The Punch is Tata's most compact SUV with rugged looks and a five-star safety rating. It is practical, has surprisingly good space for its size, and boasts modern features. The major highlight of the Tata Punch's flex-fuel version is its engine. In a breakthrough, the modifications made to this engine now make it compatible with an E100 blend, which is claimed to be more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. Appearance-wise, the Tata Punch flex-fuel is identical to the standard Punch with no cosmetic changes as such.

5 Things to Know About Punch; Offers a good ride quality, even over broken roads. 10.24-inch screen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. It is surprisingly spacious for four passengers. The Punch CNG can be started in CNG mode. Centre console has a Type-C port and wireless charging.

How is the Tata Punch car? Interior is roomy and the rear seat is comfortable. SUV styling provides it with adequate road presence. Passengers will enjoy its absorbent ride quality. A value-for-money compact SUV with modern features.

Punch Engine Specifications; Positives:

The 1.2-litre 87bhp/115Nm petrol engine is available with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT gearbox. This engine offers strong mid-range pulling power (above 3,000rpm) and is surprisingly eager at higher speeds; best to leave it in City mode. In CNG mode, it makes 72bhp/103Nm, is only offered with a manual gearbox, and gets twin CNG cylinders below the boot’s luggage area. Can be started directly in CNG mode; in an emergency, the iCNG tech automatically cuts off the CNG supply to the engine. The manual transmission shifts smoothly through the gear lever and the clutch pedal is delightfully light. The AMT gearbox is certainly a convenient option despite the un-dramatic driving experience. Gets 187mm of ground clearance and the suspension absorbs big bumps and sharp-edged pot-holes at slow speeds with hardly any noise. The steering has a nice weight to it and the overall tyre grip is more than adequate for the amount of power it delivers. To get the best out of the AMT transmission, leave it in D-mode and let it go about its job.

Negatives:

It lacks pulling power below 3,000rpm, which is not ideal in city traffic, especially when fully loaded, considering its 1,000kg kerb weight. The clutch pedal does not offer much feedback to the driver and hence is difficult to modulate. The occupants will experience some vertical motion at highway speeds due to the soft suspension. The steering feedback is not progressive as it leaves one second-guessing while manoeuvring. With very little performance below 3,000rpm, the AMT needs to be in the City mode for any possible useable performance in the city. Overtaking in the AMT version needs planning as the gearbox is not quick to deliver the expected performance. It is one of the slowest cars we have tested and the lengthy times are due to the lack of initial grunt.

Tata Punch Key Specifications: Fuel Type Petrol Engine 1199 cc Transmission Manual & Automatic (AMT) Mileage (User Reported) 16 to 18 kmpl Power 87 bhp Torque 115 Nm

Punch Convenience and Technology; Positives:

It is available with a voice-assisted electric sunroof, projector headlamps with LED DRLs, and front fog lights with cornering function. Tata Punch Sunroof/Moonroof The 90-degree opening doors and the height make ingress and egress convenient for all passengers. Tata Punch Front Left Door Pad It gets automatic climate control, auto-fold ORVMs, push start/stop button, and a fast charging Type-A USB port. Tata Punch AC Controls All controls to the car’s functions are easily accessible and the switches and buttons feel robust; something missing in cars from this segment. There is a height-adjustable driver seat, tilt steering, auto headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers. Tata Punch Steering Adjustment Lever/Controller The visibility is excellent so one can easily steer the Punch even through heavy traffic. Tata Punch Right Side View It is offered with a six-speaker seven-inch Harman infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster. Tata Punch Dashboard Despite its compact size, the Punch has surprising levels of space, comfort, thigh support, and leg and headroom at the rear. Tata Punch Rear Seats The Punch also gets iRA, Tata Motor’s connected car tech, with access to WhatsApp and SMS readout. Negatives:

The central locking feature works only via the driver’s side door handle; it needs a dedicated switch on the dash or door. The rear shoulder room is restrictive for more than two passengers and storage spaces too are minimal. There are no rear AC vents and the rear armrest does not have integrated cup holders.

Punch Safety; Positives:

The Tata Punch received a five-star safety rating for the crash tests done by GNCAP. It gets dual front airbags as standard, ESP, reverse parking camera, ISOFIX, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Negatives:

The Punch needs to get six airbags as standard to make it a more enticing package.

Punch Exterior and Interior Styling; Positives:

It has an unmistakable SUV stance, projector headlamps with LED DRLs, and bold LED taillamps. Tata Punch Left Front Three Quarter Has a leather steering and gear knob, body-coloured air vents, flat-bottom or D-cut steering, and a dual-tone dashboard for a more premium touch. Tata Punch Steering Wheel The 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, side cladding, roof-rails, and shark fin antenna add to the attractive design. Tata Punch Right Rear Three Quarter Although built to a price, it’s smartly designed with a modern dash, floating touchscreen, and decent plastics. Tata Punch Engine Start Button Gets Atomic Orange, Orcus White, Daytona Grey, Tropical Mist, and Meteor Bronze colour options with a black roof, and Tornado Blue and Calypso Red with a white roof. The air vents feel solid (well-engineered) and the seats are nicely upholstered; overall gives excellent value for money. Tata Punch Rear Seats Negatives:

The rear door handle can be placed on the door to be more accessible; is currently on the C-pillar. The instrument cluster’s overall design looks uninteresting and has to be more attractive.

Tata Punch Mileage Tata Punch mileage claimed by owners is 16.75 to 17.2 kmpl.

Powertrain User Reported Mileage Petrol - Manual(1199 cc) 17.2 kmpl CNG - Manual(1199 cc) 17.39 km/kg Petrol - Automatic (AMT)(1199 cc) 16.75 kmpl...