Tata Motors has confirmed that it will unveil the Punch micro-SUV on October 4. Its pre-bookings are already open at the dealership level (unofficial) for a token amount ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 21,000.
The Tata Punch will be based on the ALFA-ARC platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Altroz premium hatchback. Both of them will also share a number of features as well as the petrol engine options.
Design-wise the Punch looks like a tiny version of the Harrier mid-sized SUV from the front, featuring a similarly styled split headlamps setup, upright stance and dual-tone bumper with prominent black cladding. The side profile of the SUV has been adorned by 16-inch diamond-cut dual-tone alloy wheels, prominent wheel arches, C-pillar-mounted door handles, and a slightly raked roofline with roof rails. At the back, it sports a roof-mounted spoiler, upright tailgate section and wraparound LED taillamps with the tri-arrow pattern.
Inside, it will get a dual-tone dark grey & ivory theme with color accents on the air-con vents. In terms of equipment, Tata’s smallest SUV will come with an Altroz-like 7-inch touchscreen system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, auto AC, cruise control, push-button start/stop, and a flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel. Besides, it could also get auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and iRA connected car suite.
Safety features should be taken care of dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, hill start assist, corner stability control, electronic stability control, and rear parking sensors with camera.
The Punch is likely to be powered by Altroz's 1.2-litre naturally aspirated (86PS/113Nm) and turbocharged (110PS/140Nm) petrol engines. While both will get a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, the non-turbo unit could also get an optional 5-speed AMT.
Expect Tata to price the Punch from around Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it against the Mahindra KUV100 NXT and Maruti Suzuki Ignis.
