During the later half of January 2020, Tata launched the Altroz for Rs 5.29 lakh(ex-showroom Delhi) and a booking amount of Rs 25,000. This hatchback became a tough competitor against Toyota Glanza, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, Volkswagen Polo and Honda Jazz, among others.
Till date, 2020 Baleno is one of the fiercest car in its segment. The ex-showroom price of Tata Altroz ranges from Rs 5.29- 9.29 lakhs. Meanwhile, the price range of Maruti Suzuki Baleno is between Rs 5.58 to 8.96 lakhs.
As you can notice, Maruti Suzuki Baleno is available in three engine options; petrol, diesel and hybrid-petrol. Meanwhile, Tata Altroz is only available in petrol and diesel variants. Also, a few reviewers summarized the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration for the Baleno to be 12.3 seconds, whereas, the Altroz took 18 seconds.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno has a top speed of 170 KMPH(petrol) and 180 KMPH(diesel) but the top speed of Tata Altroz is yet to be clocked but we expect it to have an edge due to its performance bump.
Model | 2020 Maruti Suzuki Baleno | 2020 Tata Altroz |
Pricing(Ex-Showroom Delhi) | Rs 5.58 to 8.96 lakh | Rs 5.29 to 9.29 lakh |
Engine | 1.2-litre/1.2-liter with mild hybrid/ 1.3-liter Diesel | 1.2-litre Petrol/ 1.5-liter Diesel |
Transmission | 5-speed MT, CVT/5-speed MT/ 5-speed MT | 5-speed MT/5-speed MT |
Power | 83 [email protected] RPM(petrol)/ 74 [email protected] RPM(diesel) | 85 [email protected] RPM(petrol)/ 89 [email protected] RPM(diesel) |
Torque | 115 [email protected] RPM(petrol)/ 190 [email protected] RPM(diesel) | 113 [email protected] RPM(petrol)/ 200 [email protected] RPM(diesel) |
0-100 KMPH | ?12.3 Seconds | ?18 Seconds |
Top Speed | 170-180 KMPH | N/A |
*As per 2020 Maruti Suzuki Baleno (Alpha CVT) and 2020 Tata Altroz (XZ Optional Diesel) models.
Tata's in-house developed Revotron and Revotorq engines are well refined and also provides with impressive efficiency despite the performance bump over the Baleno. But the reason it slips away from Tata is the absence of an automatic transmission when its due. Maruti Suzuki provides automatic transmission for its Baleno which is a huge selling point.
But Tata is well aware of its blunder and its a matter of time, till an automatic Altroz comes out. But the first impressions have been made and it has left a mark.
The Baleno showcases a liquid flow design and comes with redefinitions in the premium compact segment. On the other hand, the Altroz is a dual-tone hatchback with large integrated DRLs fog lamps showcasing a split setup.
A noticeably visible crease can be seen running in the frame of this car. The rear door handles are incorporated in the window frame. Therefore it provides a 3-door effect. The Altroz also comprises dual-tone alloy wheels, and the rear highlights include the LED taillamps, which are split in nature and connected with black plastic.
Model | 2020 Maruti Suzuki Baleno | 2020 Tata Altroz |
Length(mm) | 3995 | 3990 |
Width(mm) | 1745 | 1755 |
Height(mm) | 1510 | 1523 |
Wheelbase(mm) | 2520 | 2501 |
Ground Clearance(mm) | 165 | 165 |
The length, width, and height of the Baleno differ slightly from Altroz. Also, the ground clearance of both of these vehicles is the same. But a substantial difference is noticeable in the wheelbase of Baleno and Altroz.
There are many visible common features available in both Baleno and Altroz in 2020. These include a 7-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, controls mounted on steering wheel, adjustable driver seats, and Start/Stop push button.
But besides these common interior features, the Baleno comes with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, whereas the Altroz comes with only a tilt steering wheel. Also, there is no clarity on whether the AC vents are available for rear passengers in Baleno, but we do know that they are available in Altroz.
Model | 2020 Maruti Suzuki Baleno | 2020 Tata Altroz |
Interior Features | 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display | Harman Kardon infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display |
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay | Android Auto & Apple CarPlay | |
Audio controls mounted on the steering. | Controls mounted on the steering. | |
Steering with tilt and telescoping options | Mechanized climate controls | |
Auto AC | AC vents for rear passengers | |
Start Stop Push Button | Start Stop Push Button | |
SHVS Micro-Hybrid Technology | Armrest in the front and rear | |
Adjustable driver seats | Adjustable driver seats |
Besides this, you will notice metal finish on interior door handles and tipped parking brakes along with black and blue inside the Baleno Alpha CVT. The metal finish interior door handles are also in Altroz XZ optional diesel. Besides this, the latter also has 3D embossed upholstery, front and rear door magazine pockets, and dashboard with a classic satin chrome finish.
This variant of Altroz also accommodates illuminated cooled glove box with 15-litre space, retractable glovebox tray, parcel tray in the rear, sunglass and umbrella holder, knitted roof liner and pockets in the magazine. Therefore, a surprising number of visible features are available in the latter in comparison to the former.
Although there are many similarities between both the Baleno and Altroz of the current year, there are also significant differences. In the below table, we have compared the most expensive trims and laid down the key differences between these two car models of 2020.
As you can quickly notice, there are no fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, and power antenna in the most expensive model of Baleno. Still, these are available in the XZ optional diesel model of the Altroz.
Model | 2020 Maruti Suzuki Baleno | 2020 Tata Altroz |
Differentiating Features | Tilt and telescoping steering wheel | Tilt steering wheel |
Not available | Fog light, rain-sensing wiper and power antenna | |
Outside rearview turn indicators, chrome grille and integrated antenna | Not available | |
Automatic transmission | Manual transmission | |
Tinted glass | Not available | |
Metal finish interior door handles and tipped parking brakes. The Interior is black and blue. | 3D Embossed upholstery; metal finishes interior door handles, front door umbrella holder, front and rear door magazine pockets, and dashboard with a classic satin chrome finish. |
One of the critical features which users will appreciate between these two variants is the transmission. The Altroz XZ optional diesel model comes with a manual transmission, whereas, the Alpha CVT Baleno comes with automatic transmission. Similarly, Baleno also comes with both tilt and telescoping steering wheel whereas Altroz only comes with a tilt steering wheel.
There are many similarities between both of these hatchback trims and a surprising number of differences too. Also, many of these differences may be available as optional addons with the models at an additional price from the manufacturer. Furthermore, the configurations of the models slightly differ from each other, even in dimensions. Therefore, it is up to the buyer to decide the best model of choice.