June 2023 - Tata Altroz CNG Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

In this variant explained article, you'll find out which variant of the Tata Altroz CNG you should buy based on variant-wise features while prioritising functionality and usability. Here we compare and analyse the CNG variants of the Altroz and their features to figure out which variant will offer a balanced ownership experience. Then we will compare the engine specs, dimensions of the 2023 Tata Altroz CNG with other B2-segment CNG hatchbacks like the Maruti Nexa Baleno and Toyota Glanza.

Tata Altroz CNG

Also Read: 2023 Tata Nexon (New-Gen) Expected Price Calculation - With Logic

Citroen C3 Aircross Expected Price Calculation - With Logic

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Tata Altroz CNG?

The pros or advantages of 2023 Tata Altroz CNG are:

  • The only CNG car in India with a 5-star GNCAP safety rating
  • The only CNG car in India with a sunroof
  • 210 litres of boot space is best for any CNG hatchback — across all price points
  • Ability to start directly on CNG and run even if the petrol tank is empty
  • Better torque rating than the Baleno and Glanza; its torque also peak at a much lower RPM than the rivalling Japanese CNG hatchbacks
  • Well-equipped for its class as it offers CNG in higher variants also

The 2023 Tata Altroz CNG has the following shortcomings or problems:

  • Lower variants get skinny 165-section tyres with 14-inch wheels
  • On the flip side, larger, 16-inch wheels may adversely impact the drivability with the CNG powertrain because of higher rotating mass
  • A 6-month interval for service centre visits is too short for keeping the warranty intact; 1 year/10,000km is the industry standard
  • Stripped down base XE variant misses out on several must-have features while the XM Plus offers poor value for money
  • No cruise control even in higher variants

Update (June 5, 2023): This article was updated with the Tata Altroz CNG launch prices and buying recommendations.

What Is The Price Of Tata Altroz CNG Variants?

The Tata Altroz CNG is available in a total of 6 variants. Its ex-showroom prices range from Rs. 7.55 lakh and go up to Rs. 10.55 lakh.

TATA ALTROZ CNG

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE (JUNE 2023)

Variant

Price

XE

Rs. 7,55,400

XM Plus

Rs. 8,40,400

XM Plus S

Rs. 8,84,900

XZ

Rs. 9,52,900

XZ Plus S

Rs. 9,99,990

XZ Plus OS

Rs. 10,54,990

Compared to the normal petrol engine, the CNG variants cost Rs. 95,500 to 1.03 lakh more. For this higher price, you obviously get lower fuel costs but you also get a fairly usable boot space of 210 litres. All other CNG hatchbacks make you sacrifice on the boot space as the cylinder takes up a lot of cargo volume.

Also Read: Auto Expo 2023: Tata Solved Boot Space Problem With CNG Cars

TATA ALTROZ

PETROL VS CNG VS DIESEL

Variants

Petrol-Manual

Difference

CNG-Manual

Difference

Diesel-Manual

XE

Rs. 6,59,900

Rs. 95,500

Rs. 7,55,400

-

-

XE Plus

Rs. 6,79,900

-

-

-

Rs. 8,14,900

XM Plus

Rs. 7,44,900

Rs. 95,500

Rs. 8,40,400

Rs. 39,500

Rs. 8,79,900

XM Plus S

Rs. 7,89,900

Rs. 95,000

Rs. 8,84,900

Rs. 40,000

Rs. 9,24,900

XT

Rs. 7,99,900

-

-

-

Rs. 9,34,900

XZ

Rs. 8,49,900

Rs. 1,03,000

Rs. 9,52,900

Rs. 32,000

Rs. 9,84,900

XZ Plus S

Rs. 9,03,990

Rs. 96,000

Rs. 9,99,990

Rs. 38,910

Rs. 10,38,900

XZ Plus OS

Rs. 9,55,990

Rs. 99,000

Rs. 10,54,990

-

-

For another Rs. 32,000 - 40,000, you can get the diesel powertrain. It also has lower fuel costs but unlike CNG powertrains, instead of lowering the performance, the diesel engine offers better performance. Besides a full boot space, the diesel powertrain also has a longer range with each tank full. Meanwhile, with the CNG, you may have to frequently wait in queue for a gas top up.

