One of India’s top-selling premium hatchbacks, boasting a bold appearance, spacious interior, and a 5-star Global NCAP rating, is the Tata Altroz. It comes with petrol, diesel, and CNG engine variants to suit buyers in all segments.
But, long-term operational costs—such as service, fuel, and maintenance—are a significant factor in determining overall value. The Altroz is easy to maintain due to Tata’s low prices, improved build quality, and extensive service network. With its extensive fuel options, customers can also choose the variant that best suits their needs.
With its good resale value and steady performance, the Altroz provides peace of mind to inter-city commuters as well as daily commuters. In this guide, let’s compare the fuel efficiency, on-road fuel mileage, annual fuel cost, and estimated 5-year running cost of the Altroz across its variants.
Tata Altroz: Fuel Type and Mileage Overview
The Altroz is offered in multiple engine and fuel options—petrol, diesel, and CNG. Each caters to different needs, from daily commuting to long-distance touring. Below is a quick look at the official ARAI-certified mileage:
| Fuel Type | Transmission | ARAI Mileage |
| Petrol | Automatic | 19.00 kmpl |
| Petrol | Manual | 19.33 kmpl |
| CNG | Manual | 26.00 km/kg |
| Diesel | Manual | 23.00 kmpl |
These numbers highlight the Altroz’s balance between performance and fuel efficiency. While petrol variants are suitable for city and mixed usage, the diesel variant is ideal for high-mileage users, and the CNG variant appeals to those prioritising maximum savings.
Real World Mileage Used for Calculations
Real-world mileage is a more accurate indicator than ARAI-approved, as it reflects how the car performs in everyday use. For the Tata Altroz, test drive and repeat user feedback indicate that the 1.2-litre petrol manual achieves approximately 15 kmpl in mixed use, while the 1.5-litre diesel manual achieves a little more than 18 kmpl in real-world usage.
These figures will be used when calculating long-run running costs, as they reflect more realistic conditions of use. It should be noted that driving conditions, traffic, and service practice can affect these readings to a small degree.
In general, the Altroz excels at striking a balance between performance and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for both city driving and highway cruising.
Annual and 5-Year Fuel Cost Estimate of Tata Altroz
For calculation, a driving distance of 10,000 km per year has been considered. The following table indicates the estimated annual and 5-year fuel expenses based on mileage of different fuel types.
| Variant | Real-World Mileage | Fuel Required (Annual) | Annual Fuel Cost | 5-Year Fuel Cost | Fuel Cost per km |
| Petrol Manual | 15.0 kmpl | ~666.6 L | ₹66,660 | ₹333,300 | ₹6.66/km |
| Petrol Automatic DCT | 14.0 kmpl | ~714.2 L | ₹71,420 | ₹357,100 | ₹7.14/km |
| Diesel Manual | 18.0 kmpl | ~555.5 L | ₹49,995 | ₹249,975 | ₹5.00/km |
| CNG Manual | 23.0 km/kg | ~434.7 kg | ₹30,429 | ₹152,145 | ₹3.04/km |
Note: These are estimates based on average fuel prices (₹100/litre for petrol, ₹90/litre for diesel, and ₹70/kg for CNG) and standard mileage. Actual costs may vary depending on actual fuel prices, driving conditions, traffic conditions, and servicing patterns.
Tata Altroz: Service and Maintenance Costs Over 5 years
Over the first 5 years, the Tata Altroz petrol’s maintenance cost will be approximately ₹31,358. This covers replacement items, such as engine oil, filters, coolant, spark plugs, and check-ups, that keep the hatchback in good shape.
Compared to Maruti, Tata’s maintenance is more expensive, as every maintenance interval includes labour costs in addition to part replacement. On average, the petrol Altroz has a monthly maintenance cost of around ₹523. Estimates will be calculated based on engine (petrol or diesel), transmission choice, driving cycle, and city-based labour rates.
