Tata Motors previews new Punch micro-SUV ahead of festive season launch

Eighteen months after Tata Motors unveiled the HBX Concept at the Auto Expo 2020 in Greater Noida, the company today revealed the production-ready model, called Tata Punch. The latest Tata SUV is slated for a national launch this festive season.

The Tata Punch micro-SUV, which bears a close resemblance to the HBX concept (below right), is the first SUV built on the ALFA-ARC (Agile Light Flexible Advanced Architecture) platform, developed under the Impact 2.0 design language.

While Tata Motors has not released any photo of the Punch’s interiors, expect the micro-SUV to deliver something similar to the HBX concept – 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system and squarish air-conditioning vents. It can be surmised that the Punch will share some interior bits like the three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, HVAC controls, and even the part-digital instrument cluster with a digital tachometer and analogue speedometer, with the Tata Altroz.

According to Autocar India, the Punch is likely to be powered by two 1.2-litre engine options. The lower-spec version will be a naturally aspirated engine that powers the Tiago and the Tigor while higher variants are expected to get the 1.2-litre turbo-charged version.

Pricing for the Tata Punch is likely to start just below the Rs 500,000 mark, taking on crossovers like the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the upcoming Hyundai Casper. It will also take on entry-level compact SUVs like the recently launched Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.

Commenting on the latest SUV from the company, Shailesh Chandra - President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors said: “The Tata Punch, as the name suggests, is an energetic vehicle with a capability to go anywhere. Light on its feet and strong in its calibre, this is a vehicle which truly punches above its weight. With the perfect combination of stunning design, technology and driving dynamics, the Punch will come equipped with superlative features and an architecture that has proven its versatility in all forms. True to the SUV genes of all Tata Motors’ products and catering to needs of customers who are looking for a compact city car with pure SUV characteristics, the Punch will be the fourth addition to our SUV family, widening the range of options for all to choose from. 

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