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Tata Motors has launched the all-new Punch micro SUV in India, priced at ₹ 5.49 lakh to ₹ 9.09 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The car was first revealed to us as the HBX concept at the 2020 Auto Expo, and ever since, the micro SUV has been one of the most anticipated products from Tata Motors. The carmaker, which begun accepting bookings for the Punch on October 4, 2021, says the micro SUV has bagged the highest ever bookings compared to any other Tata model. So, if you are also planning to buy the new Tata Punch, we would ask you to check out these 5 pros and cons before you make that final decision.
Also Read: Tata Punch Micro SUV Launched In India; Prices Start From ₹ 5.49 Lakh
The Tata Punch comes with the proportions and stance of an SUV, along with smart features like projector headlights, LED DRLs, and 16-inch alloys
Pros
1. Tata Motors had promised that the production version of the Punch will remain similar to the HBX concept, and the company has kept its promise. Borrowing cues from the likes of the Nexon, Harrier and Safari, the new Punch has the proportions and stance of an SUV. And that's what will attract customers.
2. The Punch offers a host of smart features like - projector headlights, LED DRLs, 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, LED taillamps, and faux skid plates. Inside, the Punch comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a multi-functional steering wheel, a part digital instrument cluster and more.
Also Read: Tata Punch Micro SUV: Variants Explained
Tata offers optional Custom Packs for all 4 variants of the Punch
3. The Punch comes in 4 trims/personas - Pure, Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative, and Tata offers optional Custom Packs for all 4 variants - Rhythm, Dazzle and iRA. The optional pack are priced between ₹ 30,000 and ₹ 45,000 and for the premium, you add a bunch of features from the higher-spec variants lower and mid-spec trims. So, you don't need to upgrade to a higher spec variant just for certain features like the - 7-inch display, 16-inch alloys, DRLs, or rear camera.
Also Read: Tata Punch Micro SUV Review
4. While the Tata Punch is not a 4-Wheel-Drive (4WD) SUV, it still comes with some cool off-road credentials. Apart from the best-in-class ground clearance of 187 mm, the Punch comes with high approach (20.3-degree) and departure (37.6-degree) angles. Also, its water wading ability stands at 365 mm. Furthermore, the AMT version also comes with a new feature called 'traction pro' mode that offers the extra boost of power to navigate through muddy and low-traction surfaces.
The AMT version also gets a new feature called 'traction pro' mode to help get going on muddy and low-traction surfaces
5. With prices starting at ₹ 5.49 lakh for the manual, and ₹ 6.99 lakh for the AMT, (both ex-showroom, Delhi) the Punch is quite aggressively priced. In fact, the micro SUV also undercuts the segment leader Maruti Suzuki Swift by up to over ₹ 36,000 and is marginally expensive than some of its other rivals like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Maruti Suzuki Ignis. The fact that you get an SUV-like product at the price point of a compact hatch is also worth considering.
Also Read: Tata Punch vs Rivals: Price Comparison
Cons
1. At this point, more than a con, we just wished the Punch had a turbo petrol engine on offer. While the 1.2-litre Revotron is a refined motor, a punchier turbo petrol would have sweetened the deal. Considering Tata already offers one with the Altorz it should have been offered at least with the top-end trims.
The AMT version of the Punch shows a bit of slight hesitation when it comes to first to second and second to third gear shifts
2. No diesel engine. Yes, there is a growing demand for petrol cars, but considering the company is not offering a turbo petrol engine, it should have at least considered offering a diesel option. As mentioned earlier, the Punch is based on the Altroz's platform, and the carmaker offers a diesel option for the premium hatchback. So why not with the Punch?
3. While we appreciate that Tata is offering an AMT option for Punch right from the launch, but we wish it had a better automatic transmission. The AMT certainly does the job of offering clutch-less driving but it still has the negatives that come with any AMT and is not as fun-to-drive as the manual.
The Punch gets a good-looking cabin, but we wish soft-touch plastics could have been offered in the higher-spec models
4. The Punch is a good-looking car, however, we can't really rule out the excessive use of plastics. While it makes sense for the exterior styling, we wish the cabin had a tad bit more premium fit and finish in terms of the plastic quality used. At least, soft-touch plastics could have been offered in the higher-spec models.
While the Punch impresses with its 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, the fact that it still only gets a lap belt for the rear middle passenger is disappointing
Also Read: Tata Punch Crash Tested; Gets 5-Star Safety Rating From Global NCAP
5. Now the Punch has received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, and with a score of 16.45 out of 17 points for adult safety, it's essentially the safest car in India right now. However, the fact that it still only gets a lap belt for the rear middle passenger is a bit of a disappointment. In fact, Global NCAP has also recommended that Tata examine the possibility of offering the Punch with ESC, side head impact protection, and 3-point seatbelts in all seating positions - as standard.
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