Confused between Altroz & Celerio? Owner shares key comparison points

The fuel efficiency of the Tata Altroz is better than that of the Maruti Celerio at speeds of 80-100 km/h.

BHPian PrasannaDhana recently replied this to BHPian sumitj71's query.

BHPian sumitj71's query

I have a request for you. Can you do a comparison of Altroz diesel and Celerio?

Even a quick comparison would be very useful because I am thinking about upgrading from Nano. My heart is over Altroz diesel but my mind is towards Celerio. My daily driving is 70km (85% Highway) and once in 3-4 months a long drive of 1000-1500km. I always dreamed of a diesel car, I almost booked a Tiago diesel before BS6 norms but then the COVID struck and got no response from Tata.

Now I'm confused if I should go for Altroz diesel XE+ (can make upgrades later, if required) or Celerio ZXI due to budget constraints. (Looks don't matter to me. Though in the case of Altroz it's added bonus).

My wife only requires the car to be comfortable and has a good AC (Nano's AC is of no use in a summer afternoon with 4 adults). And yes, I also want good drivability.

As you own both of these cars, can you please compare these points?

Thanks in advance.

Altroz diesel and Celerio K10C are 2 very different machines.

Celerio is extremely frugal. Easy 20+ kmpl on the highway.

If your usage is high enough, go for a diesel. That being said, Celerio is extremely frugal too. Easy 20+ kmpl on the highway.

I will suggest Altroz diesel over the Celerio if:

• You like enthusiastic driving, including triple-digit cruising on highways
• You want more space (cabin as well as boot)
• You want a sturdier, safer, well-built car
• You like responsive steering & excellent high-speed manners
• Better fuel efficiency than the Celerio at speeds (80-100 kmph)

I will suggest Celerio over Altroz diesel if:

• Your budget is tight. Altroz base diesel is still 1.5 lakhs more expensive than the top-end Celerio ZXI(O). If you opt for ZXI, the difference becomes a good 2.1 lakhs!
• You are going to be doing a lot of urban usage/ slow highway usage (like KL highways)
• You don't want to put up with Tata A.S.S.

Running cost-wise, the Altroz is still cheaper than the Celerio by 0.5 Rs per km.

Altroz running cost per km

Celerio running cost per km

Driveability wise, both are good.

Altroz diesel can be a much better car for long journeys, effortlessly doing 120 kmph all day and still being fairly quiet in the cabin (2600 rpm in 5th). Celerio feels strained beyond 90 kmph and the NVH is bad beyond 100 kmph.

When you drive gently, Altroz diesel can deliver excellent fuel efficiency. This is from my today's workload - 120+ km usage, mostly driven under 90 kmph except for a few instances of 120 kmph overtaking manoeuvres. 24.1 kmpl.

And then there is the looks factor, which is totally subjective.

You should pick which you find better.

Or

If you ask me which car I like better, here is the answer from the mileage I have clocked on both.

Time since purchase and Km driven:

• Altroz diesel - 6.5 months 17,700 km
• Celerio K10C - 5 months 1,500 km

Clearly, if you love driving, get the Altroz eyes closed. Also, be cautious about DPF issues if you have more urban usage than highway usage. Celerio steering is typical Maruti - vague and lifeless.

If your need is just practical point A to point B transport on a rigid budget, Celerio is a good car (Ignis is also a good choice in that budget, with a much better engine).

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