After months of anticipation, Tata Motors has finally unveiled its forthcoming mini SUV. At last year’s Auto Expo 2020, the car made its premiere as a pre-production concept known as the HBX. After months of speculation and a slew of possible model names, the manufacturer has finally announced the SUV’s name: Punch.
After Altroz, it will be the company’s second model to be built on the ALFA platform, and it will follow the Impact 2.0 concept. Tata Motors’ new SUV Punch will compete with the likes of the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Maruti Suzuki Ignis, which are all smaller compact SUVs in India.
Unveiling this much-awaited SUV, Mr. Shailesh Chandra – President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors said – “Tata PUNCH, as the name suggests is an energetic vehicle with a capability to go anywhere. Light on its feet and strong in its caliber, this is a vehicle that truly punches above its weight. With the perfect combination of stunning design, technology, and driving dynamics, the PUNCH will come equipped with superlative features and an architecture that has proven its versatility in all forms. True to the SUV genes of all Tata Motors’ products and catering to the needs of customers who are looking for a compact city car with pure SUV characteristics, PUNCH will be the fourth addition to our SUV family, widening the range of options for all to choose from.
Exteriors as per the revealed image
With a similar split-headlamp system and Tata’s humanity line grille, the Tata Punch borrows the same family design language as seen on Tata’s bigger SUVs, such as the Harrier and Safari.
The upright posture, thick cladding, and squared wheel arches give the Tata Punch an SUV-like appearance. Tata’s distinctive Y shape is also included on the front bumper, which also contains a pair of fog lamps.
The car’s dual-tone exterior paint scheme also has a significant aesthetic impact.
Expected features
The interiors of the Tata Punch might have a simple style, similar to that of other recent Tata vehicles. Inside the cockpit, the top-end model might include a 7.0-inch free-standing infotainment screen, a semi-digital instrument panel, a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with audio controls, and a push start/stop button.
The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a variety of linked car tech capabilities, under Tata’s iRA technology.
Tata would also be able to provide enough shoulder, knee, and headroom for back passengers thanks to the platform.
Expected Powertrain Specs
The Tata Punch micro-SUV is planned to be powered by two 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engines. The base model will be naturally aspirated and produce about 83 horsepower. The 1.2-liter turbocharged version is likely to be available in higher trim levels.
A 5-speed manual and an AMT gearbox will most likely be available. After the rest of the Tata line gets it, we expect a CNG option to be available.
Expected Price
The Tata Punch is expected to be priced between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 5.30 lakh. The Tata Punch will compete against high-riding crossovers such as the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, as well as entry-level compact SUVs such as the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. This Tata punch is expected to be launched soon just before the festive season starts.