Tata Motors is all set to launch the new Punch micro-SUV in India on October 18. Earlier, the new Tata Punch was to go on sale in India on October 20 but the carmaker has decided to launch the SUV a couple of days before the previously announced date. It's the first Tata SUV to be underpinned by the ALFA-ARC (Agile Light Flexible Advanced Architecture) platform and is based on the brand's Impact 2.0 design language. The production version has not deviated much from the HBX concept showcased at the Auto Expo 2020 and it looks pretty much the same. Tata Motors will offer the Punch in four variants- Pure, Adventure, Accomplished and Creative.
Also Read: The Tata Punch Micro SUV Review
Tata Motors offers the new Punch micro SUV in four key variants - Pure, Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative
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Typical design elements like the three tri-arrow pattern on the black grille is quite apparent and it is flanked by the LED daytime time running lamps (DRLs), while the projector headlights are positioned below on the bumper. The chunky cladding continues along the profile as well building up on its SUV appeal and Tata already confirmed that the Punch will be more than jacked up hatchback, with some SUV features. The 16-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels and roof rails add to its style quotient and is further accentuated by the dual-tone body colour. The rear too looks equally sharp and stylish dominated by the sculpted tailgate, further complementing the entire design language. The bumper too boasts bold cladding and the squarish LED taillights too look one with the overall design.
Also Read: Tata Punch Tech Review: Micro SUV With Affordable Tech
The Tata Punch comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the iRA connected car tech as an optional offering
The dual-tone black and off-white cabin too looks very modern and organised. The minimalist design of the dash is clutter free and those horizontal air-con vents with blue bezels build up on its funky appeal. The instrument cluster is similar to what we saw in the Altroz and even the door open 90-degrees wide, which again is a carryover. Then it offers 366-litres of boot space but misses out on rear air-con vents and front central armrest. Then the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes centre stage and Harmon tuned audio system which we have seen in a range on Tata cars, like the Tata Nexon and Altroz. The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The top-spec model gets the brand's iRA connected car tech as an optional offering and the 7-inch instrument cluster is part digital. It also gets a flat-bottom steering wheel which is first in segment and the feature list includes engine start-stop button, automatic climate control, powered auto-folding wing mirrors, cruise control, auto-climate control, cooled glovebox, auto sensing wipers and auto headlights among others.
Also Read: Tata Punch Micro SUV: Variants Explained
Although the Punch doesn't get 4-wheel-drive, Tata claims that it can handle a bit of off-roading as well.
The new Tata Punch is powered by the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine, which also powers the Altroz premium hatchback. The motor is tuned to belt out 84 bhp at 6000 rpm and 113 Nm of peak torque at around 3300 rpm. Then the engine has also been updated with dyna pro system to optimise air-pressure for better low-end torque and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox as standard and while the five-speed AMT unit is optional. For the SUV features, the Punch gets segment-first stuff like traction pro mode with the AMT gearbox that helps getting it out of a stick situation. The SUV credentials arte further complemented by 20.3-degree approach angle, 22.2-ramp over angle and 37.6-degree departure angle. Then, it offers a high ground clearance of 187 mm and 365 mm water wading capacity.