So, it’s another alternative worth considering if you’re going with the Altroz CNG for its lower running costs. If you’re seriously considering the diesel powertrain of the Altroz instead of the CNG, then there’s something worth evaluating. Since diesel engines take much longer to warm up than CNG or petrol engines. So, it’s not suitable for you if you drive short distances with frequent start/stops.

New Tata Altroz CNG XE - Base Model Standard Features

The base XE variant of the Tata Altroz CNG only comes with the 1.2L CNG-petrol bi-fuel engine and a manual transmission. It costs Rs. 7.55 lakh (ex-showroom) and and gets the following notable features:

  • Front power windows
  • Umbrella holder
  • 14-inch steel wheels
  • Tilt steering

TATA ALTROZ CNG XE

BASE MODEL STANDARD FEATURES

Safety

Functional

Style

Std. safety features

Front power windows

14-inch steel wheels

Central locking

4x door pockets*

Body-coloured bumpers*

ISOFIX 

Front 12V power outlet*

Body-coloured door handles*

Puncture repair kit

Tilt steering*

Black outside mirrors*

Corner stability control

Integrated rear headrests*

Digital instrument cluster

Impact sensing auto door unlock

Umbrella holders*

 

Speed sensing auto door lock*

Adjustable front headrests*

 

Front seatbelt load limiters*

   

*Expected

The base variant seems doesn’t get several must-have features like:

  • Height-adjustable driver seat
  • Music system
  • Rear power windows
  • Remote central locking
  • Rear parcel tray
  • Wheel covers
  • Day/night inside mirror
  • TPMS

Considering the lack of several must-have features, we’ll suggest you skip the base model of the Altroz CNG even though it gets an attractive price tag.

Tata Altroz CNG XE Vs XM Plus Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The next variant in line for Altroz CNG buyers is the XM Plus. It costs Rs. 8.40 lakh and it’s Rs. 85,000 pricier than the base XE CNG variant of the Altroz.

TATA ALTROZ CNG XE vs XM PLUS

PRICE COMPARISON

 

XE

Difference

XM Plus

Manual

Rs. 7,55,400

Rs. 85,000

Rs. 8,40,400

It offers the following additional notable features:

  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • 4x speakers
  • Steering-mounted controls
  • Power mirrors
  • Rear parcel tray
  • Rear power windows
  • Remote central locking
  • Larger 16-inch steel wheels

Even in this variant, you don’t get several must-have features like:

  • Height-adjustable driver seat
  • Rear camera
  • TPMS
  • Day/night inside mirror

TATA ALTROZ CNG XM PLUS

FEATURES OVER XE

Infotainment & Style

Functional

7-inch touchscreen

Voice alerts

Steering-mounted controls

Power mirrors with power folding

Wired Apple CarPlay

In-built navigation

Wired Android Auto

Remote central locking

4x speakers

Rear parcel tray

Voice commands

Rear power windows

USB charger

Follow-me-home headlamps

16-inch steel wheels

 

The Altroz CNG XM Plus variant gets some must-have features while also skipping a few. Moreover, it offers poor value for money and barely justifies about half the upgrade cost in terms of value. So, we can’t recommend this variant either. Consider stretching your budget for a higher variant to enjoy a decent ownership experience and get better value as well.

New Tata Altroz CNG XM Plus Vs XM Plus S Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

After the XM Plus, we have the XM Plus S variant, which costs Rs. 8.85 lakh (ex-showroom). It’s Rs. 44,500 pricier than the lower XM Plus variant.

TATA ALTROZ CNG XM PLUS vs XM PLUS S

PRICE COMPARISON

 

XM Plus

Difference

XM Plus S

Manual

Rs. 8,40,400

Rs. 44,500

Rs. 8,84,900

It adds the following notable features:

  • Auto headlamps
  • Auto wipers
  • Shark fin antenna
  • Sunroof

You may miss the following must-have features in the XM Plus S variant:

  • Front armrest
  • Rear AC vents
  • Rear washer wiper
  • Rear defogger
  • Day/night inside mirror
  • Height-adjustable driver seat
  • TPMS

2023 TATA ALTROZ CNG XM PLUS S

FEATURES OVER XM PLUS

Functional

Style

Auto headlamps

Shark fin antenna

Rain sensing wipers

Electric sunroof

While this variant also doesn’t quite justify the value for money but because of the inclusion of high-value and good-to-have features like sunroof, it offers better value than the lower variants. If you absolutely can’t stretch your budget any further, then this is worth buying. But, if you can, then we’ll strongly suggest you go for the XZ variant.

