Tata cars in India (18)

Given your query regarding BaaS (battery as a Service), we assume it's an EV that you are looking at. The best option within your budget is the Tata Punch EV, which is incidentally fresh from an update. Tata Motors has enhanced the powertrain for more range and faster charging. The Punch EV Adventure with the larger 40kWh is the pick for you. 

It's very smooth to drive in the city and has also got enough punch (pun intended) for highway drives. Also, the Punch EV is a tough car and boasts good safety (though a Bharat NCAP score for the latest one is awaited).  

Battery as a Service (BaaS) is a unique approach to ownership in which you pay for the car and 'rent' the battery. The option reduces the car's upfront cost greatly. But if you look at the fine print, you will find fees and fixed minimum payments for the battery that need to be made irrespective of your usage. For your limited running, BaaS might not be the best option.   

If you have the option to install an EV charger at your home or office or have easy access to EV charging, we'd suggest you go for the Tata Punch EV. It makes for a very good city car, with highlights being smoothness and refinement made possible by the EV powertrain. 

The Punch's relatively small size also makes it easier to drive and park, in case that's a consideration. The Punch EV 40kWh also has the power for your highway journeys. Also, you would need to work your route around the availability of chargers. 

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a larger car and makes more sense if rear seat space is a priority. It's a good city car with impressive ride comfort. However, the AMT gearbox will not deliver Punch EV-rivalling smoothness.  

Between the Tata Harrier and the Mahindra XUV 7XO, the XUV 7XO AX7 is the better choice for what you’re looking for. 

With the recent facelift, Mahindra has improved the 7XO incrementally across the board, making it a more compelling and well-rounded package. It is spacious, the interiors feel more premium than before, and unlike the Harrier, it even offers a third row which gives you flexibility if you ever need to carry more people. With the third row folded, the 7XO manages to offer a larger boot than the Harrier too. Performance is another key differentiator. The 7XO’s 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine with over 200 hp will feel like a big step ahead of the Harrier’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol as well.

As for the Skoda Slavia 1.5 turbo petrol, that’s also a very good buy, especially if you want a car that feels refined, composed and engaging to drive compared to your current Elite i20. However, since the Slavia facelift is expected soon, it makes sense to wait for that.

Within your Rs 15 lakh budget, the Tata Punch EV stands out as a very strong option. The recently launched Punch EV is a clear step up over the older version when it comes to real-world range, thanks to the larger battery pack. 

Despite the facelift, added features and bigger battery, it is almost ₹2 lakh more affordable than before, which makes it an excellent value for money. As a second car meant mainly for city use, it fits the brief well because it is compact, easy to drive and simple to park in tight urban spaces. Performance is also effortless, with the strong electric motor delivering quick acceleration and making city driving stress-free.

Between the two, based on your requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris VXI is the more sensible choice. Unlike the Tata Sierra Smart Plus, the VXI sits one variant above the base and is noticeably better equipped. In fact, the Smart Plus variant of the Tata Sierra feels quite bare for a midsize SUV, missing features that are now considered standard in the segment. It includes a proper infotainment system, which matters for day-to-day convenience and ease of ownership.

From a driving perspective, the Victoris is easier to live with, especially for a beginner. Its 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth. It offers better performance than the Sierra’s petrol motor and, paired with a light clutch and slick gearbox, makes city driving far less tiring. Maruti Suzuki’s engines also have a long-standing reputation for reliability, low running costs and fuss-free ownership, which is reassuring for a first-time buyer. The Sierra’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is refined. But in a car of this size, it feels underpowered and requires more effort to drive, particularly with passengers on board.

Where the Sierra does score is space and comfort. Its cabin feels roomier, and rear seat comfort is a notch or two better than the Victoris, making it the more comfortable option if rear seat usage is frequent.

It really comes down to what you value more from your EV. The Tata Punch EV is a size smaller and, after the recent facelift and near Rs 2 lakh price correction on the top variants, it has become significantly more affordable. As a result, the top spec Punch EV now undercuts the base MG Windsor EV by over a lakh, while offering a lot more equipment for the money.

From a technical and usability point of view, even though we have not yet driven the facelifted version, the Tata Punch EV has a clear advantage in range. Its larger 40 kWh battery pack should deliver a better real-world driving range than the base variant of the MG Windsor EV, which uses a 38 kWh battery. Being smaller and lighter also helps the Punch extract more efficiency from its battery. In top spec form, it is very well equipped, and if most of your driving involves one or two adults. It will feel easier to live with, simpler to drive in traffic and much easier to park in tight city spaces thanks to its compact dimensions. 

The Windsor EV, however, plays to a completely different strength. If you want a larger car with an outstanding sense of space, it is hard to beat even when compared to cars from a segment above. In comparison, while the Punch EV’s rear seat is adequate, it can start to feel cramped for adults on longer drives.

In simple terms, pick the Punch EV top variant if you want better range, more features for the price and a compact, city-friendly EV that will mostly carry two people. Choose the Windsor EV if cabin space and rear seat comfort matter more to you than features and outright range.