Tata Tiago AMT top variant or Altroz DCA mid variant or Nexon XM/XMA base variant

Dear Sarath Sahab,

Hi. Sure as i understand you shortlisted car from Tata Motors and i presume few prime reasons for it - would be
a) Immaculate Build Quality
b) Vocal for Local
c) New Age Tata Cars are Value for Money

Tiago or Altroz
Now in given choices as Tiago AMT and Altroz DCA - comparing hatchback first - as been a first time car buyers

1. DCA feels more smooth in Pickup response. Whether you talk of initial acceleration where AMT Gearbox of Tata as used in Tiago is marginally slower or pickup which feels more smooth in Altroz as and when car auto shift gear.
By all reasons - DCA gearbox
a) Initial Pickup
b) Smooth pickup with linear acceleration

scores ahead over Tiago AMT

2. If Tiago is good in build, lets admit that Altroz feels even better
5 Star Build Quality is another reason to infuse confidence

3. Even superior handling and suspension tune up where once you corner on higher speed can feel more stable performance in Altroz

4. Bigger Boot, Better SPace in Rear - feels more spacious

5. Yes at end of day - a Premium Hatchback in styling front of Altroz is better pick over Tiago

Conclusion: So - you may have to shevle in 1.5 Lakh higher for Altroz XT DCA over Tiago XZA Plus AMT but be assured for:-
a) Enhanced Safety'
b) More Smooth Engine
c) Space, Handling, Styling
Altroz leads

Having said at same time - to disclaim its a 3 cylinder petrol engine and somehow if you drove Baleno CVT in past - pls note that
> Engine feels noisier
> Pickup although smooth against AMT but feels rather slow if you compare Baleno

So performance is just average, So pls factor this fact too

Altroz DCA mid variant or Nexon XM/XMA base variant
Well here comes a factor of Turbo Charged Petrol Engine and this turbo petrol engine is now so beautifully improved with added power and multi mode that AMT Calibration feels :-
a) Even more peppier as against Altroz
b) Has even added ESP and Traction control over Altroz which can make a difference in emergency situation on high speed drive or monsoon
c) Performance pickup feels next level in Sports mode with a real beast

Having said same :-
a) Visibility not as great as Altroz due to thicker A Pillar and smaller rear windshield
b) Fuel Efficiency can be drop
c) Relative lesser features as against Altroz XT DCA but priced a lakh higher
d) Ingress, Egress not as easy if you are taller passenger or someone with ortho issues as floor placed at rather height from ground

Rest to make a pick in between Altroz DCA and Nexon XTA
If you seek
> More Fun to drive with lively engine performance
> Enhanced Safety with ESP
> Spirtied Fun to drive with a SUV Tag to it

then is Nexon AMT
Else for
> More Features in lesser price
> Relaxed drive with light foot
> Relative more fuel efficienct
> Better Ergonomics, More Space, Ease of Ingress and Egress

is Altroz XT DCA
So make a careful consideration after having a drive.

Hi Modi Ji,
Thanks for your detailed response to my query which clarified few of my doubts.
I will try test drive for Nexon AMT and Altroz DCA in Jun'23 , meanwhile I have a follow up question to your response.

Altroz DCA :
I see ground clearance is only 165mm for Altroz where as small hatchback Tiago has 170 and 181mm GC.
considering I am new to driving and our roads condition , is 165mm very less and problematic compared to other options out there ?

When I am seeing many reviews out there regarding Altroz DCA , everyone is highlighting how much underpowered this car is with 85BHP and 113NM torque , while I note the point this is not enthusiast car but is this car performance that much bad on highways due to this factor ?

How much reilable is DCA/DCT in India ?

Nexon AMT :
While I like Nexon , features are very less in XMA variant considering the price point.
understand there will be facelift version coming in Sep'23/Oct'23 ; As I am also planning to take new car by that time ; is it best to wait for facelift version ?

Thank you

I see ground clearance is only 165mm for Altroz where as small hatchback Tiago has 170 and 181mm GC.

What matters is suspension in combination to Ground Clearance
Somehow the biggest USP of Altroz is :-
a) Impeccable Handling
b) Suspension which is pretty balanced mix as required for Indian roads

So - do not have anything to worry with 165 mm GC
Also difference in 165 mm and 170 mm ground clearance although looks like 5mm but to quantify for real world is 1/5th of an Inch - so that less is the difference.

everyone is highlighting how much underpowered this car is with 85BHP and 113NM torque , while I note the point this is not enthusiast car but is this car performance that much bad on highways due to this factor

This is a car which is best when driven with
a. Real Light foot with preference of light acceleration
b. Do not count on 0 to 60 speed
c. But care for Build Quality, rather jerk free pickup with light foot, steering and handling dynamics.

There is no doubt that car can be driven to 80 to 100 speed but it may take time to reach that
To put it number terms for easy view - If Baleno AMT takes says 12 seconds then Altroz can take near around 17 to 18 seconds to reach that in real world

So - have a test drive to experience

How much reilable is DCA/DCT in India ?

Its a wet dual clutch gearbox and although there were apprehensions earlier due to different transmission in beginning but with more than 18 months been crossed and no as such issues reported - can consider same with 5 yr warranty

I am also planning to take new car by that time ; is it best to wait for facelift version ?

Facelift anyway are preferable but price hikes would be the only con
If flexible to raise budget then yes is indeed worth a wait,