Tata Altroz iCNG Review - Cutting Down The Compromises

The corner of the Indian car market powered by CNG has always been chock full of compromises, some greater than others but still compromises…

Customers had to choose between power and mileage, boot space and more CNG and of course, the ever-present fear of having a compressed metal cylinder filled with methane sitting just behind the passenger seats.

But those were compromises the Indian CNG car following had gotten used to as well. That was until Tata Motors decided to upend that sorry cart of compromises with its new twin-cylinder tech at Auto Expo 2023.

So is the new Tata Altroz iCNG, the sign of a new era of CNG in India or is it just more compressed methane escaping into the atmosphere that isn’t bovinely exhausted? We got behind the wheel of the all-new Tata Altroz iCNG in Goa to find out just how much the premium hatchback had changed with compressed methane running through its veins…

Tata Altroz iCNG – Is It Really More Practical?

The Tata Altroz is one of the better-looking hatchbacks currently running on our roads today and the visual changes for the CNG version are almost non-existent except for the iCNG badge on the tailgate.

The changes on the inside are also nearly nonexistent as well, except for the new CNG button on the central console that lets you know which fuel you’re using. The voice-activated single-pane roof is a first for any CNG-powered hatch in India.

Otherwise, the new Altroz iCNG comes packed with all the bells and whistles the petrol version of the hatch comes with. Top-spec versions of the Altroz iCNG come with features like automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Tata’s iRA smartcar setup and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Other features on the top-of-the-line Altroz iCNG include a wireless phone charger, air purifier, leatherette seat upholstery and dual-tone alloy wheels.

The biggest change in terms of design and practicality is seen when you open the tailgate and gaze into the bowels of the boot. Tata’s twin 30kg CNG cylinders take up space under the floor of the boot.

Yes, the Altroz iCNG’s 210-litre boot is smaller than its petrol counterpart’s 345-litre unit. However, before you all start picketing my office tabletop and complaining about leading you on about the compromises in the introduction to this piece, 210 litres is a lot more than having no space at all with a regular 60kg compressed CNG tank.

So while the CNG tanks may have gobbled up the underfloor storage area, diminishing the available volume of space by 135 litres, the Altroz iCNG’s 210-litre boot is more than enough for the grocery and mall shopping runs.

Tata Altroz iCNG – Has The Engine Snoozed Off & Just How Safe Is It?

The Tata Altroz iCNG is based on the firm’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder revotron engine. When drinking down petrol, the engine produces 87bhp and 115Nm of peak torque.

When inhaling lungfuls of compressed methane, the engine output dips from 87bhp to 72.4bhp, while torque is down by 12Nm at 103Nm. Power is still sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.

To allow the engine to function without having to catch its breath every time one of the fuel tanks drops low. The new smart ECU automatically shifts between petrol and CNG on the fly.

The new ECU switches between fuels on the go while ensuring the best efficiency. The new ECU also allows the Altroz to start off the daily drive in CNG mode.

Filling up the tanks is also a quick job thanks to the special nozzle fitted to the Altroz. Also seen is a small micro switch that shuts off the fuel to the engine when it detects the fuel filler cap opening. The Altroz will vent the CNG into the atmosphere if a thermal issue is detected.

Other safety features include the usual array of airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Sway Control and Sorner Stability Control among many more systems that keep those inside the cabin safe and secure.

Tata Altroz iCNG Driving Impressions – Has The Drive Been Compromised?

The short answer and the one most Altroz iCNG owners will say is no. The loss in power and torque isn’t really felt until you start pushing the premium hatchback to its limits.

Despite the large difference on paper between the petrol and CNG modes, the hatchback offers more than adequate performance in the city when running on natural gas.

However, if you find yourself low in the rev range when running on CNG in a gear higher than second, we recommend shifting down if you need to get back into the powerband urgently.

Switching between petrol and CNG modes happens automatically when fuel levels are low. However, drivers can switch between the modes by just tapping the CNG button on the dash. The new Altroz iCNG can start journeys in CNG mode, which is quite a big plus point over its rivals from Tata and Hyundai.

The suspension setup of the iCNG has been stiffened compared to the petrol version of Altroz, especially at the rear to handle the weight of the two cylinders. While this helps ensure the Altroz iCNG does not drop down due to the extra weight, going over bumps and ruts can be problematic for your back.

The steering is the same as the petrol model and provides more than adequate feedback. At higher speeds, the wheel weighs up quite nicely which is rather reassuring.

The braking performance from the disc brakes at the front and the rear drums is more than adequate for the Altroz iCNG. However, using the brake pedal itself can be a bit cumbersome thanks to its close proximity to the clutch.

NVH levels inside the cabin are quite manageable for the most part. The only annoyance comes when the three-cylinder runs higher into the rev range.

Final Thoughts About The Tata Altroz iCNG

The Tata Altroz iCNG brings about the savings of switching to CNG to the Altroz premium hatchback. Its innovative twin-cylinder setup ensures that owners can still use the boot while the onboard safety systems ensure that you can run on compressed methane without worrying your head off.

Add in the fact that the Altroz iCNG’s in-city performance is quite similar to the petrol version, and the only way you’ll feel the need for petrol-powered speed is on the highway.

Overall, the Tata Altroz iCNG is the least compromised CNG-powered car we’ve driven in a while and that is what makes it such an attractive option, especially with a starting price of Rs 7.55 lakh (ex-showroom).

Tata Altroz iCNG – Is It Really More Practical?

Tata Altroz iCNG – Has The Engine Snoozed Off & Just How Safe Is It?

Tata Altroz iCNG Driving Impressions – Has The Drive Been Compromised?

Final Thoughts About The Tata Altroz iCNG

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