New Tata Altroz CNG XM Plus S Vs XZ Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The XZ variant comes after the XM Plus S trim. With an ex-showroom price of Rs. 9.53 lakh, it’s Rs. 68,000 more expensive than the lower XM Plus S variant.

TATA ALTROZ CNG XM PLUS S vs XZ

PRICE COMPARISON

 

XM Plus S

Difference

XZ

Manual

Rs. 8,84,900

Rs. 68,000

Rs. 9,52,900

It gets the following notable features over the XM Plus S trim:

  • Halogen projector headlamps
  • Auto AC
  • Rear AC vents
  • Day/night inside mirror
  • Rear camera
  • Front fog lamps
  • Rear washer wiper
  • Rear defogger
  • Cooled glovebox
  • Front and rear armrests
  • LED DRLs
  • Keyless entry with push-button start/stop
  • Height-adjustable driver seat
  • 16-inch alloy wheels

Besides the cruise control, sunroof and TPMS, there’s barely any feature you might miss in the Altroz Z variant.

2023 TATA ALTROZ CNG XZ

FEATURES OVER XM PLUS S

Safety

Infotainment & Functional

Style

Halogen projector headlamps

Auto AC

Rear USB Charger

Ambient lighting (footwell, dashboard)

Front fog lamps w/ cornering lights

Rear AC vents

Keyless entry w/ push-button start/stop

LED DRLs

Day/night inside mirror

+2x tweeters

One-touch down driver’s window

16-inch machined alloy wheels

Rear camera

Front armrest with storage

Cooled glovebox

(-) Shark fin antenna

Anti-theft alarm

Rear armrest

Height-adjustable driver seat

(-) Electric Sunroof

Rear washer wiper

Cruise control

Height-adjustable seat belts

 

Rear defogger

     

If you’re interested in a variant of the Altroz CNG with a good number of features but without the sunroof, then the XZ is the perfect choice. It also justifies 95% of the incremental cost over the base variant with features. However, for better value for more upmarket and good-to-have features, considering stretching a bit more for the XZ Plus S variant, which earned out top recommendation and the best value-for-money rank.

2023 Tata Altroz CNG XZ Vs XZ Plus S Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The XZ Plus S variant is the next in line after the XZ trim. It costs Rs. 10.0 lakh and its price is Rs. 47,090 higher than the XZ variant.

TATA ALTROZ CNG XZ vs XZ PLUS S

PRICE COMPARISON

 

XZ

Difference

XZ Plus S

Manual

Rs. 9,52,900

Rs. 47,090

Rs. 9,99,990

It adds the following features over the XZ:

  • TPMS
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Sunroof
  • Dual-tone black roof
  • Shark fin antenna

Tata aren’t offering the cruise control with the Altroz CNG in any variant. If you frequently drive on the highways, then this is one feature, you might miss in the Altroz CNG.

2023 TATA ALTROZ CNG XZ PLUS S

FEATURES OVER XZ

Safety

Functional

Style

Brake sway control

Fast cool function

Leather steering wheel & gear knob

Dual-tone black roof

Rear fog lamp

Wireless phone charger

Flat type front wiper blades

Shark fin antenna

Tyre pressure sensors (TPMS)

One-touch up-down driver’s window

 

Sunroof

Most of the features of the XZ Plus S variant are good-to-have at best. At least on the value front, the perceived value of the features of the XZ Plus S exceed the incremental cost over the base variant. So, it is our top recommendation for all Altroz CNG buyers.

2023 Tata Altroz CNG XZ Plus S Vs XZ Plus OS Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The XZ Plus OS is the top model of the Altroz CNG. It costs Rs. 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom) and is Rs. 55,000 pricier than the lower XZ Plus S variant.

