New Delhi: The premium hatchback war in India has intensified with the launch of the all-new Tata Altroz 2025 facelift. Competing head-to-head with the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Baleno, both cars bring bold upgrades to the table.
From design and features to safety, engines, and transmission—here’s a full side-by-side breakdown to help buyers decide which car deserves the top spot in 2025.
Design and Exterior: Altroz Goes Futuristic
The Tata Altroz 2025 gets a bold redesign with a new 3D front grille, twin LED headlamps, and connected LED tail lamps.
- Projector fog lamps and 360-degree camera integration enhance the premium look.
- Flush door handles with welcome illumination add a futuristic touch.
- 16-inch hyperstyle alloy wheels with 195/60 R16 tires make it sportier.
In contrast, the Baleno 2025 retains its refined yet conservative look.
- It features LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs and triple-slot fog lights.
- The chrome-treated grille looks classy, and it also offers 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Winner: Altroz – for bolder styling and segment-first design updates.
Interiors and Features: Tech Battle Heats Up
The new Altroz 2025 offers:
- A large 10.25-inch floating touchscreen
- Fully digital instrument cluster inspired by Nexon
- Two-spoke steering wheel, ambient lighting, and automatic climate control
- Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and rear AC vents
- Dual-tone beige fabric seats with height-adjustable headrests
Meanwhile, the Baleno 2025 includes:
- A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Head-Up Display (HUD), which is missing in Altroz
- Analog-digital instrument cluster and flat-bottom steering
- Rear USB ports, AC vents, and dual-tone cabin theme
Winner: Tie – Altroz offers modern digital upgrades, while Baleno packs in HUD and clean ergonomics.
Performance & Engine Options
Tata Altroz 2025 Engine Lineup:
- 1.2L NA petrol (Manual, DCT automatic)
- 1.2L turbo petrol
- 1.5L diesel (manual only)
- Twin-cylinder CNG (manual)
Maruti Baleno 2025 Engine Lineup:
- 1.2L DualJet petrol (Manual, AMT)
- Single-cylinder CNG (manual only)
Altroz offers more engine variety and a diesel option, unlike Baleno.
Winner: Altroz – thanks to turbo-petrol and diesel availability.
Safety Features: 5-Star vs Feature-Rich
The Altroz 2025 proudly retains its Global NCAP 5-star safety rating. Key safety highlights:
- 6 airbags (standard)
- ABS with EBD
- ESC, Hill Hold, Rear Parking Sensors
- 360° camera and ISOFIX
The Baleno 2025 comes loaded too:
- 6 airbags
- ABS, EBD, ESC, Hill Assist
- 360° camera
- Head-Up Display (unique to Baleno)
Winner: Altroz – higher crash-test rating gives it the edge.
Boot Space & Practicality
- Tata Altroz Boot Space: 345L (Petrol), 210L (CNG)
- Baleno Boot Space: 318L (Petrol), 290L (CNG)
Altroz’s twin-cylinder CNG offers better practicality by freeing up boot space compared to Baleno’s single-cylinder layout.
Winner: Altroz – better space management in the CNG variant.
Price Comparison (Ex-Showroom India)
| Variant | Tata Altroz | Maruti Baleno |
|---|---|---|
| Base Variant | ₹6.89 lakh | ₹6.66 lakh |
| Top Variant | ₹11.29 lakh (DCT) | ₹9.88 lakh (AMT) |
Altroz’s pricing reflects its premium build and wider variant range, especially with automatic and diesel options.
Winner: Tie – Altroz offers more value, Baleno is more affordable.
Which Hatchback Is Better in 2025?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | Altroz |
| Features | Tie |
| Engine Options | Altroz |
| Safety | Altroz |
| Price | Tie |
| Practicality | Altroz |
Tata Altroz 2025 edges ahead with a more futuristic design, stronger safety rating, and versatile engine options. However, Baleno 2025 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who want smart tech like HUD.