Amit Saraswat 
The heart of the Altroz Racer lies in its peppier engine. Borrowing the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon SUV, the Racer delivers 120PS and 170Nm, a significant bump of 10PS and 30Nm compared to the earlier iTurbo variant of the Altroz. This translates to a sportier driving experience, further enhanced by a 6-speed manual gearbox replacing the previous 5-speed option. Notably, the Altroz Racer lacks the automatic gearbox option available in the i20 N Line.
The Altroz Racer boasts a distinct visual identity to match its enhanced performance. Three new colour options — Atomic Orange, Avenue White, and Pure Grey — are offered, all featuring a contrasting black roof and white racing stripes on the bonnet for a dynamic look. Blacked-out elements on the top half of the car further accentuate a sporty “floating roof” effect. “Racer” badges on the front fenders and a slightly revised grille complete the exterior transformation.
The cabin of the Altroz Racer receives a significant upgrade in terms of features and technology. A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen takes centre stage, featuring a new, user-friendly operating system. Drivers will appreciate the addition of a new 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster for a more immersive driving experience.
Luxury and comfort take precedence with segment-first ventilated front seats to keep you cool on hot days. A 360-degree camera provides a clear view of your surroundings for enhanced parking manoeuvres, while a voice-activated sunroof adds a touch of convenience. Safety remains a priority with six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) coming as standard equipment. The interior ambience is further accentuated with red highlights around the air conditioning vents and gear lever, complemented by new leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching.
The Altroz Racer enters a crowded segment with the Hyundai i20 N Line being its most direct competitor. The i20 N Line boasts a slightly higher price range of INR 9.99 lakh to INR 12.52 lakh. Another rival, the Maruti Fronx with its 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine, is priced between INR 9.72 lakh and INR 13.04 lakh.
