Tata Motors has just unveiled the Punch SUV, and here are the top 7 things about it that you should know
Tata HBX is a name that almost everyone is familiar with. It was a near-production concept from Tata Motors, showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. The HBX garnered a lot of attention and enthusiasm from the Indian masses for its butch appeal and high riding stance.
The micro-SUV then made its way to the transition process from being a concept to don the production-spec attire. Well, the car has been unveiled now and is named Punch. Interestingly, the name sounds great, but how punchy is it in real-world conditions need to be found out. For now, here’s a list of the top 7 things about the Tata Punch that we do admire rather profoundly.
1. First SUV on ALFA architecture
Tata Motors’ ALFA architecture debuted with the Altroz. The modular platform is capable to spawn cars of different body styles. After the Altroz hatchback, it will now be doing duty on the Punch micro-SUV. The Altroz scored a 5-star GNCAP crash test rating, further signifying the capabilities of this platform. A similar result is anticipated from the Punch too since it gets the same ALFA architecture as the Altroz. Moreover, this architecture can support a fully electric powertrain.
2. Impact 2.0 design language
Ever since Tata Motors has adopted the new Impact design language, the brand’s line-up comprises some great-looking cars. The Tata Punch comes up as a new addition to the already capable line-up. The micro-SUV looks cool and dons a Harrier-inspired face. While it resembles quite a lot than what was desired, the Punch manages to pull it off very nicely. Typical SUV bits like black cladding, square wheel arches, roof rails, high-set bonnet and the likes can also be seen here. Additionally, the Punch will ride on a set of nice 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
3. Launching This Festive Season
Talking of the launch timeline, the forthcoming Tata Punch is assumed to go on sale by this festive season itself. Tata Motors might launch the Punch around Diwali this year. The brand is targeting to post high sales figures on the monthly sales tally with the Punch.
4. 1.2L Petrol Engines
The Punch is reported to go on sale with the 1.2L Revotron unit that sports a 3-cylinder layout and churns out 86 PS of peak power and 113 Nm of max torque. While the naturally aspirated motor is expected to be made available on the lower trims, the higher variants might get the 1.2L turbo-petrol motor that does duties on the Altroz iTurbo. It can dish out 110 Hp as its peak power output and 140 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options will include a 5-speed MT and a 5-speed AMT.
5. 7-inch Harmon Infotainment Unit
The interior layout of the Punch will most likely be retained in the same form as was the case with the HBX concept. It will get a floating-style 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit in a similar fashion as the Nexon. It will come with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with iRA connected car tech. The touchscreen will come from Harman, and there will be a premium sound system on offer as well.
6. Key Rivals
Once the Tata Punch goes on sale, it will take on the likes of other high-riding hatchbacks and micro-SUVs. The list includes Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Ford Freestyle, Mahindra KUV100, and the upcoming Hyundai Casper. An electrified version of the Punch is on cards as well. It will rival the upcoming eKUV100.
7. Expected Price
The Punch is likely to start at an approximate price tag of Rs. 4.5 lakh, ex-showroom. Expect the price to go up to Rs. 7.8 lakh for the top-end variant. Well, Tata Motors will offer a slew of variants for the Punch, and a handful of customization packs might be on offer too.