Tata Motors has been one of the most notable CNG car manufacturers in the country. The company currently offers its Intelligent i-CNG technology with dual cylinder with the Altroz facelift. Now, Tata Motors is currently testing a new Altroz CNG model extensively around Pune city and the question arises as to what it could be testing.
This Altroz hatchback test mule had a sticker reading “CNG only” on its steering wheel and was completely wrapped in camouflage. Tata has been increasing the fun and excitement in its vehicles recently and the Punch Turbo is a prime example of this. So, one can speculate that the Altroz CNG may get a turbo petrol engine option as we see in the Nexon.
New Tata Altroz spotted during testing
If we look at Tata Motors’ portfolio, Altroz is one vehicle that does not get enough love from the brand. Sales are falling as SUVs undercut hatchbacks and when the Safari EV launches in late 2026 or early 2027, the Altroz will be left as the only vehicle from the brand without an EV counterpart.
However, the Altroz gets a diesel engine option, making it the only diesel hatchback in the country. However, the turbo petrol engine option for the Altroz is still missing in both i-Turbo or Racer guise. If we look at sales for May 2026, the Altroz was the 11th best-selling hatchback with sales of just under 3,000 units.
Tata currently offers the Altroz with NA petrol, NA petrol CNG and turbo diesel engines. Previous spy shots of the Altroz test mules suggest that it could be a turbo petrol and recently revealed spy shots suggest that it could be a turbo petrol CNG combination like the Nexon, rated at 99 bhp and 170 Nm.
If Punch can get turbo, why not Altroz CNG?
The current NA petrol CNG option in the Altroz is rated at 72 bhp and 103 Nm. With the turbo petrol engine option along with the i-CNG powertrain, Tata Motors can bring more excitement and driveability into the equation, which the current Altroz i-CNG lacks. If you think about it, the Punch didn’t need a turbo petrol engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox option, but we got one.
On the other hand, the Altroz needs an exciting engine to take on the Hyundai i20 N Line. Instead of restricting the turbo engine to petrol fuel only, the Tata Turbo Petrol can also operate on CNG. This turbo petrol CNG combination is present with the Nexon and a similar setup could be brought to the Altroz as well.
