Key highlights
- Tata Altroz spied testing in Pune with a new engine
- It could either be an E85-compliant engine or a new turbo engine
- Tata is expected to launch its first flex-fuel car later this year
A latest sighting of a completely camouflaged test mule of the Altroz hatchback has raised suspicion over an E85-compliant flex fuel engine. While this test mule could not be captured closely, the rear end shows a tailpipe, which clarifies that it is an ICE version.
So, what could this car be? We suspect two possibilities here. The first could be a new turbo petrol engine that could debut as a new Altroz Racer. The pre-facelift Altroz came with a Racer version that used a 1.2-litre Hyperion turbo engine, offering 123 bhp and 225 Nm. This engine is not available on the current Altroz facelift, and we believe that Tata could reintroduce it with a DCA gearbox.
The second possibility is that this test car is using a flex fuel engine. Tata had already showcased an E85-compliant version of the Altroz at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. With the Indian government’s push towards higher blend Ethanol fuel use, Tata could be testing the E85 engine-equipped Altroz. Moreover, Tata has already revealed that it will launch its first flex fuel car later this year. While we are not sure whether it will be the Altroz or not, we do believe that the Altroz could follow it shortly.
With that said, more details regarding this new suspicious test car are likely to be revealed in the coming weeks. Until then, stay tuned to Shifting-gears.
Also read: 2026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift spied during TVC ad shoot
