The difference between the powertrains in two of India’s most liked premium hatchbacks, the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz, is significant. The first includes a smooth 1.2-litre petrol engine with two gearbox options: a manual and an IVT automatic. The second auto offers a diverse range of engine choices, including petrol, diesel, and even a factory-based CNG unit, while transmission options include a manual, AMT, and DCA automatic.
This difference makes their mileage comparison more interesting than a simple petrol-versus-petrol contest. The i20 can be efficient on open roads, while the Altroz diesel and CNG variants are designed for buyers with higher running. However, certified figures do not always match what owners experience in traffic. Here is how the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz compare in specifications, claimed mileage, real-world efficiency and fuel costs.
Table of Contents
Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz Specs
The table below highlights the key specifications of the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz:
| Specification | Hyundai i20 | Tata Altroz |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Kappa petrol | 1.2-litre Revotron petrol; 1.2-litre petrol-CNG; 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel |
| Displacement | Petrol: 1,197 cc | Petrol/CNG: 1,199 cc; Diesel: 1,497 cc |
| Maximum power | MT: 83 PS; IVT: 88 PS | Petrol: 88 PS; CNG: 73.5 PS; Diesel: 90 PS |
| Maximum torque | 114.7 Nm | Petrol: 115 Nm; CNG: 103 Nm; Diesel: 200 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT; IVT automatic | 5-speed MT; 5-speed AMT; 6-speed DCA; CNG MT/AMT |
| Drive layout | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 3,995 × 1,775 × 1,505 mm | 3,990 × 1,755 × 1,523 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm | 2,501 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 37 litres | 37 litres for petrol/diesel; twin CNG cylinders with 60-litre water-equivalent capacity |
The normal i20 is a hatchback with only a petrol engine and a four-cylinder engine. The Altroz, however, provides a much bigger array of choices. The power of their petrol engines is close, but the diesel engine, which generates 200 Nm of torque, is a better option for highway driving. The CNG engine delivers less power to keep operating costs down, and it also offers an automatic transmission (AMT).
The gearbox choice also affects how these cars perform in everyday conditions. The i20 IVT delivers power without conventional gear changes and is convenient in slow traffic. The Altroz AMT is economical to purchase, while its DCA is designed to offer smoother shifts. Buyers choosing the Altroz therefore need to consider both fuel and transmission, because each combination delivers a different balance of efficiency, performance, and convenience.
Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz: ARAI Mileage Figures
The measured certified mileage is acquired using the testing method and is generally utilised for other models as a comparative point. The listed mileage figures for the two hatchbacks are as stated below:
| Engine and Transmission | Fuel Type | Hyundai i20 Mileage | Tata Altroz Mileage |
| 1.2-litre manual | Petrol | 16 km/l | 19.33 km/l |
| 1.2-litre automatic | Petrol | 20 km/l – IVT | 19.33 km/l – AMT/DCA |
| 1.5-litre manual | Diesel | Not available | 23.64 km/l |
| 1.2-litre manual | CNG | Not available | 27.8 km/kg |
| 1.2-litre AMT | CNG | Not available | Separately certified figure not published |
The Altroz petrol variant has a clear benefit on paper, though the new i20 automatic is superior in this area. But right now, the mileage numbers of the Altroz petrol cannot be found consistently. Hence, the popularly quoted value of 19.33 km/l must be corroborated against the variant chosen. Also, there is no information on the mileage of the Altroz CNG AMT either.
Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz: Real World Fuel-Efficiency
Traffic, driving style, air-conditioning, passenger load and road gradient create a gap between claimed and real-world mileage. The following ranges combine road tests and commonly reported owner experiences.
Petrol Manual Mileage
| Hyundai i20 1.2 Petrol MT | Tata Altroz 1.2 Petrol MT | |
| City | 14–16 km/l | 12–14 km/l |
| Highway | 19–22 km/l | 16–18 km/l |
| Average | 15.5–17.5 km/l | 14–16 km/l |
| Approximate tank range | 575–648 km | 518–592 km |
In general, the i20 manual performs better than the Altroz in terms of direct petrol performance. Even though the Altroz is certified to have a better figure, we can expect it to return mileage readings of around 12–14 km/l in real-world city-driving conditions, with highway mileage readings of around 16–18 km/l. Both vehicles may fall below such figures in stop-go traffic where the air-conditioning is constantly running.
For owners driving through moderate traffic and open roads, the gap between the manuals may remain around 1–2 km/l. It can become wider on highways if the i20 maintains a consistent speed. Quick acceleration and sustained high-speed driving will reduce this advantage.
Petrol Automatic Mileage
| Hyundai i20 1.2 Petrol IVT | Tata Altroz 1.2 Petrol AMT/DCA | |
| City | 10–14 km/l | 10–13 km/l |
| Highway | 17–20 km/l | 16–18.5 km/l |
| Average | 13–16 km/l | 13–15 km/l |
| Approximate tank range | 481–592 km | 481–555 km |
The i20 IVT emphasises seamless performance and decent highway mileage, although traffic conditions may reduce its mileage. The Altroz AMT and DCA, however, react differently, with the DCA providing ease of operation and quick gear changes. In one test, the petrol Altroz DCA achieved an average of 10.45 km/l in city conditions and 18.36 km/l on the highway.
The driving environment is important when comparing the automatics. The i20 IVT can feel more consistent during relaxed city driving, whereas the Altroz DCA becomes more efficient once traffic clears. Buyers in bumper-to-bumper traffic should plan their fuel budget using the lower city figures.
