The Tata Punch Camo edition joined the Autocar India long-term fleet for a short stint as an everyday runabout. With a manual gearbox with a light clutch, a relaxed 1.2-litre petrol engine, impressive ride quality and a well-equipped cabin, it had all the right ingredients to be a good city car with hardly any downsides. The compact dimensions make it easy to drive in the city. The dual-tone Camo edition looks unique in its dark green shade, and inside, the seating position is also impressive as you sit relatively upright with a clear view of the road ahead, and all controls fall easily to hand. Over long days in traffic, this easy ergonomic setup really makes a difference.
Powering the Punch is the familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It’s no highway star, but that’s not the point. In everyday city driving, the engine’s smooth power delivery and tractable nature make it very easy to live with. The light clutch and slick gearbox reduce fatigue in stop-go traffic, and there is enough room in the footwell with a dead pedal that adds comfort.
Over my two months with it, I recorded an average fuel efficiency of around 12kpl, which primarily reflects city driving. While not outstanding, it’s acceptable given the Punch’s weight, tall stance, and our usage pattern.
One feature I’ve come to rely on daily is the touchscreen infotainment system. The 10.2-inch unit feels genuinely high quality, with crisp graphics, quick responses and seamless smartphone connectivity. It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and what enhances the media experience are the four speakers and two tweeters up front. It has good bass, clear sound, and even calls work without fuss. It’s one of those features you stop noticing because it just works – which is exactly how it should be. The centre console also features multiple charging options, and as I am not a big fan of wireless charging, the 45W Type-C port sure makes for quick top-ups.
A highlight worth mentioning is its ride quality, which remains one of its biggest strengths and something we’ve repeatedly praised during our time with the car. With Mumbai peppered with metro construction and unfinished roadworks, the Punch makes light work of poorly marked speed breakers or broken roads, with the suspension absorbing impacts with impressive maturity.
Even when fully loaded, the Punch remains composed, never feeling unsettled or nervous.
There are some niggles, however. The rear seat setup is only adequate in terms of space and lacks load sensors, so the belts need to be kept clicked in even when no one is sitting there. Another consistent complaint has been the headlight performance. Night drives, especially on unlit roads, reveal weak illumination with limited throw and spread. It’s manageable in the city but quickly becomes a concern on darker roads and highways.
After a couple of months of living with it, the Tata Punch Camo Edition has proven to be a dependable, comfortable and easy-going companion. Its excellent ride quality, user-friendly nature and well-executed touchscreen make daily driving a pleasant experience, and the Punch remains a strong contender for those looking for a tough-looking, comfortable and confidence-inspiring small SUV for Indian cities.
Gavin D'Souza
Hormazd Sorabjee
Nikhil Bhatia
Saumil Shah
