Tata Punch EV: Why a Punch ICE owner came away impressed

From 80 kmph to the claimed top speed, the Punch EV felt exactly as strong as flooring the Polo 1.6 GT TDI/ Figo 1.5 TDCI in 4th gear.

BHPian PrasannaDhana recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I had the chance to test drive the Punch EV LR. I have test driven the Tiago EV LR a few months ago. Forget the improved range, features and 4 extra air bags, Punch EV is worth the 2 lakhs extra cost (Punch EV LR Adventure) over the top trim Tiago LR just for the performance.

It gets the new gen steering with the screen in the middle. The nice contours that Punch/Altroz IC cars have, is missing in Punch EV steering.

The 10 inch touch screen ICE looks nice too. Top end gets paddles, the one in right to increase regen level and the one in left to reduce it. Regen level 3 felt much stronger in Punch EV than in Tiago EV. Practically, regen 3 won't be used my most of us. Regen 1 felt ok. Even regen 2 engine braking was too strong to my liking.

Brakes are better in Punch EV than in Punch IC. Space wise, I found no difference between EV & IC except for mildly raised rear floor.

Coming to the most important stuff - Performance

The car is quiet. Performance while driving in City mode felt like any 90 bhp turbo diesel car. It's adequate to most of users. In Sports mode the performance is enjoyable.

To make a comparison,

• It felt faster in acceleration than Polo GT 1.6 TDI/ Figo 1.5 TDCI from 0 to 80 kmph

• From 80 kmph to the claimed top speed, the Punch EV felt exactly as strong as flooring the Polo 1.6 GT TDI/ Figo 1.5 TDCI in 4th gear.

• For those who haven't driven either of those diesel hatchbacks, the performance of Punch EV in sports mode will plaster a wide smile in your face.

• All that, without any drama/noise. You hear the road and the wind though.

• When I started the range was 105 km and after 14 km of having fun with it in Sports mode, the range dropped to 85 km.

• Sedate driving might give a realistic actual range of 250 - 300 km. If you like to have fun, expect no more than 125 to 150 km range for a full charge. Honestly, it's a very respectable range for most of us.

Fully digital speedo was classy

Rotary gear shift button wouldn't engage if the brakes aren't pressed fully. I mean with good pressure. It must be a niggle associated with the particular car I guess. Electronic parking brake like harrier twins.

Ventilated seats were effective but loud too. I actually checked if there was a rear ac vent because of the noise. Lol

I thanked myself for taking my 156 PS storme to test drive and not my Punch IC  Punch Petrol will feel absolutely boring after driving the Punch EV.

Major damage will be to sales of Nexon EV. Punch is almost as much capable at a 30% lower cost. I can see many prospective Nexon EV buyers changing their choice to Punch EV.

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