Tata Motors is at it again! The homegrown automaker has this habit of devising new variants with “+” tags. And this time around, the Altroz is the recipient. The premium hatchback is now available in a new XM+ variant but only with the petrol engine. At Rs 6.6 lakh, it costs Rs 30,000 more than the XM derivative and Rs 39,000 less than the next-in-line primary variant – the XT. So, is it worth spending more for that “+” logo? Or, should you just skip it and buy the Altroz XT instead?

In all honesty, the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 85bhp/113Nm, just doesn’t do justice to the bulk of the car. But, if you’re dead set to get mid-tier Altroz with that powerplant, this is all you need to know. Over the XM trim level, the XM+ packs a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice command, a multifunction steering wheel, two speakers (weird!) and remote keyless entry. The infotainment system also supports message readouts as well as smartphone integration with ConnectNext App Suit. That’s not all. Tata Motors has also injected 16-inch wheels and voice alerts for stuff like an open tailgate, seatbelt reminder and drive mode engaged.

So, is it worth spending the extra on XM+? In a word, yes. It offers better value for your money. But, what about the XT variant? That introduces some more gadgets. The list includes LED DRLs, mood lightening for front occupants, a cooled glovebox, a rear-view camera and front fog lamps with cornering function. Not enough to lure you? The XT also boasts an antiglare IRVM, a perimetric alarm, a six-speaker sound system, fast USB charger, cruise control, push-button start/stop and automatic climate control. Frankly, if you’re happy with what the XM+ variant offers, stretching a bit to get the Altroz XT is what we’d recommend.

Going by the trend, Tata Motors will probably introduce the diesel-fed XM+ derivative as well. And, don’t rule out more iterations like the XZ+ and XT+. In India, the Altroz competes directly with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo and the recently-launched all-new Hyundai i20.