Tata Punch Micro SUV Revealed

by admin | August 23, 2021

Tata Punch Micro SUV Revealed Almost Similar to HBX Concept !

Tata Motors is getting ready for the launch of its new Sub compact crossover SUV, now named the PUNCH. Teaser images and videos have been released by the manufacturer, revealing just the front fascia. However, here are the complete details on the new micro crossover that we have figured out through spy images and videos.

Here are the details on the new Altroz turbo petrol:

The first crossover SUV based on the ALFA arc platform of the Altroz, with Harrier inspired styling.

Will be available with a 1.2L Revotron 3 cyl petrol engine similar to the Tata Tiago and Altroz.

Will also include Engine auto Start/Stop system on specific variants.

Top spec variant will offer Projector headlamps, TFT instrument cluster, Cruise control, touchscreen system among other features.

DESIGN The Tata Punch is essentially the production spec version of the HBX concept showcased at the 2020 Delhi Auto expo. Except for the more traditional looking front bumper which houses the fog lamps, the overall design remains almost identical. The projector headlamps are located lower in the bumper with the LED strips on top, quite similar to the Harrier. The wheel arches are muscular while also featuring black cladding all around. Unlike the Nexon and Harrier, the cabin is more upright, lending a more tall-boy crossover look. Being based on the Altroz platform, the rear door handles are integrated into the C pillar design along with the 90 degree opening doors, similar to the Altroz.

The rear design is more traditional, with a simple chiseled tailgate and raked rear glass. The rear bumper houses the Registration plate, being flanked by big reflectors. Unlike the off road spec tyres on the concept, the Punch will get 16” dual tone alloys on the top spec variants. All except the base model is expected to get roof rails also. Similar to the Altroz, only the higher variants will get rear wiper with washer and defogger.

DIMENSIONS The Tata Punch will slot below the Altroz in both, dimensions and positioning. The HBX concept was 3840mm in length, 1822mm in width and 1635mm in height. While the width and height of the production version may differ slightly, the Punch will be longer than the Tiago while being taller than the Nexon. It is also expected to be similar in width to the NEXON.

INTERIOR The overall design and layout of the interior will be almost identical to the HBX concept. Similar to the Altroz, the Punch will offer a dual tone theme, with a centrally mounted freestanding 7” Touchscreen on top. The lower variants will also get the Harman monochrome audio system carried over from the lower variants of the Nexon and Altroz. On the top most Variant, the Punch will also offer the semi digital TFT instrument cluster setup similar to the Altroz XZ+.

Other features will include Cruise control, Auto headlamps and wipers, Smart key access with push button start, Engine auto start/Stop system, Auto climate control, Power windows and Auto folding ORVMs. The 7” touchscreen will offer 6 Harman speakers, standard Android auto / Apple carplay connectivity, What3words based navigation, IRA connected car features and Voice command controls for Media, FM, Auto AC and Calls.

While a front Armrest will not be offered, the rear seats will get a center armrest along with adjustable headrests only on the higher variants.

PRACTICALITY Being almost as wide as the Nexon, the Punch will have a flatter rear bench, making it more comfortable for 3 abreast seating. Similar to the Altroz, the Punch will have a plethora of storage options including bottle and umbrella holders on the doors, a large cooled glovebox and cubbyholes in the center Console. The Boot space is expected to be at around 300L, which is better than the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100.

POWERTRAIN The Tata Punch will continue with the same 1.2L 3cyl Revotron petrol engine from the Altroz. This engine produces 86PS of max Power and 113NM of peak torque with the option of a 5 speed manual gearbox or an AMT. The Tata Punch is also likely to offer an Economy drive mode for better efficiency. The higher variants will also offer Auto Engine Start/Stop feature.

It is likely that the iTurbo petrol or the Revotorq Turbo diesel could also be offered on the Tata Punch.

POSITIONING Being a feature loaded sub compact crossover SUV with the mentioned dimensions and powertrain options, the Tata Punch can compete with various cars across categories. The Lower specced variants could target the Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Spresso. The mid level variants could aim for the 1.2L petrol versions of the WagonR, Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100. The most feature loaded top variant could rival the 1.0L non turbo variants of the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite; along with the 1.2L non turbo variants of the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet.

