The premium hatchback space in India is a toughy to crack. But that isn’t going to stop Tata Motors from entering it. In January 2020, we’ll witness the launch of the Tata Altroz. Unveiled in near-production guise at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the hatchback will become the second model to boast Tata Motors’ Impact 2.0 design language, and the first one to get the ALFA-arch platform.

The car was supposed to launch earlier this year. But the event was deferred to incorporate powertrains which met BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) levels of emission norms. With only December to go, it is safe to assume that the Altroz will become the first BS6-compliant model from Tata Motors. A total of three engine options – two petrol and one diesel – could be on offer. The one that’s part of the portfolio for sure is the detuned version of the Tata Nexon’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol. In the Altroz, the engine will produce 101bhp/140Nm.

The remaining two include the naturally-aspirated version of the same engine (does duty in the Tiago and Tigor), and a less-powerful derivative of Nexon’s 1.5-litre diesel. At the time of launch, the only transmission option for all three engines is likely to be a 5-speed manual. That said, Tata Motors will introduce AMT-equipped variants at a later stage. Since two of the three engines come from the Nexon, the injection of AMT will be comfortable.

As far as features are concerned, the Altroz will get enough to worry the competition. The list includes Nexon-type 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start-stop, automatic climate control, rear-view camera and a part-digital instrument cluster (like the one on the Tata Harrier). As standard, the list of gizmos will have rear parking sensors, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminders for front occupants and high-speed warning.

In India, the Tata Altroz will lock horns with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20 and the Toyota Glanza. The Honda Jazz and the Volkswagen Polo also serve the same segment, but neither is expected to enter the BS6 era.