Tata Punch: A Benchmark Setter With Its Unique Size And SUV-like Appeal

The Tata Punch offers a unique SUV-esque package in the size and shape of a hatchback that punches way above its weight

Tata knows a thing or two about carving out new segment niches. It did so with its electric onslaught – first with the Nexon EV in 2020 and then more recently with the Tiago EV. But in 2021, Tata came out with a rather unconventional product which had the stalwarts of the hatchback segment in its sights. 

Say hello to the Tata Punch – a car that’s neither a hatchback nor a full-fledged SUV, and yet manages to go head-to-head with cars sitting a segment above without a second thought. It sort of juggled between the two segments before cementing its position as the country’s only micro SUV – a new segment altogether, which has only now started to gain traction. But what exactly makes the Tata Punch so special?

Unique design

The first time we laid eyes on the Punch, we couldn't help but notice the similarities with the Harrier, especially at the front. The split headlight setup and positioning of the DRLs are both quite similar to its bigger cousin. The ruggedness is apparent with the beefy elements, flat hood, upright A-pillar, chunky squared wheel arches and heavy body cladding all around.

And while a few late bloomers have tried to replicate the same rugged SUV-like hatchback formula, they haven’t managed to grab that same essence that helps the Punch stand out from the myriad insipid hatchbacks.

Deceptive dimensions

Just by looking at the pictures, one is more likely than not to classify the Punch as a larger alternative to one of the most popular hatchbacks in the country. That’s down to its aforementioned rugged and chunky design elements that play the trick on you; as the Punch’s length and wheelbase is actually shorter than the hatchback in question.

But in every other measurable parameter, it is the Punch that comes up on top as its overall flow of styling sticks true to its SUV ethos. Its height, combined with its upright stance, can make SUVs a segment above shy away. So effectively, you get the rugged looks, presence and appeal of an SUV along with the ease of use of a modern day hatchback. 

Feature and safety laden brochure

The Tata really does 'Punch’ above its weight with the features and safety kit on offer. Fully loaded, the micro SUV packs features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cooled glovebox, electric ORVMs, connected car tech, automatic climate control, a Harman sound system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, cruise control and keyless entry with push-button start. Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX mounts are standard safety fitments, while rear parking sensors with a parking camera, rain-sensing wipers and rear defogger are offered in the higher trims. 

And the expansive safety kit on offer isn’t just for show, as the Global NCAP found in 2021. Back then, its five stars for adult protection and four stars in child protection gave it the bragging rights for the highest scorer for a made-in-India car.

Convenience and practicality 

The jacked-up ground clearance, along with the 90-degree opening doors, make ingress and egress a breeze. And once you’re inside the car, you won’t be short on space anywhere. Besides, the space on offer at the rear will take you by surprise, as there isn’t any scarcity of headroom usually seen on hatchbacks, and even the knee room is generous enough, provided there isn’t a humungousaur sitting at the helm. 

You’ve got 1-litre bottle storage bins in the door pockets, two cup holders behind the gear lever, and a cooled glovebox to keep your drinks and eatables cooled and preserved. With a stowage area of 366 litres, even the boot space is appreciable compared to its chief hatchback rivals that sport a figure of around 270-310 litres.

Punchy drive

The Punch borrows its 1.2-litre NA petrol powertrain from its more premium cousin, the Altroz with a few mechanical tweaks for improved performance. Its output of 86PS and 113Nm is delivered to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or AMT. So rather than being thrilling, it’ll be quite smooth and refined when driven reasonably. That said,the  shorter gearing means it is quite responsive almost throughout the rev range and the engine will sit happily at triple-digit speeds too. 

With the AMT gearbox, you also get this traction pro mode which offers you more grip in tricky conditions and helps you get out of any slippery conditions that you might face. The Punch even returns a decent fuel efficiency figure on the odometer – a claimed 20.09kmpl and 18.8kmpl for the manual and AMT, respectively. 

Overlapping Price

Prices for the Tata Punch range between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 9.51 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it in a similar ballpark as a few hatchbacks and even a few sub-compact SUVs from a segment above. And that is exactly what the Tata Punch is – a combination of the two. It takes the best of both worlds and combines it into its own identity, and throws a ‘punch’ way above its class. The value-for-money proposition of the Punch is just bonkers, and that hasn’t gone unrecognised by the market, as the micro SUV has averaged more than 10,000 monthly sales ever since its launch. 

That is no small feat to achieve and it genuinely is going to take something truly special to one up the micro SUV, because it not only is the benchmark in its segment, but also a vantage point for Tata to take notes from for its future endeavours.

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