TATA ALTROZ CNG XZ PLUS S vs XZ PLUS OS

PRICE COMPARISON

 

XZ Plus S

Difference

XZ Plus OS

Manual

Rs. 9,99,990

Rs. 55,000

Rs. 10,54,990

It offers only 3 notable features over the XZ Plus S variant:

  • Air purifier
  • Leather upholstery
  • Telematics

2023 TATA ALTROZ CNG XZ PLUS OS

FEATURES OVER XZ PLUS S

Functional

Style

Connected car tech (telematics)

Air purifier

Leather upholstery

In this trim, you may only miss the cruise control. However, it doesn’t offer any must-have features. So we’ll suggest you go with the lower XZ Plus S variant and add these features as accessories. Overall, it’ll cost you less as you save on the 1% TDS, considerably lower registration costs (in states where it’s applicable) and the cost of adding these features as accessories is likely to cost less than Rs. 55,000. Since these are strictly good-to-have features, if you’re going with the lower XZ Plus S variant won’t have to compromise in terms of ownership experience either.

If you don’t want to add any aftermarket accessories, then it’s worth noting that the XZ Plus OS variant completely justifies cost over the base variant with the additional features. So, it’s worth buying if you don’t mind the additional cost for perfect, factory finish.

Which Variant Of The Tata Altroz CNG Should You Buy?

Among the lower trims, the base XE variant is too basic for a car costing more than Rs. 7.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Even if you accommodate the higher XM Plus variant, you are grossly overpaying for the additional features. Keeping the value factor in mind, we’ll suggest against buying the XM Plus variant too.

The XM Plus S variant is also an expensive upgrade overall from the base model. But, it justifies the incremental cost because of the addition of a sunroof, which is a high value feature. If you can’t stretch your budget any further, then XM Plus S is worth buying.

For buyers not interested in a sunroof, the XZ variant is an easy recommendation for offering a good value for money and a lot of useful features. If sunroof is important to you, then the XZ Plus S is an even better option as it excels on the value front. It’s also our top recommendation for all Altroz CNG buyers.

The XZ Plus OS has a slightly lower value score compared to the XZ Plus S. Moreover, it offers good-to-have features, which are easy to add from the aftermarket or you can get them as a dealer-level accessory. So, you should buy this variant only if you don’t mind compromising a little on the value front for a perfect factory finish.

2023 TATA ALTROZ CNG 

BUYING RECOMMENDATION

Variant

VFM Rank

Price

Recommendation

XE

Rank 2

Rs. 7,55,400

Not recommended; lacks several basic features

XM Plus

Rank 5

Rs. 8,40,400

Not recommended; offers poor value for money

XM Plus S

Rank 4

Rs. 8,84,900

Lowest variant worth buying from value standpoint; consider buying XZ or XZ Plus S

XZ

Rank 3

Rs. 9,52,900

Suitable for buyers who don’t want sunroof

XZ Plus S

Rank 1

Rs. 9,99,990

Top recommended

XZ Plus OS

Rank 2

Rs. 10,54,990

Can upgrade; consider buying XZ Plus S and add accessorise with XZ Plus OS’ features

What Are The Engine Specifications Of The Tata Altroz CNG?

In the B2-segment, the Altroz is the only hatchback to offer the CNG bi-fuel powertrain besides the Baleno and Glanza twins. It makes 73.5PS of power when running on CNG and 103Nm of torque. Its power output is lower than the Baleno and Glanza but its torque output is higher. On the mileage front, we don’t expect it to beat the Baleno and Glanza.

TATA ALTROZ CNG VS COMPETITION

NORMAL CNG ENGINE SPEC COMPARISON

 

Altroz CNG

Baleno/Glanza CNG

Engine

1.2L

1.2L

Cylinder

3

4

Displacement

1199cc

1197cc

Power

73.5PS @ 6000rpm

77.4PS @ 6000rpm

Power:Weight

NA

76PS/t

Torque

103Nm @ 3300rpm

98.5Nm @ 4300rpm

Torque:Weight

NA

97Nm/t

Manual

5-speed

5-speed

Manual FE

NA

30.61kmpkg

*Estimated

You can use our Fuel Cost Calculator to see how much any petrol, diesel or CNG car will cost to run based on the latest fuel price in your city.

Fuel Cost Calculator in India

What Are The Dimensions Of The 2023 Tata Altroz CNG?

In terms of dimensions, the Altroz CNG is about as long as the Baleno and Glanza but it's also marginally wider and taller. The most notable feature of the Altroz CNG is its 210-litre boot space. Baleno and Glanza CNG have a large CNG cylinder in the boot, which eats up into the cargo volume. The exact trunk space of the Baleno and Glanza CNG variants is not announced and we expect it to be a lot lower than that of the Altroz CNG.

TATA ALTROZ CNG VS RIVALS

DIMENSION COMPARISON

 

Altroz CNG

Baleno/Glanza CNG

Length

3995mm

3990mm

Width

1765mm

1745mm

Height

1550mm

1500mm

Wheelbase

2520mm

2520mm

Ground Clearance

165mm

170mm*

Boot Space

210L (CNG)

NA

Fuel Tank

37L (Petrol)

37L (Petrol)

Tyre (base)

165/80 R14

185/65 R15

Tyre (top)

185/60 R16

195/55 R16

*Estimated

Find out how you can get the best mileage or fuel efficiency from your car:

10 Tips To Get Better Mileage From Your Petrol, Diesel Or CNG Car

What Are The Colour Options Of The Tata Altroz CNG?

The 2023 Tata Altroz CNG is available in the following 7 exterior colours:

  • Gold
  • Red
  • Light blue
  • Dark blue
  • White
  • Grey
  • Black

Note: Here is a quick look at our length-based segmentation of cars to give you an idea of how we are classifying cars based on their size.

CLASSIFICATION OF CARS

UPDATED: MARCH 2023

SEGMENT

LENGTH

BODY STYLES

EXAMPLE

A Segment

< 3699mm

Hatchback

Alto, Alto K10, Celerio

SUV (Micro)

Exception: Kwid

S-Presso

       

B1 Segment

3700 - 3850mm

Hatchback

Grand i10 Nios, Swift, Tiago

SUV (Mini)

Punch, Ignis, Tiago NRG

       

B2 Segment

3850 - 3999mm

Hatchback

Altroz, Baleno, i20

Sedan

Dzire, Amaze, Verna

MPV

Triber

SUV (Sub-Compact)

Brezza, Nexon, Venue, Magnite, Altroz, C3, Kiger, Fronx, Sonet, XUV300

Off-Road

Thar, Jimny

       

C1 Segment

4000 - 4399mm

SUV (Compact)

Kushaq, Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, XUV400, Hyryder, Taigun, XUV400

MPV

Ertiga

       

C2 Segment

4400 - 4599mm

Sedan

City, Verna, Ciaz, Slavia, Virtus

SUV (Mid-size)

Alcazar, Scorpio Classic

MPV

Carens, XL6

       

D1 Segment

4600 - 4799mm

SUV (Large)

Exception: Harrier (2mm less)

XUV700, Innova Hycross, Hector, Safari, Hector Plus, Scorpio N, Ioniq 5, Kodiaq

Sedan

Octavia

MPV

Innova Crysta

       

D2 Segment

> 4800mm

SUV (Full-size)

Exception: Fortuner (5mm less)

Gloster

MPV

Carnival

Sedan

Superb, Camry

You can read more about vehicle segmentation at the following link:

Car Segments Explained - With Body Styles And Examples

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mahesh Yadav

Mahesh is a fan of compact, quirky and underrated vehicles that punch above their weight. Multix, Nano and Navi are his favorites.

2 Comments

  1. Y Yashvanth Cheedella says:
    June 09 2023 06:31:24

    Hi Mahesh, I am trying to understand, what's the updated variants in altroz dca dark edition with sunroof looks like? i can see sunroof is added but couldn't differentiate what's the difference between xz+s(Dark) ,xza+s(dark), xza+os. Will you be able to list them or give me the best version to buy with DCA, Dark and sunroof with things like cruize control and all.

  2. M Manoj kumar Tandel says:
    August 29 2023 17:27:24

    sir I want to know about Colour Options Of The Tata Altroz CNG. Dark black colour option available in Altroz CNG???

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