2022 Tata Punch Is India’s Newest Tiny SUV With A $7k Price Tag

Tata has officially unveiled the Punch, its first small SUV for the Indian market to go against a growing number of budget-oriented models including the Hyundai Casper, Suzuki Ignis, Renault Kwid, and Mahindra KUV100.

The styling of the Tata Punch, which was previewed last August, incorporates the “Impact 2.0” design language. It is a result of the collaboration between Tata’s design studios in India, the UK, and Italy, with all engineering work taking place in India.

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The Punch follows the current design trends by adopting dual headlights, a muscular body, a heavy dose of plastic cladding on the bumpers and side sills, plus a bi-tone treatment that we often see in the segment. The wheels have a diameter of 15-inches or optionally 16-inches with the latter doing a better job in filling the toned-up squared wheel arches. Measuring 3,827 mm (150.6 inches) in length with a 2,445 mm (96.3 inches) wheelbase, the Punch is larger than a Hyundai Casper but smaller than Citroën’s India-bound C3.

Despite being an entry-level offering, Tata didn’t forget to mention its off-road credentials. The Punch has a 20.3°approach angle, 37.6° departure angle, and 22.2° ramp over angle, and a 370 mm (14.6 inches) water wading capability. This, in combination with the more than adequate 190 mm (7.5 inched) ground clearance, will make it easier to cope with India’s notorious roads.

Tha Tata Punch is based on the ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced Architecture) architecture which also underpins the Altroz B-Segment hatchback. The company suggests that the Punch got a 5-star rating on the Global NCAP tests, which is quite an achievement for an Indian-spec model of this size.

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Under the bonnet, you’ll find a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter Revotron three-cylinder engine producing 84 hp (63 kW / 86 PS) and 113 Nm (83.3 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front axle through a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox.

The Punch is available in four trim levels – Pure, Adventure, Accomplished and Creative, with the optional Rhythm and Dazzle customization packages. Despite the budget-oriented nature of the cabin, the dashboard’s bright-colored accents make it look fresh and appealing. It offers seating for up to five people and the boot has a maximum capacity of 366 liters (12.9 cubic feet).

In terms of equipment, the Pure is pretty basic with dual airbags and front electric windows among little else. The Adventure trim adds a 4-inch infotainment system, 4 speakers, a USB charging port, rear electric windows, and steering-wheel-mounted controls. The mid-spec Accomplished features the pictured Harman 7-inch infotainment, 6 audio speakers, LED taillights, cruise control, and push-button start-stop. Then there is the flagship Creative with an additional 7-inch screen on the instrument cluster, automatic A/C, auto headlights and wipers, rear armrest, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Tata Punch is already available to order in India, priced from Rs. 5.49 Lakhs ($7,287) for the Pure, and topping out to Rs. 9.39 Lakhs ($12,466) for the Creative.