Tata Punch is a successful offering for the Indian carmaker, as it adds a bit of SUV style to a segment that is equivalent to the compact and mid-size hatchback. However, the pricing of its top-spec Creative variant with the iRA package brings it into contention with the range-topping XZ+ variant of its sibling, the Tata Altroz.
So which of the two should you buy? Let’s try to find the answer through their detailed comparison. Also See – Tata Punch vs Tiago
Price Comparison
| Tata Altroz XZ+ | Tata Punch Creative iRA |
| Naturally Aspirated Petrol: Rs 8,69,900 (MT), Rs 9,79,900 (DCA) Turbo-petrol: Rs 9,24,900 (iTurbo MT) Diesel: Rs 9,94,900 (diesel-MT) *up to Rs 30,000 extra for Dark Edition | Naturally Aspirated Petrol: Rs 8,71,900 (MT), Rs 9,31,900 (AMT) *Rs 17,000 extra for Kaziranga Edition |
- As the above table indicates, the Tata Altroz comes in two petrol and one diesel engine options, while the Punch only gets a naturally aspirated petrol engine.
- Since the price difference between the naturally aspirated petrol variants of both the cars is relatively small, we will only compare them.
Specifications
| Tata Altroz | Tata Punch | |
| Engine | 1.2-litre NA petrol | 1.2-litre NA petrol |
| No of Cylinders | 3 | 3 |
| Max Power | 86PS | 86PS |
| Max Torque | 113Nm | 113Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT/DCA | 5-speed NT/AMT |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency | Up to 18.53kmpl | 18.97kmpl (MT), 18.82kmpl (AMT) |
- Both the Tata Punch and Altroz are powered by the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Tiago and Tigor. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, the engine’s responsiveness at low speeds makes it a comfortable city commuter. There is, however, an apparent lack of power, especially at highway speeds and in full-load conditions. Therefore, it’s necessary to downshift to make a quick overtake. Also, it gets pretty noisy post 4,000 RPMs.
- Speaking of the automatic transmission, the Altroz gets a more sophisticated dual-clutch automatic transmission option, which quickly changes the gears, and you won’t even notice the shifting much. However, under heavy throttle input, there’s a slight delay in downshifting, but that doesn’t spoil your experience as the AMT does.
- It is also worth noting that the underpinnings of the Tata offerings are EV-ready, and their electric versions are likely to be introduced in the near future.
Dimensions
| Tata Altroz | Tata Punch | |
| Length | 3990mm | 3827mm |
| Width | 1755mm | 1742mm |
| Height | 1523mm | 1615mm |
| Wheelbase | 2501mm | 2445mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165mm | 187mm |
| Boot Space | 345-litres | 366-litres |
The Tata Altroz is longer, wider and has a more elongated wheelbase than the Punch micro-SUV, which should result in better cabin space. The Tata Punch will, however, be able to handle the unevenness of the road more effectively due to its larger ground clearance.
Features Comparison
- Common: Automatic projector headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, semi-digital instrument cluster, cooled glovebox, rear parcel tray, height adjustable driver’s seat, power-adjustable & foldable ORVMs, day/night IRVM, 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment with Apple Carplay & Android Auto, 6-speakers, steering mounted controls, iRA connected car tech, Eco & City drive modes, cruise control, auto AC, dual-front airbags, brake sway control, ISOFIX anchors.
- Additional Features In Altroz XZ+: Mood lighting, premium leatherette seats, glovebox with illumination, cornering function, two additional tweeters, tyre pressure monitoring system, XPRESS cooling function, rear AC vents, front sliding armrest, etc.
- Additional Features In Punch Creative iRA: Traction Pro (AMT Only), puddle lamps and door/wheel arch & sill cladding.
Verdict
With a better-equipped cabin, larger dimensions and wider powertrain options, the Tata Altroz XZ+ variant offers better value for money, at least on paper.
