Despite the slowdown and chips shortage, the UV (Utility Vehicle) segment has been witnessing high demand in the country. And that’s the reason why car manufacturers are planning a range of new SUVs/MPVs/Crossovers to establish their footprints in the most competitive segment. Tata Motors is betting big on the upcoming Punch micro SUV and aims to achieve around 10% UV market share by the end of this fiscal year.
Speaking to Autocar, Anand Kulkarni, VP, Product Line Head, ALFA architecture and passenger EVs, Tata Motors, revealed that the Tata Punch will target vehicles measuring below 4-metres in length including the entry-level small cars and hatchbacks. It won’t be “a niche product’. The micro SUV has been built on the brand’s ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) modular platform and includes 90-92% localization level. Most of its components such as suspension, transmission, architecture, AC unit and sheet metal (with 40% high-tensile steel) are sourced locally.
With such high-level of localization, the upcoming Tata Punch is expected to be priced aggressively. While its prices will be officially revealed on 10th October, it’s estimated to be priced as low as Rs 5 lakh for the entry-level variant and Rs 8 lakh for the top-end trim. In the company’s product lineup, the Punch will be positioned below the Nexon. Its bookings will be commenced from coming 7th October at a token sum of Rs 21,000. Read – 4 Tata Cars To Get CNG Variants
The automaker has already confirmed that the Tata Punch will come in four trims – Pure, Adventure, Accomplished and Creative. All variants will be powered by a 1.2L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes power worth 86bhp and 113Nm of torque. Both manual and AMT gearboxes will be on offer. The new Tata mini SUV can be had in 7 different colour schemes that will vary variant-wise. Compared to the Altroz premium hatchback, the Punch has bigger boot space and higher ground clearance.
