Tata Punch: My impressions from a driver's perspective

This being a high riding crossover / SUV body style, the handling remains playful enough and does remind me of the ALFA ARC genetics of the Altroz or may be its the same steering wheel. However, the not so soft suspension may be helping the Punch handle well.

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Video: 2021 Tata Punch: A Driver's Perspective Review

Likes:

• Exterior design & the name Punch.
• Interior design & spaciousness.
• High speed ride quality.
• Light weight platform.

Dislikes:

• This engine & the name Punch don't match.
• No diesel option (Deserves the 1.5L)
• Suspension feels stiff < 60 km/h
• Lack of a conventional A/T.

This "Driver" focused review focuses on the following:

As we all know, that before Tata Motors gave this product a name, it was internally code named the X445 & had been provisionally named Hornbill. The X445 code name gives away valid proof that this car is based on the 45X hatchback which is nothing but the Altroz, implying the Punch is based on the ALFA-ARC platform.

The key to this platform is its modularity, as this platform is flexible to make different body styles & even does support future EV implementation.
In fact, this platform was one reason Tata Motors was able to cut down from the earlier 6 platforms to only 2, and the other being the OMEGA ARC, which underpins the Harrier and Safari. In fact, this platform is so flexible and modular, it can be compared to VW's MQB platform & in reality during mid 2017, VW was considering building cars using Tata's platform, however for some reason, that did not work out & VW themselves modified their MQB into MQB A0 IN for the Indian market.

Finally, yes this is the ALFA ARC platform previously seen on the Altroz which has been modified with higher ground clearance and a higher driving position for the Punch.

There are some good riding cars in this segment & similarly, the Punch doesn't disappoint much. Thought the suspension is a bit still at lower speeds (< 60 km/h), but at higher speeds, the Punch feels matured for its size & segment. The wheel size is 16" (Top spec/variant) but the tyre profile is 60, and that cushions more than the suspension at lower speeds on bad sections of the road. Overall, its a continuation of the notion that new age Tata cars offer good ride quality.

This being a high riding crossover / SUV body style, the handling remains playful enough, and does remind me of the ALFA ARC genetics of the Altroz, or may be its the same steering wheel. However, the not so soft suspension may be helping the Punch handle well. Another contributing factor to good handling (for the segment) may be the less weight (1035 kgs: Top spec/variant).

The place where this little Tata lacks a PUNCH is in the engine department. 1.2L N/A, 3 cylinder. The power outputs are not worth mentioning. Instead, its important to note the drivability remains favourable in city limits & the low rpm pick up is good. It definitely sounds like a 3 cylinder too. I drove the manual variant only, and unsurprisingly, the old & trusted TA65 gearbox is used, which has satisfactory shifts supported by a light short range clutch.

For anyone who has been in new age Tata cars, this cabin will be familiar to them. Right from the instrument cluster to the dashboard layout. The driving position as I said has been emphasized to be upright for the SUV experience and increased visibility. Also, the Infotainment system is of the right size in my opinion and not unnecessarily large. It comes connected with Tata Motors' latest iRA connected car technology. The rear seat feels decently spacious (including the headroom) for the segment. The 5th passenger will get an almost flat floor but 5 heavy / large passengers will not only make the space a struggle, but also the engine scuffle.

Miscellaneous observations & thoughts:

• Fun to extract power from a non powerful motor.
• Commanding driving position & good visibility all around.
• ALFA ARC platform was initially called the AMP (Advanced Modular Platform).
• I personally dislike the half digital instrument cluster, particularly the rev counter.
• Ground clearance for the Punch is 187 mm, where as the Nexon has a GC of 209 mm.
• Ground clearance is high enough to cross speed breakers in 3rd gear, if you know what I mean.
• I personally dislike this 4 spoke alloy wheel design, but it seems many automakers are adopting the 4 spoke trend.
• Did not get the opportunity to try out the iRA app / features, but I believe the TEAM BHP review has covered it well in this thread.
• Feature list is encouraging (Sunroof fans may have to wait a bit longer till Tata provides one in the future), Harman 6 speaker music system sounds good for the segment. A/C is powerful.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and observations.