Tata Punch first test drive review: One of the best Tata cars available right now, five reasons to buy and one that Tata can improve

Recently, we test-drove the Tata Punch (both, the automatic and manual versions) for a day and this is what we could make of the new vehicle from Tata. This is Tata Punch’s first test drive review and 5 reasons why one should consider buying it.

Tata Punch Design and Interiors

The exterior of the Tata’s SUV, which is based on the company’s new ALFA architecture, is designed to mimic the concept of the IMPACT 2.0 model. There are four variants of this vehicle, namely the Adventure, Creative etc.

The new Tata Punch is the second compact-SUV in the company’s line-up that is based on the company’s new ALFA architecture. As said, it will be offered in four different variants called Pure, Adventure, Creative, and Platinum. The base model will be powered by a 1199CC engine and features a 5-speed manual transmission.

The dash is similar to the company’s other offering, Altroz. This includes a semi-digital instrument cluster with a 7-inch display unit showing off current gear position, RPM, fuel level, trip meter and distance to empty. Inspired by Nexon, Tata punch also sports a flat-bottom steering wheel, rectangular-shaped AC vents and various drive modes along with cruise control, auto headlamp and wipers in top trims.

The car is future-ready with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system or a 4-inch floating screen depending on the variant you choose. The floating screen will be a basic system while the advanced one is a touchscreen that supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The infotainment system will be paired with JBL speakers powered by Harman to give an immense entertainment experience.

Tata Punch Engine and Performance

The vehicle will share the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine as the Tiago and Altroz. It features Dynapro technology and is capable of producing 85 hp and 113 Nm of torque.

Yes, the car has a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated, 3-cylinder engine with Dynapro technology that helps Punch do 0-60 kph in a claimed 6.5 seconds and 0-100 kph in a claimed 16.5 seconds. As said, the engine is capable of producing 85 hp power and 113 Nm torque paired with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT as an option.

Tata Punch Dimensions and Colours

The wheelbase of the car is quite high at 2,450mm. The other dimensions stand at 3,827mm in length, 1,742mm in width and 1,615mm in height. The doors of the Tata Punch also open at 90 degrees just like Tata’s hatchback Altroz. The company is bringing this car in 7 colour options: Orcus White, Atomic Orange, Daytona Grey, Meteor Bronze, Calypso Red, Tropical Mist and Tornado Blue.

5 reasons why you would want to buy this car:

SUV/MUV-like feel

If you are upgrading from a hatchback or a small car, Tata Punch is one of the best cars out there, that will give you a compact SUV-like feel and at the same time will not burn a hole in your pocket.

Price

Starting at Rs 5.48 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) the Tata Punch is priced very aggressively. Of course, the automatic AMT model is priced higher, but when compared to others, it still is much cheaper. So, yes, we love how the Indian company has priced it.

Good looks

No matter where you look at this car, you will find it to be very-very nice. The rear and front of the car looks masculine and there is something fresh about this vehicle.

Spacious

Though you would put it in the compact segment of vehicles under 4 meters, the space inside the car is roomy and up to 5 people can easily sit in it.

Comfortable drive

We loved the drive of the Tata Punch. The ride height is good, and one can easily see when the bonnet ends. The car is able to absorb most potholes we encountered on the Delhi/Gurgaon roads.

What can be better?

One thing we encountered in the short AMT drive is the rubber band effect when gears are automatically shifted. The effect is there in most cars in the price segment, but the lag between gears in the Tata Punch automatic is a bit high. We are sure this is something that the company can work upon and can become better.

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