Based on the number of cars it sold last year, Tata Motors is the fourth-largest carmaker in India. That’s despite it being absent in a few volume-making segments. Filling the void in the premium hatchback segment is what you see here – the Tata Altroz. Priced between Rs 5.29 lakh and Rs 9.29 lakh, it arrives with both petrol- and diesel-fed powertrains. And no matter which iteration you pick, the car gets a BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) badge. Here’s the complete price list:

For now, Tata Motors is offering two engine-transmission combinations with the Altroz. There’s a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol producing 85bhp/113Nm, and a 1.5-litre, turbo-diesel with 89bhp/200Nm. The latter engine is essentially the same that does duty in the Nexon, albeit in a detuned form. The only transmission option is a 5-speed manual. Tata Motors is working to introduce not only a dual-clutch automatic transmission but also a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with nearly 100bhp/140Nm on tap. Both those additions will come at a later stage.

With the numbers game out of the way, let’s concentrate on the list of features. As standard, the Altroz packs stuff like rear parking sensors, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX anchorages, headlamp levelling and two driving modes. As you move up the trim tree, gizmos such as LED DRLs, auto headlamps and wipers, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rear-view camera, part-digital instrument cluster and automatic climate control with rear AC vents become part of the package.

Tata Motors is offering the Altroz in five single-tone colours – silver, gold, red, white and grey. Those who want a dual-tone paint job will have to settle for the XZ (O) variants. If that doesn’t float your boat, how about some factory-fitted custom packs? There are four to choose from – Rhythm (for XE and XM); Urban (for XZ); Luxe (for XT); and Style (for XM). The idea is to give the consumer freedom to opt for certain additional features without the need to spend a whole lot extra for the next-in-line variant.

The Altroz is Tata Motors’ answer to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Honda Jazz, Hyundai Elite i20 and the Toyota Glanza. Do you think the Altroz has enough going for itself to worry the competition?