In August this year, Tata Motors confirmed that the H2X concept that we all saw in 2019 would carry the name Punch in production form. And now, we’ve got almost all the dope on the vehicle. But before getting into those details, let’s get one thing out of the way – Tata Motors has officially started accepting bookings for the car in question from today. One can do that by paying the minimum token amount of Rs 21,000 online or offline (by visiting an authorised dealer). As for the prices, they will be revealed on October 20, 2021.

The Punch is built on the same platform as the Altroz – ALFA architecture. That gives the newcomer some crucial benefits, including doors that open up to 90 degrees. Besides that, safety should be top-notch, considering how well the Altroz fared in the Global NCAP crash test. And, courtesy of its design, the approach and departure angles, ground clearance (187mm) and water wading capability (370mm) will come in handy in tricky terrains.

Dimensions

Riding on a wheelbase that stretches 2,445mm, the Punch measures 3,827mm in length, 1,945mm in width and 1,615mm in height. In other words, it is noticeably smaller than the Nexon and will serve a lower segment. As for the boot space, that can gulp 366 litres of stuff, and there’s seating for five.

Powertrain

As expected, the Punch is a petrol-only model. And, there’s only one engine on offer at the moment – the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder motor that serves the Tiago, Tigor and Altroz. The powerplant pumps out 84bhp/113Nm. That’s enough for a 0-60kmph sprint time of 6.5 seconds. Moreover, Tata says that a run from nothing to 100kmph can be completed in 16.5 seconds. As standard, the engine comes coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. However, there’s an option for a 5-speed AMT.

Trim levels

Tata Motors has taken a different approach and devised four trims for the Punch – Pure, Adventure, Accomplished and Creative. To enrich the package further, buyers can pay for pre-defined customisation packages. The first two trims – Pure and Adventure – can be clubbed with a Rhythm pack. As for the Accomplished and Creative derivatives, there’s Dazzle and IRA packs, respectively. If opted for, those packs rope in additional features.

Features

As standard, the Punch packs stuff like Brake Sway Control (segment-first), dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX, tilt-adjust on the steering wheel and front power windows. The next-in-line Adventure trim gets additional features such as a 4.0-inch infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, all power windows, wheel covers and electrically adjustable ORVMs. For creature comforts like a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view camera, cruise control, traction pro and push-button start/stop, you’ll have to settle for the Accomplished variant, at least.

The range-topping version gets all the bells and whistles, including 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, auto headlamps and wipers, auto-folding ORVMs, fully automatic climate control and projector headlamps with LED DRLs. However, if you want Tata’s IRA connected-car tech, you’ll have to purchase the IRA pack in customisation options.

Colours

There are seven of them – Orcus White, Daytona Grey, Tropical Mist, Atomic Orange, Meteor Bronze, Tornado Blue and Calypso Red. Yes, you can have the Punch in a dual-tone finish as well. But, that’s reserved for the top-end Creative variants only. Besides the last two shades, which can be coupled with a white roof, the other five have the option of a blacked-out top.

Rivals

Tata says that the Punch will create a segment of its own. However, Maruti Suzuki might disagree as it has been selling Ignis for a while now. That has a similar character to the Punch. Besides that, Tata’s newest offering will also give models like the Nissan Magnite and the Renault Kiger something to think about.