litre NA petrol engine continues to be the backbone of Altroz’s success. It strikes a balance between daily drivability and affordability. It may not be a powerhouse, but its 84 bhp output and 115Nm of torque are more than enough for urban and occasional highway driving.
The engine is now offered with both a five-speed manual and the new AMT, giving buyers more choice depending on their driving preferences and budget.
Outlook
By introducing the AMT to its best-selling powertrain, Tata is clearly focusing on volume. This move should help the Altroz compete more effectively against rivals like the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20, which also offer multiple automatic options. The AMT might not offer the slickest shifts, but its value-for-money proposition is hard to ignore.
Tata’s calculated decision to expand its automatic portfolio could be the push that the Altroz needs to capture a bigger slice of India’s competitive hatchback market.
FAQs
What engine powers the Altroz AMT?
It’s powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Is the AMT available in all Altroz variants?
No, it’s available from Pure to Creative S variants.
How much power does the engine produce?
It delivers 84 bhp and 115Nm of torque.
Will there be a CNG-AMT version?
Tata may consider it if demand increases.
What’s the expected AMT sales share?
Tata expects up to 30% of Altroz sales from the AMT variant.
