top of page

Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno:
The Ultimate Premium Hatchback Showdown

Discover why the Hyundai i20 stands out as the best choice in the competitive premium hatchback segment, offering unmatched performance, features, and luxury over the Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Baleno.
Untitled design.png

When comparing the Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Tata Altroz, all three are strong contenders in the premium hatchback segment. However, the Hyundai i20 emerges as the better car for those seeking a truly premium experience, with top-notch features, performance, and safety.

PERFORMANCE :

  • Hyundai i20: The i20 offers three engine options—a 1.2L petrol, a 1.0L turbo-petrol, and a 1.5L diesel. The turbo-petrol, producing 120 PS, provides an exciting driving experience with great acceleration and a refined feel. The diesel engine is also very impressive, offering both strong torque and excellent mileage.

  • Tata Altroz: The Altroz also offers multiple engine choices—a 1.2L petrol, a 1.2L turbo-petrol, and a 1.5L diesel. While it matches the i20 in variety, its petrol engines, especially the naturally aspirated one, are less refined and don't feel as punchy as the i20's turbo. The Altroz’s diesel engine is efficient but slightly less powerful than the i20's.

  • Maruti Suzuki Baleno: The Baleno, with just a 1.2L petrol engine, is focused more on efficiency and everyday driving. It’s smooth for city driving but lacks the excitement that the turbo-petrol i20 or Altroz offers.

​

In short, if you prioritize performance, the i20 turbo is the best choice, offering significantly more power and a spirited driving experience compared to the Altroz and Baleno.

FUEL EFFICIENCY :

  • Baleno: With a focus on mileage, the Baleno excels, offering 22-23 km/l with its petrol engine.

  • Hyundai i20: The i20's 1.2L petrol provides around 19-21 km/l, while the 1.5L diesel gives a remarkable 25+ km/l, making it one of the most fuel-efficient diesels in the segment.

  • Tata Altroz: The Altroz’s 1.2L petrol returns around 18-19 km/l, and the diesel variant gives 23-24 km/l.

​

Baleno leads in petrol efficiency, but the i20 diesel outshines both in terms of fuel economy.

FEATURES :

  • Hyundai i20: This is where the i20 shines brightest. It offers a plethora of premium features like a digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Bose sound system, sunroof, rear AC vents, and even paddle shifters in the turbo variant. The i20 truly feels like a step up in terms of luxury and tech.

  • Tata Altroz: The Altroz is no slouch, offering an Harman sound system, a 7-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, and good build quality, but it doesn’t match the tech sophistication of the i20. It lacks features like wireless connectivity and a sunroof.

  • Baleno: The Baleno offers decent features like a 9-inch touchscreen, heads-up display, and connected car tech, but again, the i20’s premium touches give it an edge in the overall tech and luxury feel.

​

If features and tech are important to you, the Hyundai i20 is clearly the best-equipped among the three.

INTERIOR AND SPACE COMFORT : 

  • Hyundai i20: The i20 offers a premium-feeling cabin with top-notch materials and finishes. While its rear space is good, it’s the quality of the interior that makes it stand out. The rear AC vents are a thoughtful addition for passenger comfort.

  • Tata Altroz: The Altroz has one of the most spacious cabins in the segment, and its rear seat is especially comfortable with good under-thigh support. The materials are solid, but not as refined or premium as in the i20.

  • Baleno: The Baleno is also spacious, particularly in the rear seats, but the cabin design feels a bit dated compared to the i20’s modern and premium layout.  

​

While all three offer decent space, the i20's superior build quality and premium interior design make it the more luxurious choice.

SAFETY :

  • Hyundai i20: The i20 comes with up to six airbags in its top trims and features like ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill-start assist, and tire pressure monitoring. The build quality is solid, although it hasn't been officially crash-tested in India.

  • Tata Altroz: The Altroz is 5-star GNCAP-rated, making it the safest car among the three. It comes with dual airbags, ABS, and corner stability control, and its strong build gives it a clear advantage in crash safety.

  • Baleno: The Baleno comes with dual airbags and ABS, but lacks the advanced safety features found in the i20 or the solid build of the Altroz.

​

In terms of safety, while the Altroz leads with its crash rating, the i20 offers a more comprehensive safety package with its advanced features.

PRICE :

  • Baleno: The Baleno is the most affordable option, offering good value for money but lacking in performance, features, and refinement compared to the others.

  • Tata Altroz: The Altroz is competitively priced and offers good value, particularly in terms of safety and space.

  • Hyundai i20: The i20 is the most expensive of the three, but it justifies its higher price with better performance, premium features, and a luxurious cabin.

CONCLUSION

The Hyundai i20 is the best all-rounder of the three. It’s the car to go for if you’re looking for a premium, feature-loaded, and performance-oriented hatchback that doesn’t compromise on comfort or style. While the Tata Altroz stands out for its safety and space, and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno wins in terms of affordability and fuel efficiency, the i20 strikes the perfect balance with its superior engine options, high-tech features, and premium feel.

​

If you want a hatchback that feels like a step above the rest, the Hyundai i20 is the clear winner.

bottom of page