Tata Motors may have had a shortlived stint in the enthusiast space with the JTP badge but the automaker is all set to make a comeback with the new Racer Edition. The company showcased the Altroz Racer edition at the Auto Expo 2023 and the model has now been confirmed to make it to production. Responding to a user query on social media, Tata Motors said that the Altroz Racer will be “launched soon.”
It’s not hard to see why Tata would want to pass on such a promising opportunity, given most components and upgrades are already available on Tata’s existing line-up. For instance, the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine is borrowed from the Tata Nexon. The motor develops 120PS and 170Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Power figures are higher than that found on the i-Turbo version and on par with what the Hyundai i20 N Line offers. It’s unclear if Tata will also bring its DCT unit to the Altroz Racer.
The Tata Altroz Racer also gets a bunch of other upgrades including the dual-tone red and black paint scheme, blacked-out chrome accents and alloy wheels, as well as white twin stripes across the bonnet and roof, to lend a sporty look. Red inserts across the all-black cabin further add to the “racer” look of the hatchback.
But the Altroz Racer gets some big and necessary upgrades on the feature front. This includes the addition of an electric sunroof with voice activation, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that feels much nicer to use and a new 7-inch digital instrument console that gets some nice graphics too. The feature list also includes ventilated seats, an air purifier and the addition of six airbags, in keeping with future safety norms.
Without a doubt, the Tata Altroz Racer will sit at the top of the variant line-up but we suspect the features will trickle down to other variants as well, especially the infotainment and instrument screens. The Altroz Racer could arrive as early as April-May this year although the company has not announced a timeline for the launch yet. The Hyundai i20 N Line is priced between Rs 10-12.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and you can expect the Altroz Racer to undercut this pricing upon its arrival.
Apart from the updated Altroz, Tata will also introduce the updated Safari and Harrier SUVs with ADAS, six airbags, an updated infotainment display and a 360-degree camera. The Dark Edition will also get new red upholstered leather seats as part of the upgrade. The automaker is expected to introduce these models in the coming months.
