Variants
Mileage
Price
Variants
Mileage
Price
The Tata Punch is a sub-compact SUV, stretching the tape at 3.8m, making it noticeably smaller than the 4m 'compact SUVs' we are used to. H...
The Tata Punch is a sub-compact SUV, stretching the tape at 3.8m, making it noticeably smaller than the 4m 'compact SUVs' we are used to. However, it promises the look and feel of a 'pukka' SUV, albeit in a smaller package. It's powered by the 86hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine from the Tiago and Altroz, but there could be a turbocharged version (and maybe even an EV) later on. Its closest rival is the ageing Mahindra KUV100 NxT, but cross hatchbacks like the Maruti Ignis, and entry level Compact SUVs like the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite are other options buyers might look at.
Read moreFor such a compact vehicle, the Tata Punch admirably packs in some of the traits you'd expect from an SUV, particularly a tall seating position...
For such a compact vehicle, the Tata Punch admirably packs in some of the traits you'd expect from an SUV, particularly a tall seating position, ample ground clearance and a relatively tough build. It even scored 5 stars in its Global NCAP crash test. Beyond that, its driving dynamics feel sophisticated like those of a larger car, it looks attractive and it's pretty well equipped. The current sole engine offering, however, is a letdown, feeling underpowered for a car with SUV pretensions, and its AMT gearbox doesn't shift with intuition. The biggest hurdle, however, is the price, which cuts significantly into compact SUV territory, which might make some think twice before taking the plunge on the Punch.