The Tata Punch is going to be the carmaker’s first micro-SUV and will be positioned below the Nexon compact-SUV in Tata’s line-up. The India carmaker only recently confirmed the Punch nameplate, though the micro-SUV has been highly anticipated ever since the HBX concept (on which it is based) was unveiled at Auto Expo 2020. We have compiled some of the key facts you should know about the upcoming Tata Punch.
1. Tata Punch: design closely matches HBX concept
In terms of styling, Tata has stayed very faithful to the HBX concept it debuted at the 2020 Auto Expo. While only a single image has been shown so far, the Tata SUV family design language is quite evident, with a similar split-headlight setup to the Harrier and Safari. Even the ‘humanity line’ grille shows a connect to the larger SUVs.
While some design aspects like the front bumper, body cladding and chunky off-road tyres have been toned down from the HBX concept, other details like the squared wheel arches and upright stance are present. The front bumper also features Tata's signature Y design motifs and also houses a pair of fog lamps. Additionally, the Punch will get 16-inch alloy wheels as well as a dual-tone exterior paint options, which will give a floating roof effect.
At the rear, the sculpted tailgate, integrated roof spoiler and the tail-lights with the Y-shaped LED elements are near-identical to the ones seen on the HBX. The only area where the Punch differs from the concept is the rear bumper, which has been dialed-down for the production model. Gone is the large silver skid plate, and in its place, the Punch’s rear bumper sports a simpler diffuser-like design..
2. Tata Punch: cabin will look similar to HBX concept and be well kitted
While the interior styling of the Punch is yet to be revealed, the micro-SUV is expected to sport a toned-down version of the HBX concept’s interiors. This is also partially substantiated by the spy shots of the Punch’s cabin that indicated the same. Dashboard layout will be identical to that of the concept, with its square air-con vents and free-standing 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Some details, however, like the compass beside the touchscreen and gold highlights, won’t make it to the production model.
A variety of the Punch’s interior components are expected to be shared with the Altroz, such as the flat-bottom steering wheel, climate control switches, and even the part-digital instrument cluster.
3. Tata Punch: shares platform with Altroz
Tata is going all out with this new micro-SUV, and that is most evident with the choice of its platform. While the Tiago and Tigor feature Tata’s older platforms, the Punch will use Tata’s modular ALFA platform, just like the Altroz premium hatchback.
Dimensionally speaking, the Punch micro-SUV is expected to be very close to the concept’s 3,840mm length, 1,822mm width, 1,635mm height, and 2,450mm wheelbase. This would also mean that the Punch will be larger than its closest competitors – the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100, that is until the new Hyundai Casper (codename - AX1) arrives.
4. Tata Punch: will get two petrol engine options
Power for the all-new Punch will come from a choice of two petrol engines. Lower trims are expected to use the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine shared with the Tiago, Tigor and Altroz where it makes 86hp. The higher trims are expected to get the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine seen in the Altroz iTurbo. Exact power outputs for both engine options will be known closer to the SUVs launch. Gearbox choices for the Punch are expected to include both, a 5-speed manual and an AMT automatic option.
Tata could also introduce an all-electric derivative of the Punch some time down the line, similar to how it launched the Nexon EV and Tigor EV.
5. Tata Punch: will be priced aggressively
The Tata Punch is expected to be launched in the coming months, with prices slated to be fairly aggressive. This, paired with its positioning as the entry point to Tata’s SUV range, will make it the brand’s most affordable SUV. It also means that the Tata Punch will take on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100 and the upcoming Hyundai Casper. However, due to the extremely competitive pricing of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger, higher variants of the Punch will also rival these compact-SUVs.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
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