Tata Punch is a solid competitor to Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100 and cars like Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.
Tata has taken the covers off from its all-new Punch micro-SUV. The new car comes with many positive attributes and may severe the competition in the already intense segment of compact SUVs, and tall-boy hatchbacks in this price range.
So, without any further ado, let’s see everything Tata’s new micro-SUV cum hatchback brings to the table.
Exterior Dimensions and Styling
Tata Punch has been crafted on a relatively new platform known as ALFA-ARC (Agile Light Flexible Advanced Architecture). It is the same platform used by sibling Altroz and is considered one of the strongest and safest today. That also makes the car dimensionally 3,840mm longer, 1,800mm wider, 1,635mm tall, a wheelbase of 2,450mm, 187mm of ground clearance, and lends it a solid boot capacity of 366L.
In terms of styling, at first glance, the Punch looks like a mini-Harrier with the same split headlamp cluster, sleek and dynamic LED DRLs and tri-arrow grille design. The side profile features 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and stylish roof rails, while the rear LED tail lamps gives the car a separate identity. Another noteworthy highlight of the vehicle is its 90-degree opening doors that make entry and exit hassle-free.
Contemporary interiors
Step inside, and you are welcomed with a dual-tone cabin carrying a minimalistic premium-looking dashboard appeal. The seats are well upholstered, while the body-coloured air cons and D-cut steering wheel adds a dash of smartness.
In terms of equipment, Tata has taken care of everything one needs in a car of this form and price. The long list of features includes Harmon Kardon sourced 7-inch touchscreen panel that allows synchronization of smartphones with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Then there is a digital instrument cluster, steering mounted controls, push engine start/stop, USB fast charging, and a lot of automatics in the form of headlights, climate control, headlamps, ORVMs and rain-sensing wipers.
The car is loaded with connected car tech that allows the owner to control the lights, lock, horn, via car key cum remote, and also provide location-based services and live vehicle diagnosis.
Superior Safety
For the past several years, safety has been one of the top priorities of Tata, and Punch is no exception. The car is offered with dual-front airbags, ABS and EBD with Brake Sway Control and RPAS (Reverse Parking Assist System) as standard fitment. Higher variants also come with features like TractionPro (with AMT), cruise control, front fog lamps, rear defogger and a rearview camera.
Class-leading engine
Under the hood, there is a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol motor that makes 86PS and 113Nm torque. The power figures are the highest not only in its class but also powerful than what segment-above SUVs like Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet offer. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed MT or AMT gearbox.
Colours and Variants
The Punch will be offered in four trims Pure, Adventure, Accomplished and Creative, with seven different body paints. There is no single tone colour option, and the car can only be availed with the variations of Orcus White, Daytona Grey, Atomic Orange, Meteor Bronze, Tropical Mist with a black roof, or Tornado Blue and Calypso Red with a white roof.
Price and launch date
Price is still tentative, with the expected range falling between INR 5.50 and INR 8 lakh. The complete variant-wise pricing will be announced on October 20, and deliveries will begin around Diwali.
