Hyundai i20 Sportz VS Maruti Baleno Zeta VS Tata Altroz XZ – Compared!

The premium hatchback segment is one of the most competitive segments in India. Manufacturers are relentlessly trying to make these hatches more and more premium in all aspects. For a long time, the VW Polo was the most desirable car in this segment, but today, there are many more competitors that offer a much better value-for-money proposition. Yes, the highest spec variants of these cars may cross the Rs. 10 Lakhs mark (on-road), however, the mid-level variants also have a lot to offer. Today, let’s see the comparison of i20 Sportz vs Baleno Zeta vs Altroz XZ. These are the major cars in this segment and the pricing for their mid variants is quite similar. 

• Design 

Each of these cars has a completely different approach to their designs. Starting with the i20, it looks very modern. The sharp cuts and creases throughout the body come along with Hyundai’s new design language. It has an aggressive stance and it looks like it’s ready to race. The Altroz also looks quite sporty, but it also looks much bigger than the other two. The design of the Tata Altroz is quite balanced, and it maintains an evergreen look. The gloss black bar on the tailgate on the Altroz deserves a special mention because it makes the car look much more premium than it is. The Baleno has the most basic design of these three. Basic, but not unappealing at all. The soft details across the Baleno quickly grab your attention and it looks like the perfect premium car with the right usage of gloss and chrome throughout the body.

Hyundai i20

• i20 Sports VS Baleno Zeta VS Altroz XZ – Features 

The Baleno and the Altroz get a few features over the i20 such as keyless go, alloy wheels, etc. The Baleno definitely feels more premium than the other two, followed by the Altroz and then the i20. The i20 has a lot of hard plastics, and the cabin doesn’t feel as premium as it should at this price point. Considering features and overall interior appeal, the Baleno wins this comparison of i20 Sportz vs Baleno Zeta vs Altroz XZ.

i20 Sportz VS Baleno Zeta vs Altroz XZ – Engine

The Baleno and the i20 get the best engines here in terms of driving comfort, NVH, and city driving requirements. The engine on the Altroz is a 3-cylinder petrol, which tends to get a little noisy at times. Power figures for all engines are mostly similar. The i20 and the Altroz also get the option of an automatic (DCT in Altroz and CVT in i20). The i20 also gets the option of an iMT. The Baleno is only available with a petrol engine, while the other two cars get the option of a diesel. Here, we’ll only be comparing the petrol options. In terms of power figures, the Baleno wins this comparison of i20 Sportz vs Baleno Zeta vs Altroz XZ. 

• Pricing and conclusion

The i20 is the cheapest one here. The Sportz variant of the i20 costs Rs. 7.96 Lakhs, ex-showroom. The Altroz comes in next at Rs. 8.19 Lakhs and the Baleno is the priciest at Rs. 8.23 Lakhs. It is worth considering that the Sportz variant on the i20 comes third from the top, while the Baleno Zeta and the Altroz XZ are second top variants. Considering pricing in this comparison of i20 Sportz vs Baleno Zeta vs Altroz XZ, the Altroz and the Baleno seem more VFM. The features and engines on all three cars are pretty similar. However, you can choose between the transmissions, or even based on looks! 

• What else can you consider?

Other than the i20, Baleno, and Altroz, you can also look at other options. The Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite are good SUVs that you can buy at a similar price point. You can also consider the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Kia Sonet. However, they might cost a little bit more. Another good option is the Honda Amaze. A well-rounded sedan that is very reliable and will last you years.

Which of these three premium hatchbacks would you pick up for yourself? Let us know in the comments below!