Advice needed: Is it worth paying 10L for a Tata Punch AMT

Having owned the Manza for more than 10 years, he now wants a car that is easy to drive around the traffic in the city. Moreover, it will mostly be used only for my father and mother so a hatchback ("taller hatchbacks") would suffice.

BHPian Puh recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi everyone,

Just a bit of background:

This is my first post in the forum. I have been a vivid reader of team-bhp for almost a year. The numerous reviews and discussions on our forum helped me to buy my first car (Honda city gen 5 V MT).

What car:

I am writing on behalf of my father (in his mid-50s). He currently owns a 2010 TATA Indigo Manza and is now looking for a change. He has had hassle-free ownership and decent experience with the TATA ASS.

Requirements:

Reliability:

He plans to keep the car perhaps for the next 8-10 years. Therefore, reliability and hassle-free (& pocket-friendly) ownership are the topmost requirements.

Fuel efficiency: With the ever-increasing fuel prices, it is quite reasonable that he wants a fuel-efficient car.

Budget: 10 Lakh INR (OTR)

Fuel type: He is very particular about this. He wants petrol only.

Transmission: Automatic

No sedan: Having owned the Manza for more than 10 years, he now wants a car that is easy to drive around the traffic in the city. Moreover, it will mostly be used only for my father and mother so a hatchback ("taller hatchbacks") would suffice.

Where are we now?

My father has been considering the change for quite some time now.

Given his previous (good) experience with TATA is a bit biased towards the TATA stable (being an Indian brand makes its case stronger for him).

However, until recently most of it was just some random chats with me.

Last week, he test drove the Punch and is very much impressed by it. He has virtually decided to go for the Punch Kaziranga edition which comes with all the bells and whistles.

Personally, I am a bit skeptical about his decision for a couple of reasons:

• I feel 10 Lakh OTR for the Punch is too much. He will be paying for features like connected-car which will be seldom used.

• Having read about the hit and miss TATA ownership experience of the forum members, I am not sure whether going with Punch is the correct decision at this time. Will waiting for a year or so for the initial niggles to be ironed out be better?

• I feel the SUV tag commands a premium in India. Altoz might be a good option to consider.

• Even for the Punch, I feel VFM option will be to go with a lower variant (and get the additional accessories installed if required).

Looking forward to your suggestions and advice.

Thanks

Here's what BHPian shancz had to say on the matter:

I think your father isn't just impressed by the Punch's looks and size but also the higher seating which makes ingress/egress and driving so much easier, especially in the city.

Altroz would come with lower seating which might not be preferred and so would the Tiago/Tigor.

Most importantly if he likes the Punch, get it in the model he desires.

You should be happy that he has already selected the car.

The FE won't be that impressive but I am still to meet a private car owner who has sold his/her car due to FE( talking of petrol only).

Just to suffice yourself you can check with him if he wants anything smaller with similar seating like the Ignis but I would guess it would be a no.

Here's what BHPian saikishor had to say on the matter:

Why not try a WagonR? WagonR has immense space at the rear. And given Maruti's service network, it should be more easier to get it serviced when compared to the Punch. And I believe WagonR is much more reliable than the Punch. Another suggestion will be the Honda Jazz CVT, just for the smoother CVT experience.

Punch isn't a bad choice, but the engine in it definitely makes other cars look like worthy contenders.

Here's what BHPian asit.kulkarni93 had to say on the matter:

Your requirements have one answer- Honda Jazz CVT.

1. Easy to drive

2. Easy to get in and out

3. Smooth CVT

Don't waste your 10 lakhs on any AMT equipped car. Any AMT in comparison with a TC or CVT or DCT will feel like a compromise. The Jazz V CVT should be available for 10.6L.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.