Tata Altroz Diesel and CNG Mileage
| Altroz 1.5 Diesel MT | Altroz 1.2 CNG MT | |
| City | 15–17 km/l | 19–21 km/kg |
| Highway | 19–21 km/l | 29–35 km/kg |
| Average | 17–19 km/l | 23–27 km/kg |
| i20 equivalent | Not available | Not available |
The diesel variant of the Altroz is suitable for those who drive on highways frequently. In a harsh test under various conditions, the diesel variant of the Altroz managed to cover 17.6 km/l. On flat highways and steady conditions, the diesel Altroz can deliver 19-21 km/l.
The Altroz CNG delivers the lowest fuel expense. One test recorded 19.80 km/kg in the city, 34.58 km/kg on the highway and 23.49 km/kg overall. Results vary with speed, load and filling pressure. Dedicated data for the newer CNG AMT remains limited, so its efficiency may differ from the manual.
Overall, the i20 wins in the petrol comparison, particularly on the highway. Once the diesel variant of the Altroz is in the picture, it will likely become the winner in terms of fuel efficiency.
Also Read: How to Increase Hyundai i20 Mileage
Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz: Fuel Cost Comparison
Let us compare fuel expenditure assuming monthly running of 1,500 km. The calculation uses petrol at ₹112.02 per litre, diesel at ₹98.68 per litre and CNG at ₹95.75 per kg in Pune. Representative mixed mileage of 15.5 km/l for the i20 petrol, 14.5 km/l for the Altroz petrol, 18 km/l for the Altroz diesel and 24 km/kg for the Altroz CNG has been considered.
| i20 Petrol | Altroz Petrol | Altroz Diesel | Altroz CNG | |
| Monthly running | 1,500 km | 1,500 km | 1,500 km | 1,500 km |
| Monthly fuel use | 96.77 litres | 103.45 litres | 83.33 litres | 62.50 kg |
| Monthly fuel cost | ₹10,841 | ₹11,588 | ₹8,223 | ₹5,984 |
| Approximate fuel cost per km | ₹7.23 | ₹7.73 | ₹5.48 | ₹3.99 |
| Yearly fuel cost | ₹1.30 lakh | ₹1.39 lakh | ₹98,680 | ₹71,813 |
| Five-year fuel cost | ₹6.50 lakh | ₹6.95 lakh | ₹4.93 lakh | ₹3.59 lakh |
In these conditions, the i20 provides a monthly gain of about ₹750 compared to the Altroz petrol. The savings of driving the Altroz diesel over the i20 are about ₹2,600 per month, and with the CNG variant, it drops to nearly ₹4,850. When making a choice, consider the purchase price, maintenance needs, annual mileage, CNG availability, and boot space.
The per-kilometre calculation makes the difference clearer. Both petrol models cost more than ₹7 per km, while the diesel Altroz drops below ₹5.50 and the CNG model costs approximately ₹4. Diesel and CNG make more financial sense as monthly running increases. For low usage, a petrol car may still be easier to justify.
Also Read:
Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz Price
| Model | Variants | Approximate Ex-showroom Price |
| Hyundai i20 | Era to Asta (O) Knight | ₹5.99 lakh to ₹10.63 lakh |
| Tata Altroz | Smart to Accomplished range | ₹6.30 lakh to ₹10.80 lakh |
The lowest variants of the i20 are cheaper, while the higher variants of both models are priced very similarly. Both vehicles offer many variations, except that the Altroz is available with petrol, diesel, and CNG engines and offers three petrol transmissions. The price may vary by city, colour, variant, and available packages.
Starting prices don’t tell the whole story because comparable variants may have different equipment and transmissions. Buyers should compare variants offering a similar set of features before calculating how long a diesel or CNG model will take to recover its higher purchase cost through fuel savings.
Summary
When comparing petrol hatchbacks, most drivers would choose a Hyundai i20 to benefit from better fuel efficiency in real conditions, including highway use. Though the Altroz petrol has acceptable fuel consumption as well, it may not meet its claimed performance figures in city driving. If you drive a lot, the Altroz diesel is a good choice, while the Altroz CNG engine provides the lowest fuel consumption. Therefore, the choice depends on whether you prioritise petrol performance or economy.
Related Reads:
Maruti Wagon R vs Tata Tiago: Real World Mileage Comparison
Tata Safari vs Mahindra XUV700: Real World Mileage Comparison
Maruti Dzire vs Honda Amaze: Real World Mileage Comparison
FAQs About Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz Mileage
Q. Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz: Which delivers better real-world petrol mileage?
The Hyundai i20 generally delivers better real-world petrol mileage. Its manual can return approximately 14–16 km/l in the city and 19–22 km/l on highways, while the Altroz petrol manual usually returns around 12–14 km/l and 16–18 km/l respectively.
Q. What is the real-world mileage of the Hyundai i20 IVT?
The i20 IVT delivers about 10–14 km/l in the city and 17–20 km/l on highways. Smooth acceleration and steady speeds help it reach the higher end of these ranges.
Q. What mileage does the Tata Altroz diesel deliver?
The Altroz diesel can return around 15–17 km/l in cities and 19–21 km/l on highways. Mixed real-world efficiency generally falls between 17 and 19 km/l.
Q. Is the Tata Altroz CNG cheaper to run than the Hyundai i20?
Yes. At the fuel prices used in this comparison, the Altroz CNG costs approximately ₹5,984 per month for 1,500 km, compared with roughly ₹10,841 for the i20 petrol. Actual costs depend on mileage and local fuel prices.
Q. Which car should frequent highway users choose for mileage?
The i20 petrol is efficient for occasional highway use, but frequent long-distance drivers may find the Altroz diesel more economical. Buyers with reliable CNG availability can consider the Altroz CNG for the lowest running cost, although its performance is more relaxed.
