Tata claims the DCA is one of the most advanced dual-clutch transmissions available today
Tata Motors put an end to the speculations related to bringing the automatic version of the Altroz to rest by launching the new Altroz DCT. The premium hatchback from Tata Motors is now available with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as an option, apart from the standard 5-speed manual gearbox.
While many prefer a dual-clutch automatic transmission primarily for performance, Tata Motors has tuned the gearbox for optimal fuel efficiency. Here’s a video from the YouTube channel of Aman Drayan, in which the Tata Altroz DCT goes under a real-world fuel efficiency test in both city and highway driving conditions.
Tata Altroz DCT fuel-efficiency test
In the YouTube video, the variant of the Tata Altroz DCT used was the range-topping XZ+. Before refilling the fuel tank to the brim, the trip meter of the hatchback is set to zero level. The Altroz is then driven in confined city traffic conditions for 12 km and on highways for another 12 km with inconsistent throttle inputs while testing the acceleration and braking timings. During this period, the fuel efficiency of the Altroz DCT indicated in the instrument console was 13.8 kmpl.
Altroz DCA driven both highways and city roads
The car again reaches the petrol station
After driving in a mixed drive environment of city traffic and highways for some 25 km, the presenter drives the Tata Altroz DCTwith smoother and calmer throttle inputs for the next 36 odd kilometres. During this period, the fuel efficiency of the Altroz DCT rose gradually from 13.8 kmpl to 17.9 kmpl.
After driving for 61.6 kilometres, as indicated in the trip meter, the Tata Altroz DCT visits a fuel station, where its fuel tank is filled to the brim again. This time, the amount of fuel that went in the fuel tank of the Altroz DCT was 4.05 litres.
Real-world fuel efficiency calculation
What do you think the real-life fuel-efficiency is?
Here, we can see that the Tata Altroz DCT consumed 4.05 litres of petrol to cover a distance of 61.6 km, which translates into a real-world fuel efficiency of 15.21 kmpl. However, at the same time, the fuel efficiency of the vehicle was 17.9 kmpl, as indicated in the instrument console.
It shows a wide gap between the real-world figure and the computed figure by the vehicle’s MID. At 15.21 kmpl, the real-world fuel efficiency of Tata Altroz DCT is not too far from the ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency figure of 18.18 kmpl.
Conclusion
Tata Altroz dual-clutch automatic tested
While the DCT is conventionally preferred more for its performance rather than fuel efficiency, the Tata Altroz DCT managed to return a decent figure of 15.21 kmpl in the real world. The 6-speed DCT has brought the much-needed convenience of a smooth driving experience of an automatic transmission to the lineup of Tata Altroz.
What are your thoughts on the new Tata Altroz DCT? Drop in your comments below.
Keyword: Can Tata’s First-Ever Dual-Clutch On The Altroz Return Decent Fuel-Efficiency Numbers?