Tata Motors has recently introduced the facelifted Altroz, with a host of design changes and new features. The brand offers it in three powertrain options: petrol, CNG and diesel. While the petrol version already gets the convenience of AMT and DCA automatic transmission options, the CNG is only available with a manual gearbox. However, it is reported to have an AMT transmission option for the CNG version as well, likely in a couple of months. With its introduction, the Altroz will become the first CNG car in its segment to get an automatic transmission option.
As per the officials at Tata Motors, 70% of Altroz buyers are first-time car owners, and about 25% of overall buyers prefer automatic variants. So to widen its appeal for more buyers, Tata is expected to introduce the AMT for Altroz CNG as well.
An AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) is essentially a manual gearbox with an automatic gear-shifting mechanism. There’s no clutch pedal, and the car changes the gear on its own with the help of actuators and sensors.
For those unaware, Tata already offers the Tiago CNG and Tigor CNG with an AMT gearbox choice. So extending this technology to the more premium Altroz makes perfect sense. In fact, all three of these models use the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol engine. Having said that, the technology is well within its reach.
What is an AMT Gearbox?
An AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) is essentially a manual gearbox with an automatic gear-shifting mechanism. There’s no clutch pedal, and the car changes the gear on its own with the help of actuators and sensors. It offers the convenience of an automatic at a lower cost and maintains good fuel efficiency, making it ideal for city driving and first-time car buyers. However, AMTs can feel jerky during gear shifts and may lack the smoothness & responsiveness of more advanced automatic transmissions like CVT, torque converter and dual-clutch transmission.
Expected Price
Upon launch, the AMT variants of the Tata Altroz CNG will likely command a premium of up to Rs 55,000 over their manual counterparts, which currently range between Rs 7.89 lakh and Rs 11.09 lakh (ex-showroom).
