Tata Motors has officially unveiled the much-awaited Tata Punch micro SUV in the Indian market. Official bookings for the new sub-compact SUV has also been started at a token amount of Rs 21,000 . The new model can be booked online or via an official Tata dealership. The Punch is offered in 4 trim levels – Pure, Adventure, Accomplished and Creative.
The new Tata Punch will challenge the B-segment hatchbacks and multiple crossovers including the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and the upcoming Citroen C3. Price announcement and deliveries for the new model are expected to commence from mid-October, 2021.
It is designed and developed on the ALFA (Agile, Light, Flexible & Advanced) architecture that also underpins the Altroz hatchback. This platform is versatile enough to accommodate different body styles as well as multiple engine options including petrol, diesel, electric and hybrids. Similar to the Altroz, the new Punch is expected to receive a 5 star crash test rating from Global NCAP. The new model also offers the 90 degree wide opening doors, which should offer easy ingress and egress.
The new Tata Punch subcompact SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Tiago twins and the Altroz. This engine is capable of producing 85bhp and a peak torque of 113Nm. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). It is claimed to achieve 0 to 60kmph in 6.5 seconds and 0 to 100kmph in 16.5 seconds.
The Punch also comes with engine start/stop system, which should improve its fuel efficiency. The AMT model also has traction pro mode. The SUV also get Dyna Pro technology that will aid to its water wading capacity. The SUV offers a ground clearance of 187mm of ground clearance, and a segment-leading 366-litres of boot space.
For safety and security, the small SUV will offer dual front airbags, ABS with Brake Sway Control, EBD, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), rear parking sensors and camera, speed alert, etc. The new Punch also comes with brand’s iRA connected car technology offering 27 connected car features across 5 different categories – Remote Control, Vehicle Security, Gamification, Live Vehicle Diagnosis & Alerts and Location based services. The company has also introduced several customisation options with the new Punch micro SUV.
The new Tata Punch comes with Harman-sourced 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets a 7-inch semi-digital instrument console, dual-tone interior scheme, coloured accents around AC windows, automatic climate control, powered ORVMs, engine start-stop button, multi-functional steering wheel, etc. The SUV also gets automatic projector headlamps, rain sensing wipers, etc.
The company hasn’t reveal the colour options, but leaked info reveals that the Punch will offer 9 exterior colours including 3 monotone colours. The monotone colours are White, Grey and Stonehenge, while the dual-tone colour options include White & Black, Grey & Black, Blue & White, Stonehenge & Black, Orange and Black and Urban Bronze & Black. Dual tone colours will be offered on the top-spec model only, while the mid-level variant will come with White monotone colour only.
In terms of proportions, the new Tata Punch is 3,840mm long, 1,822mm wide and 1,635mm tall, and a wheelbase of 2,450mm. The SUV rides on 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The SUV is designed on Tata’s IMPACT 2.0 language, which we have already seen on the Harrier. In fact, the front design is heavily inspired by the Harrier. It gets the Harrier-like front grille with signature Humanity line and split headlamp setup with LED DRLs on top and main headlamp on lower bumper. The SUV gets black plastic cladding all-around the body.
