Here’s What To Expect For The Tata Punch That’s Launching Tomorrow

After a long period of breadcrumbs and unveils, Tata Motors is all set to launch its latest offering, the Punch SUV, on October 18, 2021. Offered in the Pure, Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative trims, it will slot below the Nexon. Here’s what to expect from Tata’s newest entry-level SUV.

Rugged Looks 

Despite being a relatively small model, the Tata Punch gets a rugged feel with a high stance with body cladding all over. It borrows the Nexon’s tri-arrow mesh on the air intakes and has a split projector headlight and DRL setup inspired by the Harrier. Like the Altroz, the doors on the Punch can also open up to 90 degrees, making for easier entry and exit. A snazzy set of 16-inch alloys make up the exteriors.

It can be specced in the Orcus White, Daytona Grey, Atomic Orange, Tropical Mist, Meteor Bronze, Tornado Blue, and Calypso Red paint options. However, the last two are limited to the top-spec Creative trim, and can be had only in a dual-tone option with either a black or a white roof.

Feature-Loaded

The Punch borrows the Altroz’s 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster,  gear lever, and flat-bottom steering wheel. It will also get a Harman Kardon audio system, i-RA connected car tech,  automatic climate control, cooled glovebox, steering-mounted controls with voice commands, auto headlights and wipers, and keyless entry with push-button start/stop. The carmaker is also offering optional pre-defined accessory packs for all four trims.

Safety

Passenger safety is covered by dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX anchorage, cornering control, and rear parking sensors with a camera. All this has contributed to an impressive five-star Global NCAP crash test rating. 

Powertrains

The Punch will have a sole 86PS 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine to play with that can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or an optional 5-speed AMT that drives the front wheels. Aside from two drive modes, (Eco and City), it's also got a bit of off-road cred thanks to Terrain Pro Management (only for the AMT). The SUV boasts a 37.6-degree departure angle, 20.3-degree approach angle, 22.2-degree ramp-over angle, and a 370mm water wading capacity. 

Price And Rivals

Bookings for the Tata Punch are already underway at a token amount of Rs 21,000. Expect the SUV to be priced from Rs 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom) which should rival the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Mahindra KUV100 Nxt. It could also be an alternative against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite.