Tata's latest arrival in the Indian market, the Punch, was recently spotted filling up diesel at a fuel station in Pune, exposing that the homegrown maker is testing a diesel variant of the micro-SUV. It is expected to be launched sometime in 2022. While the automaker is yet to share any details regarding its engine details, we reckon it will get the same 1.5-litre diesel engine (90PS/200Nm) as the Altroz hatchback, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission only.
At present, Tata offers the Punch with a sole 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is good enough in generating 83PS and 113Nm. It can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT automatic transmission. The Punch also features an automatic engine start/stop function that improves fuel efficiency. That said, it is claimed to deliver a mileage of 18.97kmpl with manual and 18.82kmpl with the automatic gearbox.
The Punch might also receive a more-powerful 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the near future. Additionally, a dual-clutch transmission is also reportedly in the works, which is expected to be offered with i-Turbo variants of the Altroz first before being offered with the Punch SUV.
Currently, the 5-seater Tata Punch is available in four major trims: Pure, Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative. Its top-spec trim comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen system, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, iRA connected car technology (optional), a semi-digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera. The company also offers three factory-fitted customization packs with the micro-SUV, namely Rhythm pack (for Pure and Adventure trims only), Dazzle (for Accomplished trim) and IRA packs (for Creative trim).
Tata retails the micro-SUV from Rs 5.49 lakh to Rs 9.09 lakh (introductory; ex-showroom, Delhi), putting it against the Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Maruti Suzuki Ignis and select variants of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.
