Tata Punch

The Tata Punch is not just Tata’s bestseller, but also managed to be the most sold car in India in 2024. The balance of comfort, practicality, features and safety at that price point seems to hold a lot of promise. But what exactly makes this small SUV so appealing to the masses, and is there any room for improvement? We find all the answers.

• Despite the compact size, the Punch’s styling looks like a proper mini SUV with its high 187mm ground clearance and rugged-looking cladding.

• The 16-inch alloys look modern, but it's limited to the top-spec Creative variants. Lower variants get 15-inch steel wheels with covers, no option of an alloy.

• Looks properly modern with its LED DRLs, chunky projector headlights, the arrow-shaped detailing in the LED taillights.

• I appreciate having the option of multiple dual tone shades and special edition colours, which gives a lot of variety and choice.

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• While Tata introduced the Punch EV with a new front design, the petrol model did not get any updates. A design update is expected in 2025.

Design and Quality

• The Punch’s cabin design is simple, modern and classy.

• Plastic quality is above average for the price point, no big issues with fit and finish either.

• I appreciate the presence of physical buttons for the AC controls and the front central armrest, which helps improve comfort.

• Storage options are sufficient for front passengers, but rear seat storage options could’ve been better with cup holders in the central armrest.

Driving Position

• Getting in and out of the Tata Punch is an easy affair, and I found the front seats to be comfortable for both short and long journeys.

• Finding a preferred driving position is easy too, courtesy of the long range of adjustment for the seat height and steering tilt function.

Passenger comfort

• I found the front seats to be wide and well-contoured, which make them comfortable even for long journeys. 

• The central armrest further adds to the comfort.

• The rear seats are surprisingly spacious. There’s plenty of knee room, headroom and footroom to stretch your legs out even for taller passengers.

• Underthigh support of the rear seats is ample and the backrest angle is comfortable too. Only the cushioning here is a little on the softer side, which could result in a bit of discomfort over long road trips.   

• Seating three people at the rear seats will be manageable only for short city runabouts. A central headrest will be missed on longer commutes.  

• I feel the Punch is best used as a four-seater.  

• Rear seat amenities include rear AC vents, an armrest, a USB and a 12V socket.

Features

Here’s a quick look at the highlight features of the Tata Punch:

• The Punch’s safety kit packs all the equipment you’ll need with dual airbags, a host of electronic aids, rear wiper and washer, rear parking camera, rear defogger, rain sensing wipers and tyre pressure warning system. Notably, six airbags are not available. 

• It received a full five star safety rating from Global NCAP back in 2021.

• The Punch’s 360-litre boot is deep and can take up a weekend's worth of luggage with ease if you use it smartly. Medium or small suitcases help make the best use of its boot.

• The rear backrest folds flat in case you need to carry bigger luggage.

1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol

• The Punch’s engine is a relaxing city commuter, with a light clutch and gear action. It doesn’t struggle to pick up pace at lower speeds. 

• Cruising at highway speeds of 80-100kmph is easy, but it takes its time to get there, especially with load in the car.

• I wouldrecommend the automated manual transmission (AMT) for heavy city use. It isn’t particularly quick, but is smooth and makes drives stress-free.

• I managed to get around 12kmpl in the city and 16kmpl on the highway. You can also opt for the CNG powertrain if you have a high running, which has a claimed mileage of 26.99km/kg. ​​​​​​​

Suspension & Ride quality

• The Punch’s ride quality impressed me with its comfort over all sorts of roads, be it potholes and sharper bumpers in the city or undulations on the highway.

• Some side-to-side movement creeps in on really rough roads, but I found speeding up helps it settle much nicer, which in turn improves comfort.

• Taking a fast turn in the Tata Punch feels safe and predictable. It’s not sporty like a sedan or a hatchback, but it remains stable.

Which variant of Tata Punch is value for money?

• Those on a tight budget can consider the Adventure variants. 

• Accomplished +  variant feels best value for money overall, with a good balance of functional and convenience features. The sunroof variant can be considered at an extra cost.

The Tata Punch is a great option for people wanting the advantages of comfort, space and ride quality associated with an SUV, but within the size of a hatchback. It offers all the must-have features along with a few feel-good ones, while offering you a solid safety package as well.

Other cars to consider instead of the Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter

Reasons to consider

• Gets six airbags as standard.

• Offers dual dashcam, proper tyre pressure monitoring system and hill hold assist in the higher variants.

• Offers paddle shifters with the automatic transmission.

Reasons to ignore

• Smaller infotainment system with wired phone projection only.

• No crash test rating from any NCAP agency.

• Misses out on front and rear central armrest.

Citroen C3

Reasons to consider

• Better ride comfort over really bad road surfaces.

• Option of a more powerful turbo-petrol engine.

Reasons to ignore

• Misses out on a few-feel good features like a sunroof.

• No CNG option.

• No automatic transmission with the naturally aspirated petrol engine.