Tata Altroz DCA Vs Maruti Baleno AMT; Automatic Hatchbacks Compared At Length

The AMT is the simplest form of automatic transmission while the DCA is extremely complex and advanced. Here’s how the two cars stack up

In recent times, the market has started shifting towards automatic cars. This new trend has compelled Tata Motors to launch the automatic transmission version of its premium hatchback, Altroz two years after the introduction of the car.

The new Tata Altroz DCT comes hot on the heels of the heavily updated Maruti Suzuki Baleno, which now comes with a 5-speed AMT instead of the CVT from the previous model. Here, we compare both these new automatic transmission-equipped variants of the premium hatchbacks and find out which one is more worthy of your moolah.

Tata Altroz DCA vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT

We have compared both the cars to help you make the choice

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz are two of the highest-selling premium hatchbacks in India.

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While the Baleno got a massive upgrade recently with a new option of a 5-speed AMT gearbox, the Tata Altroz also got the added convenience of a new 6-speed DCA launched in a few of its variants as an option. Both the transmission units are different in their approach and drivability and offer their own set of advantages over the other.

Tata Altroz vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno exterior design highlights

The Tata Altroz has always been a great looker, and with the new substantial update, the visual appeal of the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno has just freshened up too. Both these hatchbacks have individualistic design languages, making them two of the best looking cars in the sub-10 lakh price range.

With the update, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT looks sleeker and sharper than its predecessor. The main highlights of this new version are a slimmer looking front grille, angular headlamps with revised daytime running LEDs and LED projector headlamps, new front and rear bumpers with LED front fog lamps, broader L-shaped LED tail lamps and 16-inch machined alloy wheels.

In contrast, the Tata Altroz DCA might feel older in its appearance, though on its own, it continues to be a terrific looker.

Tata has started offering DCA automatic with the Altroz

The swooping lines and bold design of the H2X concept were much retained in the production-spec version, thus giving the Altroz a futuristic look.

The wide front fascia with piano black and chrome finish for the grille, slimmer split headlamp setup with projector headlamps and daytime running LEDs, piano black finish for the window waistline and boot garnish and 16-inch machined alloy wheels give the Altroz a bold but pleasant look.

Tata Altroz DCA vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT interior design highlights

The update also has brought an all-new cabin in the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno, which now looks as modern as the Tata Altroz. Both the cars share a few design approaches, like a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system and a flat-bottom multi-functional steering wheel. While the Baleno gets a dual-tone black and blue upholstery, the Altroz boasts a dual-tone black and light beige finish. The interior of both the hatchbacks is well-contrasted by silver touches on the dashboard and door panels.

Both the Baleno AMT and Altroz DCA have very spacious cabins capable of seating five people easily. However, the 90-degree opening for the doors in the Altroz DCA makes ingress and egress for people easy and more comfortable.

Tata Altroz DCA vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT Features

AMT is the simplest automatic transmission out there

With the new update, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT now feels much better equipped than the Tata Altroz DCA. Here are some features which are common in both cars:

• Projector headlamps with daytime running LEDs
• Front fog lamps
• LED tail lamps
• 16-inch machined alloy wheels
• Multi-functional steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth, voice commands and cruise control buttons
• Touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• Automatic climate control
• Rear AC vents
• Push start-stop button
• Connected car tech
• Driver seat height adjustment
• Tilt and telescopic adjustments for the steering wheel
• Front armrest
• 60:40 split rear seats

Following are those features that give the new Baleno AMT an upper hand over the Altroz DCA:

The DCA uses double wet clutches and is quite advanced

• LED Projector headlamps (halogen projectors in Altroz)
• LED front fog lamps (halogen fog lamps in Altroz)
• Bigger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (7-inch in Altroz)

The Tata Altroz DCA is not too far behind and also offers a few additional features over the
Baleno AMT, such as:

• Leatherette upholstery
• 7-inch TFT screen in instrument console (against the 4.2-inch screen in Baleno)
• Cooled glovebox

Tata Altroz DCA vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT engine and transmission

The two hatchbacks feel massively different in the way things are under their hoods. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT gets a 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which produces 90 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque and comes with a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). On the other hand, the Tata Altroz DCA gets a 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that churns out 86 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque and has a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCA).

The Altroz enjoys the five-star G-NCAP safety standard

While the 6-speed DCA of the Altroz offers a smoother and jerk-free driving experience over the 5-speed AMT of the Baleno, the AMT sips in lesser fuel in comparison. Also, the four-cylinder engine of the Baleno is more refined and powerful than the three-cylinder engine of the Altroz.

Tata Altroz DCA vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT Spec Sheet

Apart from the similar length, the Tata Altroz DCA gets an advantage over the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT in all the other dimensions. The Altroz DCA is wider and taller than the Baleno AMT, with the former also having a longer wheelbase and bigger boot space in comparison.

Tata Altroz DCA vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT Safety

Interestingly, Baleno gets six airbags but no NCAP rating

The safety features which are common in both the premium hatchbacks are:

• Dual front airbags
• ABS with EBD and brake assist
• Reverse parking sensors and camera
• ISOFIX mounts for child seats
• Automatic headlamps
• Rain sensing wipers

While the Tata Altroz DCA wears the coveted 5-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests up in its sleeves, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT gets a few other additional and crucial features like:

• Side and curtain airbags
• Hill hold assist
• 360-degree parking camera
• Head-up display
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror

Tata Altroz DCA vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT Pricing

The new Tata Altroz DCA is available in a total of six variants, the prices of which are as follows:

• XM+ – Rs 8.10 lakh
• XT – Rs 8.60 lakh
• XT Dark Edition – Rs 9.06 lakh
• XZ – Rs 9.10 lakh
• XZ(O) – Rs 9.22 lakh
• XZ+ – Rs 9.60 lakh
• XZ+ Dark Edition – Rs 9.90 lakh

On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT is available only in three variants, which are as follows:

• Delta AMT – Rs 7.69 lakh
• Zeta AMT – Rs 8.59 lakh
• Alpha AMT – Rs 9.49 lakh

Due to the technology used, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT is much more affordable than the Tata Altroz DCA.

Final Thoughts

With the new heavily-updated version, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT feels much more compelling car even though the 6-speed DCA of the Altroz is smoother in its operation. The Baleno AMT has a fresher new cabin with more comfort, convenience and safety features, an engine that is more powerful, more fuel-efficient and more refined and better after-sales and service experience – all at lower price points. These factors make the Baleno AMT a more compelling package than the Altroz DCA.

Which one of the two appeals to you more? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Keyword: Tata Altroz DCA Vs Maruti Baleno AMT; Automatic Hatchbacks Compared At Length