Tata Motors reveals new Punch mini-SUV

Tata Motors took the covers off its upcoming mini-SUV – the Punch – and has also opened bookings for a token amount of Rs 21,000, online as well as at its over 1,000 dealerships in over 800 cities across India.

The Punch is the first SUV below the sub-4-metre SUV segment and helps Tata Motors diversify its SUV portfolio. It is based on the company’s ALFA architecture, the same as the premium Altroz hatchback but adapted for an SUV. 

Tata Motors Design Studios in India, UK, and Italy collaborated to develop the Punch to create the sub-compact SUV to address a growing customer need for a small in size but large in space SUV.

The Punch essentially is the production version of Tata’s HBX Concept showcased at the Auto Expo 2020, and has a visual connect with the larger Harrier and Safari thanks to its split headlight setup. The Punch also gets a sculpted tail-gate with an integrated roof spoiler and striking Y-shaped LED elements in the wraparound tail lights. 

On the inside, the Punch will get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and part-digital instrument cluster. 

1.2 petrol power
On the powertrain front, the Tata Punch will get its punch with a 1.2-litre petrol engine that features automatic engine / start-stop functionality to enhance fuel efficiency. According to Tata Motors, the Punch accelerates from zero to 60kph in 6.5 seconds and does the 0-100kph sprint in 16.5 seconds. 

The Punch is available in four variants with both Manual (MT) and Automatic (AMT) transmission options along with customisation packs . According to Tata, the “Punch offers the agility of a hatchback and all key capabilities of a true SUV.” 

Built on the proven and modern Agile Light Flexible Advanced (ALFA) Architecture, the Punch packs a number of industry first innovations to enhance both functionality and driving pleasure. These include tall stance, high ground clearance and commanding driving position along with class leading comfort, advanced infotainment and connectivity.

Unveiling the Punch, Martin Uhlarik, Global Head of Design, Tata Motors, said: “The Punch has been developed by our three design studios in India, UK, and Italy. Over 140 design personnel participated in this project, producing hundreds of sketches, a number of design proposals and models that has ultimately led to this stunning and bold SUV. We have designed a unique whitespace sub-compact SUV which carries forward the same authenticity of Tata SUVs. Its muscular surfacing and an athletic look make a perfect amalgamation for a tough SUV, living up to its bigger siblings. Intelligently designed in a compact footprint, it will be a high impact SUV and will redefine this crowded market. It is bold, young, modern yet robust, compact yet practical, tough yet playful and exudes true expression of confidence and individuality.”   

Commenting  on the first SUV from the ALFA Architecture, Anand Kulkarni, Vice-President, Product Line Head, ALFA Architecture and Passenger EVs, Tata Motors, said: “All our researches clearly showed that customers needed a small SUV. The most important criteria to meet this performance requirement was to start with a fundamentally strong and robust platform. The proven, state-of-the-art ALFA Architecture has the capabilities to deliver different body styles with outstanding build quality, delivering unmatched safety credentials. The success of Altroz is a testament to these capabilities. The Punch is our first SUV offering from the ALFA Architecture and despite being designed in a compact footprint it meets all the key capabilities of a true SUV – tall stance, high ground clearance and commanding driving position that customers would expect from a SUV to navigate all the unexpected challenges that Indian roads have to offer.”

Rajan Amba, Vice-President, Sales, Marketing & Customer Care, PVBU, Tata Motors, said: “SUVs today have gone way beyond their mere size. Customers today are seeking a complete package that comes enhanced with stylish looks, spacious interiors, high ground clearance, superlative drive experience, connected features and class-leading safety. Keeping these in mind, we wanted to create a one-of-its-kind product that embodies the true spirit of Tata SUVs, while also being versatile, rugged and youthful in nature. With several industry and segment-first features, we are convinced that the Punch will match the high expectations of the discerning Indian car-buyers.”

Tata Motors is eager to make the most in this new segment which currently has only the Maruti Ignis and is to be joined by the upcoming Citroen C3 next year. By rolling it out just as the festive season begins, the carmaker is looking to outpunch the competition even before the battle gets intense.