Additional repairs, wear-and-tear parts, and GST are omitted so that the actual cost may be slightly higher. Buyers can also opt for Tata’s prepaid service packages, which help reduce long-term expenses and offer greater peace of mind. With proper care and timely servicing, the Altroz can deliver consistent performance while keeping ownership costs well under control.
Estimated Tata Altroz Service Costs by Year
The Tata Altroz service cost estimates are displayed in the table below:
| Year | Routine Service | Additional Cost | Total Cost |
| 1st | ₹1900 | ₹4075 | ₹5975 |
| 2nd | ₹1900 | ₹4075 | ₹5975 |
| 3rd | ₹1900 | ₹5558 | ₹7458 |
| 4th | ₹1900 | ₹4075 | ₹5975 |
| 5th | ₹1900 | ₹4075 | ₹5975 |
In 5 years, the service cost of the Tata Altroz amounts to ₹31,358, which is higher than some rivals but offset by Tata’s robust build quality and longer service intervals.
Insurance and Other Recurring Expenses for Tata Altroz
Insurance is a recurring annual cost for the Altroz. For FY 2023–24, the average third-party insurance premium across variants ranges between ₹13,000 and ₹20,000 per year, depending on the coverage selected, model, and fuel type. Comprehensive policies with add-ons can also lead to higher premiums.
Tata’s distribution network has expanded significantly over the past few years, with spare parts readily available and recurring costs competitively matched with those of other best-end hatchbacks.
Fuel, however, is the most significant contributor to the overall cost of ownership, particularly in petrol versions run under urban conditions. Customers seeking long-term returns on investment can opt for CNG or diesel variants, which significantly reduce the per-kilometre cost.
Additionally, the Tata Altroz 2020–2023 is equipped with tyres sized 165/80 R14 85T, though higher trims use larger alloy wheels. With multiple tyre options available, the replacement cost ranges between ₹25,000 and ₹38,000 for a complete set every 3–4 years, depending on usage.
Total Ownership Cost of Tata Altroz (5-Year Estimate)
The table below describes the detailed overview of the total ownership cost of the Tata Altroz over five years:
| TCO Calculation | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
| Insurance Cost | ₹13,000–₹20,000 | ₹13,000–₹20,000 | ₹13,000–₹20,000 | ₹13,000–₹20,000 | ₹13,000–₹20,000 | ₹65,000–₹100,000 |
| Fuel Cost | ₹66,660 | ₹66,660 | ₹66,660 | ₹66,660 | ₹66,660 | ₹3,33,300 |
| Tyre Change Cost | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹25,000–₹38,000 | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹25,000–₹38,000 |
| Service Cost | ₹5,975 | ₹5,975 | ₹7,458 | ₹5,975 | ₹5,975 | ₹31,358 |
| Depreciation | ₹1,14,900 | ₹57,450 | ₹1,14,900 | ₹1,14,900 | ₹1,14,900 | ₹5,74,500 |
| TCO | ₹2,00,535–₹2,07,535 | ₹1,43,085–₹1,50,085 | ₹2,27,018–₹2,47,018 | ₹2,00,535–₹2,07,535 | ₹2,00,535–₹2,07,535 | ₹9,71,708–₹10,19,708 |
| TCO/KM | ₹201–₹208 | ₹143–₹150 | ₹227–₹247 | ₹201–₹208 | ₹201–₹208 | ₹972–₹1,020 |
In five years, owning a Tata Altroz has been estimated to cost between ₹9.72 lakh and ₹10.20 lakh. Although its maintenance is marginally higher than that of its rivals, the Altroz offers an excellent combination of design, build, safety, and long-term value retention, making it an economic option for premium hatchback buyers.
How to Reduce Your Tata Altroz’s Running Cost?
The Tata Altroz already ranks among the most affordable premium hatchbacks on the market, thanks to its competitive service charges and fuel-efficient powertrains. Still, a few mindful practices can further reduce your long-term expenses:
Stick to the Service Schedule
Scheduled servicing—comprising oil changes, filter replacements, coolant refills, and checks—helps avoid untimely breakages. Frequent servicing not only maintains the engine in optimal condition but also saves money on expensive, long-term repairs. A serviced Altroz also holds a higher resale value, making ownership cheaper.
Drive Smoothly
Driving the vehicle lightly and not driving hard saves a lot of mileage. Smooth driving style also maximises the life of brakes, clutch, and tyres. This translates to huge fuel and wear-and-tear part savings in the long run while providing better comfort.
Check Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres can reduce mileage by 2–3% and lead to uneven tread wear. Maintenance of correct pressure every two weeks enhances safety, handling, and the life of tyres. With replacement sets costing ₹25,000–₹38,000 every 3–4 years, this small effort helps significantly in reducing overall running costs.
Select Correct Variant
The Altroz comes in petrol, diesel, and CNG variants. Those with higher day-to-day usage can save a significant amount of money by opting for the CNG or diesel variants. The CNG trim, in particular, reduces per-kilometre expenses to nearly half of petrol, making it the most economical long-term choice for those clocking higher mileage.
Select Comprehensive Insurance
Although third-party insurance is lower-priced, broader coverage with add-ons such as zero-depreciation or roadside assistance can help cover the higher repair costs unexpectedly. For a premium hatchback like the Altroz, these add-ons provide peace of mind and coverage for unexpected bills or accidental damage.
Maintain Battery & Fluids
Battery condition, brake fluid, and coolant need to be checked regularly. Overlooking these essentials can lead to overheating, brake failure, or sudden electrical faults—all of which can be expensive to fix. Routine checks help avoid these risks and keep the Altroz running smoothly.
Summary
Tata Altroz offers the best mix of premium features, safety, and affordability in its class. With actual road mileage readings ranging from 15–18 kmpl for petrol, around 18 kmpl for diesel, and as high as 23–26 km/kg for CNG, it offers buyers versatile options depending on their driving needs.
Over a span of five years, the estimated routine maintenance cost of the Altroz amounts to around ₹31,358, while the overall cost of ownership—comprising fuel, tyres, depreciation, service, and insurance—estimates between ₹9.72 lakh and ₹10.20 lakh.
Fuel remains the single most significant contributor to this expense, particularly for petrol variants. However, Tata’s reasonably priced spare parts, expanding service network, and competitive insurance packages help keep other costs under control.
For those seeking a stylish, secure, and practical hatchback, the Altroz is a value-for-money proposition for the long term, offering the right blend of comfort without being excessively expensive.
FAQs about Tata Altroz Running Cost Breakdown
Q. What are the Tata Altroz variants?
The Tata Altroz comes in various trims for petrol, diesel, and CNG. It begins at ₹6.50 lakh and reaches up to ₹10.74 lakh (ex-showroom), offering multiple features and packs to cater to different budgets and needs.
Q. What is the cost of the service of the Tata Altroz?
Five-year periodic maintenance will be approximately ₹31,358 without wear-and-tear items such as tyres and brake pads. Tata’s prepaid service packages can also be opted for by customers, which helps in maintaining the cost beforehand and lowering long-term maintenance expenses.
Q. How much is the annual fuel expense of the Altroz?
For petrol models, the annual running cost would amount to ₹66,000–₹72,000, based on prevailing fuel prices and 10,000 km of yearly usage. Diesel models would cost around ₹50,000 per annum, while the CNG model reduces this to a meagre ₹30,000–₹32,000, making it the lowest-cost running car.
Q. How do I reduce the running cost of the Tata Altroz?
To save money, the owners must drive sensibly, maintain the tyres at a good pressure, and have the vehicle serviced at regular intervals. Opting for the correct fuel variant—CNG or diesel — for mileage runners saves even more money.
Q. What should I check before buying a car for long-term ownership?
Before finalising a car, buyers should carefully evaluate factors like fuel efficiency, service costs, spare part availability, and insurance premiums. Reliability ratings and resale value also play a role in determining total ownership costs.
