Top 5 Features Missing In The Tata Punch EV Facelift (And Why They Are Important)

Tata Motors has just launched the first facelift of the Punch EV, and the new model comes in with a refreshed design, bigger battery packs and a few new features as well. The new Punch EV does have a lot to offer and holds the potential to become a top choice for family-oriented buyers. But it still does not tick all the boxes, as there are still a few features that are missing, and could be a valuable addition to the package. Let's have a look at these top 5 features that could have made the Punch EV a better package

Rear AC Vents 

The new Tata Punch EV has automatic climate control as standard across all variants, but a useful feature it misses out on is dedicated rear AC vents. With the higher variants priced beyond Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom), it is certainly a feature that should have been added considering how useful they are in cooling the cabin more effectively. Sure, the Punch EV’s cabin might not be the largest, and the climate control does offer an ‘Xpress Cool’ feature, but rear AC vents would have surely completed the package, especially since they are offered in the ICE-powered Punch. 

Rear Window Sunshades 

Most parts of our country face severe heat in summers, and with aftermarket window tints being illegal in the country, factory-fitted sunshades for the rear passengers can be a boon. And while this feature is now available in many cars in this price range, it is not offered in the Punch EV.   

Better Sound System

Tata has has replaced the pre-facelift Punch EV’s 6-speaker audio system to  a 4-speaker unit with this update. This is a noticeable downgrade when cars of today put such a great deal of focus on the audio experience. Especially given that the ICE-powered Punch has an 8-speaker unit, buyers who love grooving to music on long drives will be disappointed with the lack of this feature in the more expensive EV.

All Wheel Disc Brakes

Tata cars are known for their safety, and the new Punch EV is no different. It offers plenty of safety equipment as standard right from the base variant itself. But where it needs improvement is in braking performance. It’s only the front wheels that offer disc brakes, while the rear wheels now get equipped with drum brakes, which is a downgrade to the pre-facelift car’s all-disc setup 

Split Folding Rear Seats

The Tata Punch EV offers a boot space of 366 litres, but in order to increase the space, you will have to fold down the rear seats as a whole; there is no provision to partially fold the rear seat. A 60:40 split functionality could have made it a lot more practical, as it doesn’t force you to choose between extra cargo space and passenger capacity.

BONUS

Level 1 ADAS

There were many rumours before the launch that the newPunch EV could be offered with a Level-1 ADAS, which, as we know, has not been offered in the package. While this is still not a dealbreaker the Punch EV could have been an even more attractive with its inclusion, especially for buyers who frequent the highways in their car. The Punch EV has always been a very feature-rich machine, and with the introduction of ADAS, it could have become an even more value-for-money package.

ZigSays… 

The facelifted Tata Punch EV does have a lot of great features under its sleeve, but it still might not be the outright winner. These missing features might seem small, but they increasingly hold great value to the ever-evolving customer needs of today. Nonetheless, the Punch EV is still a great option for buyers looking for an affordable and practical EV  with its long range, a multitude of variants to choose from and a compact footprint along with some really useful features as well. 

What are your thoughts on the new Tata Punch EV? Let us know in the comments below!