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A dual-clutch gearbox adds some much needed convenience to the Altroz, for a price

- Rivan RS

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TATA ALTROZ DCA

The Tata Altroz has got a rather large hole in its otherwise superb repertoire filled — the premium hatchback is now available with an automatic gearbox. Whether the aim was to be cost-efficient or a case of Tata hedging its bets on the higher selling version, it is some dismay that I say the new 6-speed dual-clutch automatic is only available with the 85-bhp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine. Now, the price difference between the manual and the automatic Altroz (both of the 85-bhp variety) is a quite significant ₹1.07 lakh, so what I’m trying to ascertain is whether that premium is worth it.

Let’s dive into just how proficient India’s most affordable dual-clutch unit is. I could barely feel the usual hint of hesitancy when setting off from a standstill that exists in a dual-clutch unit, which bodes well for stop-go traffic conditions. The 6-speed unit doesn’t do the creep forward movement you’d associate with AMTs or torque convertors as successfully, but, unlike some of its ilk, it isn’t jerky. Up-shifts for this dual-clutch are near-VW levels, which is to say almost imperceptible and downright quick. Downshifts are also quite smooth, but even more so when it has to shift from an odd gear to an even one, or vice versa. I put the overall speed and silkiness down to the shift-by-wire tech used.