Tata’s new sub-compact SUV, the Punch, is not just the smallest SUV that Tata makes but is also one of the safest! It has bagged five stars with a tally of 16.453 points in the adult occupant protection rating, the highest any Indian car has ever received, along with four stars in the child occupant safety class with a score of 40.891. The Punch is based on the ALFA architecture, which also underpins the Altroz, and it gets an option of a single engine — a 1.2-litre Revotron petrol which can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. It borrows styling cues from its bigger siblings, the Nexon, Harrier and Safari to make it look every bit like an SUV.
The Punch has been tested for a frontal impact at 64kmph and side impact at 50kmph. Results from which made it the safest car to date in the Indian mass market segment. Tata offers the Punch with many safety features including dual airbags, ABS and EBD across all variants. The Punch also gets a segment-first feature which Tata calls ‘Brake Sway Control’, it detects the tendency of instability during abrupt braking before the ABS kicks in to avoid vehicle swaying from the driving path.
Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicles Business, Tata Motors, said, “SUVs are the ideal solution for Indian customers as they offer a perfect balance of performance, comfort and durability suited for Indian roads. When we were developing the Punch, we were very clear that despite its compact size, we wanted to offer customers a holistic package. The Punch reinforces the four core pillars that define all Tata SUVs- Stunning Design, Versatile and Engaging Performance, Roomy and Spacious Interiors, and Absolute Safety. We are proud to have delivered yet another product that will be regarded as the safest passenger vehicle on Indian roads. This landmark achievement by Tata Motors is also a testament of the fact that the automotive industry in India is capable of delivering the highest global standards of safety in vehicles.”
President & Chief Technology Officer, Rajendra Petkar, also had a few words to say: “We are delighted to offer yet another 5-star rated car from our stable - The Tata Punch. It is an Industry first achievement in the sub-compact SUV segment and a testimony to Tata Motors continued commitment and leadership on product safety. This achievement is in line with our philosophy that vehicle safety should be made accessible to all. Getting the GNCAP 5-star for vehicle program comes as an outcome of the relentless hard work put in by cross-functional teams across the organization, including our supplier partners. Together they have delivered yet another excellent package consisting of an outstanding structural integrity while deploying “digital first” strategy. The Company has dedicated itself to the mission of ‘Safe Bharat’ by developing innovative and safe mobility solutions and is committed to the mobility transformation through Connected, Electrified, Shared & Safe (CESS) approach.”
Indian automakers take safety very seriously now, and Tata has been at the forefront of it. The Punch is the third Tata to receive a full five-star safety rating from the Global NCAP. Furthermore, its safety features, most of which come as standard across all models, show that safety is not just an added bonus anymore. Rather, it is the basic requirement.
Prices for the Tata Punch are scheduled to be announced on October 18th, so stay tuned to the evo India website and our social media handles for updates.