Tata Punch sub-compact SUV unveiled

After unveiling the name of its first-ever sub-compact SUV a month ago, Tata has now fully unveiled the Punch with all of its features and tech specs, but with no word on the pricing. Based on the ALFA architecture, shared with the Altroz, the Punch gets a single engine option — a 1.2-litre Revotron petrol which can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. Tata has made sure the Punch looks every bit like an SUV and it even borrows styling cues from its bigger siblings, the Nexon, Harrier and Safari. Here’s a deep dive into the Tata Punch.

Tata Punch Styling

The Tata Punch is the brand’s first SUV to be based on the ALFA architecture. It borrows styling cues from the Harrier and the Safari and is designed under Tata’s new Impact 2.0 design philosophy. Similar to its elder siblings, at the front, the Punch gets a sleek gloss black grille which is flanked by DRLs placed above its low-set headlamps. A design touch unique to the Punch is the Y-shaped elements on the front grilles. There is also black body-cladding, sleek roof rails and 187mm of ground clearance which make it look butch. At the side, the Punch gets a rather cool floating roof design in addition to the hidden rear door handles. And at the rear, it gets a pair of wraparound LED tail lights and prominent ‘Punch’ lettering to let everyone know what you are driving.

The Tata Punch will be offered in a total of seven colour options – Orcus White, Arctic Orange, Daytona Grey, Meteor Bronze, Tropical Mist, Calypso Red and Tornado Blue. However, the colours you can choose from will depend on the variant (or ‘Persona’) that you select. You can also get the Tata Punch in a dual-tone colour scheme, albeit only in the top-end ‘Creative’ trim. More on the trims later!

Tata Punch Interior and features

On the inside, the Tata Punch is a familiar sight to the eyes as it shares many of its components like the steering wheel, the instrument cluster and even the aircon vents with other Tata products. To conquer the sub-compact SUV segment Tata hasn't held back in the features department and equipped the Punch with a whole load of goodies. However, the list of goodies will depend on which trim level you get, so let’s take it step by step. The Punch is available in four trim levels — Pure, Adventure, Accomplish and Creative.

The range starts with the ‘Pure’ which gets central locking, front power windows and is only available in manual guise. Up next is the ‘Adventure’ trim that adds in a 4-inch infotainment system, electrically-adjustable ORVMs and steering mounted controls. The ‘Adventure’ trim gets a bigger 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a rear-view camera, 15-inch alloys, push-button start and height-adjustable driver’s seat. The top-end ‘Creative’ trim boasts projector headlamps with LED DRLs, a 7-inch instrument cluster, 16-inch diamond cut alloys, rain-sensing wipers, a cooled glovebox along with automatic ORVMs and climate control. Dual airbags, ABS and EBD is standard across all variants. Tata also offers optional packs for each variant of the Punch, namely Rhythm, Dazzle and iRA, which let you have the key features from a higher variant.

Tata also offers the Punch with a dual tone interior and its iRA connected car tech which enables you to activate the headlights, horn and lock/unlock your car via your phone. The Punch also gets doors which open 90 degrees for easy ingress/egress, 366-litres of boot space and a flat floor at the rear for passenger comfort.

Tata Punch Engine and Transmissions

Tata has unveiled the Punch with a single 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine found in the Tiago and the Altroz. This unit produces a maximum of 84bhp at 6000rpm and 113Nm torque at 3300rpm. The engine gets 'Dyna Pro' ram-air induction which makes sure delivery of fresh air to the engine to aid combustion whilst promising additional low-end torque.

Depending on your choice, the engine can be equipped with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The Punch gets what Tata calls a ‘Traction Pro’ mode (only with the 5-speed AMT) which aids traction by using the brake to help it get out of slippery situations. Furthermore it gets two drive modes — City and Eco in addition to the start-stop system to aid fuel efficiency.

Tata Punch pricing and rivals

The Tata Punch is all set to be the new entry point into Tata’s SUV range. It will be launched soon and Tata has officially opened bookings for the Punch at ₹21,000. The bookings can be made at any Tata dealership across the country or online via Tata’s website where it has also added an online car configurator. This makes it possible for you to look at the exterior and interior of the Punch and spec it to your liking. Upon arrival, the Punch will go up against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and the Renault Kwid.