Tata Punch launched at aggressive Rs 549,000

Tata Motors today launched its latest product – the Punch micro-SUV – at an aggressive pricing strategy which starts at Rs 549,000 and goes up till Rs 849,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). Sales have commenced at over 1,000 company showrooms across India. These prices are valid till December 31, 2021. The Punch, which is Tata’s first SUV based on its ALFA architecture, is available in four trims – Pure, Adventure, Accomplished and Creative.

High on features
On the feature front, the base Pure trim packs in dual airbags, ABS, ISOFIX child seat anchors, front power windows, central locking and engine start/stop technology. The Adventure trim, meanwhile, gets an audio system with four speakers and steering-mounted controls, electric adjust wing mirrors, rear power windows, follow-me-home headlamps, a USB charging socket and full wheel covers.

The Accomplished trim gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a rear-view camera, fog lamps, keyless go, cruise control and 15-inch stylised steel wheels.

The top-spec Creative trim is loaded with features such as a 7.0-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, automatic projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a rear wiper and washer, puddle lamps and 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, all of this in addition to the tech from the Accomplished trim.

The Tata Punch is available in seven paint shades – Tornedo Blue, Calypso Red, Meteor Bronze, Atomic Orange, Tropical Mist, Daytona Grey and Orcus White.

Petrol power only
The Tata Punch is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine which develops 86hp and 113Nm of torque and is mated with either a five-speed manual or an AMT automatic transmission.  

While this engine already powers the Tata Tiago, Tigor and Altroz, in the Punch, it additionally features automatic engine start/stop functionality to enhance fuel efficiency. Tata Motors claims ARAI-certified fuel economy of18.97kpl for the manual and 18.82kpl for the automatic variants. The AMT gearbox on the Punch also features traction modes like some bigger Tata SUVs. Tata Motors says the Punch accelerates from 0-60kph in 6.5 seconds and does the 0-100kph sprint in 16.5 seconds.

Speaking at the Punch launch, Shailesh Chandra, President – Passenger Vehicles Business Unit (PVBU), Tata Motors, said: “With the Punch, we have created an entirely new category altogether to address a growing need for small-in-size cars with a true SUV character. The Punch is a stunning, bold SUV. Its tall stance, high ground clearance and commanding driving position provide an exhilarating driving experience even while navigating all the unexpected challenges that Indian roads throw in one’s way. The class-leading comfort, advanced infotainment and connectivity match the high expectations of the increasingly discerning Indian car buyer. Even ahead of its launch, the Punch has already got off to a great start by bagging the GNCAP 5-star rating for safety. We are extremely confident that with the kind of differentiation, the feature package and the absolute safety the Punch has to offer, it will definitely make its mark in the dynamic Indian car market in the days to come.”

Tata Motors is targeting a wide rane of buyers. The Punch will primarily be targeted at first-time car buyers as well as people who want a second small car at home. “It could also be a very good option for people in small towns where roads are not as good,” says Vivek Srivatsa, Head of Marketing – Passenger Cars, Tata Motors, in an interview with Autocar Professional.