Tata Punch : The Indian auto sector along with the micro-SUVs have been on the rise and Tata Motors did strike gold when they launched the Tata Punch.
Sittig on the south side of the Nexon, the Punch packs the size and posture of an SUV into an urban-friendly compact format.
The Punch aspires to be that perfect urban car that doesn’t look like a hatchback, but has smart design, is packed with safety features and has a few party tricks up its sleeve.
It’s not much bigger than the other two, but the Punch exudes a confidence and maturity that imbues the budget-priced shopper with an aura of “value buyer” without resorting to too many shortcuts.
Design and Build Quality
The Punch looks bold with Tata’s Impact 2.0 design philosophy. It looks tough as well thanks to the high-set bonnet, split headlamp setup and the bold body lines make it SUV-ish in appearance.
Its clamshell bonnet, squared wheelarches and contrasting roof options are all there to make it stand out from the crowd.
However, with 187 mm of ground clearance, and an SUV-like design, the Punch does look rough and tough, and yet, is small enough to be maneuvered easily on tight city streets and within parking spaces.
The design and build quality is another plus. In keeping with what we’ve come to expect from Tata lately, the Punch feels solid and rugged — more like a compact SUV than a small car.
Interior and Features
Get in, and the Punch is a roomie, well-designed cabin. The dashboard is smartly executed with stacked textures and decent-quality plastics.
The cabin doesn’t feel lush, but the ergonomics are spot on and thoughtfully placed.
Key features include:
7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Digital & Analogue Instrument Console (Semi Digital)
Steering-mounted controls
Auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers (top-end trims)
Cruise control and keyless ignition
Seating is upright, and the view of the road is good, while the rear seat space is fairly good, although only for two adults.
That boot is only 366 litres but is plenty for weekends away.
Performance and Efficiency
The Tata Punch draws power from a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine which churns out 86 PS and 113 Nm.
It’s available with both a 5-speed manual and AMT (automated manual transmission). Around the city, the Punch feels zippy and refined, even if high-speed performance feels a little lacklustre.
The engine offers strong and punchy low end torque, which is perfect for city usage.
Tata has also added engine start-stop tech, enhancing real-world fuel efficiency, which is approximately 18-20 km/l depending on variant and driving conditions.
For the enthusiasts among you, Tata is also giving a CNG version that punches its value-for-money ticket harder still.
Ride and Handling
Ride quality is one of the standout attributes of the Punch. The suspension works well over bad roads, and the car feels well-damped even over potholes and broken tarmac.
It is light on low speeds and weighs up well on highways so that experience is balanced.
Safety First
Safety has been a particular Tatas focus with the Punch. It has a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating for adult occupant protection that’s among the highest in its segment. These include the following standard safety items:
Dual airbags
ABS with EBD
Corner stability control
Rear parking sensors
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Pros
The daring, SUV-inspired design with a modern and eye-catching look that is impressively compact
Good ride and handling
Best-in-class safety rating
Large boot and high driving position
Available in petrol and CNG
AMT makes city driving easier
Cons
On the highway, the engine performance comes off as mediocre
Jarring AMT gearbox at moments
Diesel and turbo petrol is not available.
Some features reserved for the top-end variants
Rear seat best for two adults
Tata Punch: Conclusion
The Tata Punch is proof that you don’t have to have a large vehicle to derive SUV proportions of gain from an urban car.
And it bundles practicality, secure ride, urban maneuvering in a good-looking package appealing to young, small families as well as first-time SUVisers.
And with solid build, competitive price and a comprehensive feature list, the Punch certainly has more punch than its size would suggest in the micro-SUV segment.