The Tata Punch is the latest addition to the Indian automaker’s SUV lineup, which also includes the Harrier, Safari, and the popular Nexon. Despite the fact that the company calls it an SUV, The Punch is built on the ALFA-ARC platform, which is shared with the Altroz hatchback. Not only that, but it uses the same engine as Altroz.
I’ve tested almost every variant of the Tata Punch, and I believe I’m now qualified to give you an unbiased opinion on this vehicle.
What I like about Tata Punch
First and foremost, the punch’s design appeals to me. In terms of design, it seems to have taken inspiration from both the Tata Harrier and the Tata Nexon, which isn’t a bad thing given that both of these SUVs are quite stylish on their own. The Tata Punch outperforms rivals such as the Maruti Ignis and Mahindra KUV100 because it feels more SUV-like, living up to its “Micro SUV” segment moniker.
As soon as you enter the cabin, you will notice a distinct yet clean layout of the dashboard, which appears to have been custom-built. It does, however, borrow features from the Altroz, such as its semi-digital instrument cluster, steering wheel, and touchscreen infotainment system.
The good news is that the punch provides plenty of space inside the cabin. However, if you compare its space to that of Altroz, you will be slightly disappointed. So I’m not going to compare these two cars from different segments. Tata Motors has provided a massive 366 litres of boot space to enhance the practicality of the punch, allowing you to take your large luggage on road trips.
If the large boot space and spacious cabin aren’t enough, the punch also gets a 90-degree door opening feature, which was previously available only in the Tata Altroz. This feature allows you to easily enter and exit the car, increasing its practicality.
Despite the fact that the company refers to it as an SUV, The Punch is built on the ALFA-ARC platform, which is also shared by the Altroz hatchback. Like Altroz, Punch received a 5-star safety rating in the GLOBAL NCAP crash test. However, it received more points than the Altroz and the Mahindra XUV300, and the Punch is now India’s safest car.
The Tata Punch is powered by a new-generation 1.2-litre Revotron naturally-aspirated petrol engine. The engine is outfitted with the automaker’s latest Dyna-Pro technology, which is said to improve the car’s overall performance. It has a maximum power output of 86PS at 6,000rpm and a peak torque output of 113Nm at 3,300rpm.
Have you ever driven Altroz petrol? If so, you will experience the same sensations while driving the punch. But there is a catch! It has slightly different front suspensions than what we saw in Altroz. As a result, it performs better on bumpy roads. However, the rear suspension is identical to that of Altroz and is also comfortable. Furthermore, the 187 mm of ground clearance allows you to drive through large potholes.
The engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT. The Punch has two drive modes: City and Eco. The AMT variants also include a segment-first Traction-Pro mode.
What I don’t like about Tata Punch
The introductory price of Rs 5.50 lakh is reasonable, but the top model is overpriced. It is preferable to purchase a Nexon base variant rather than a Punch top variant.
Only one petrol engine is available in punch, and it is a three-cylinder NA that performs admirably. Furthermore, in terms of refinement and NVH, 3-cylinder petrol cannot compete with the competition’s 4-cylinders.
The manual transmission is excellent, but the AMT transmission shifts slowly and unevenly.