PRICING & LAUNCH

The Tata Punch sub compact SUV is expected to be launched in the month of October. Pricing is expected to start from Rs.4.99L for the base variant and go up to Rs.7L for the XZ variant. (All prices ex showroom) Stay tuned for further updates on the Tata Punch sub compact SUV.

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Kia Picanto 2020: Will it come to India?

But what about hatchbacks? Well, they’re still in demand too and we think they still would be in the near future. After all, small, affordable and peppy cars are always good in have in congested cities. Speaking of small cars, the Kia Picanto has made quite a name since its launch a few years ago. Also known as ‘ Kia Morning’ in many countries, the Picanto is available in three engine options, funky colours and a few of the so called attractive features.

Based on the Hyundai i10 platform internationally, the Picanto is quite similar in size to that of the

i10 making it look like one too, if you look closely from different angles. But that’s possible only if you have a keen eye. The 2020 avatar of the Picanto has many aesthetic changes made to it which make it a bit overwhelming for a small car.

The front end gets a new chrome ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, LED projector headlamps, a redesigned bumper with a new place for the fog lights and bigger air dams. Overall, we think Kia has tried to make the Picanto look a bit aggressive but the front actually looks like there’s too much happening there all at the same time. A bit cramped of sorts.

The rear and sides too don’t miss out on the 2020 updates. The rear bumper gets a diffuser, taillights are now LED and the alloy wheels get a new design. Yes, we know, it looks like it has fake exhausts. The look at the back is opposite from what’s happening in the front. There’s lots of space the designers could fill stuff in. Or not, perhaps.

Speaking of the interior, most things looked the same as the earlier models except for a few additions that would make it a highly attractive package in India. A large eight- inch touch screen Infotainment System with UVO connectivity suite, automatic AC, push button start- stop, an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats and a semi digital instrument panel with a 4.2 inch multi- information display. As keen drivers, we liked the electric sunroof bit the most.

Speaking of the heart of the matter, the Kia Picanto comes with three engine options- a 1.0 litre three cylinder naturally aspirated engine churning out 75 bhp and 95NM of torque, a four cylinder 1.2 litre engine making around 85 bhp and lastly, a 1.0 litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 99 bhp. That’s a lot of choice for a small car! The three cylinder motors however get only a 5 speed manual gearbox whereas the four cylinder motor gets the option of a 4- speed automatic.

Safety too isn’t compromised. It has what most modern small hatchbacks come with- seven airbags, ABS, EBD, reverse parking assist, and many other features which we may not see in India even if the car is launched soon. The seven airbags option is also a great start in terms of safety for a small car like the Picanto and we do hope to see it if at all the car is launched in India.

Speaking of the Kia Picanto launch in India, Kia has expressed that it isn’t keen on entering the hatchback segment in India yet, especially when it is currently focussing on bringing the compact SUV Kia Sonet into India soon. But with times changing quickly, you may see the Picanto on Indian roads sooner than expected. Or, maybe not so soon. Well, only time will tell in case you’ve been waiting for this hatchback.

2020 Ford Figo- What’s changed?

Engine options for both petrol and Diesel Figo remain the same- a 1.5L Diesel engine with 100 Ps of power, 215NM of torque and the 1.2L Ti-VCT inline three petrol Engine that delivers 96PS of power and 119NM of torque.

Other aspects like ride quality, comfort, NVH levels, communicative steering, soft suspension remain the same.

However due to a hike in the price of the BS6 Figo, Ford has excluded some features from the Titanium variant of the car. Features like infotainment system, rear wiper, rear de-fogger, fog lamps, reversing camera, automatic climate control have been excluded- options which buyers look for

the most in car.

The alloy wheels too have been changed in terms of design and build. We preferred the earlier design. However, they remain the same in the Top end variant, also called the Ford Figo Blu which comes in a sporty avatar.

The Ford Figo Blu comes in a power packed avatar with features mentioned above. However, Apple Car Play and Android Auto features have been excluded from the infotainment system as the Figo Blu gets the Fly Audio touch screen infotainment system.

There has been a major shuffling of features with the Ford Figo and the exclusion of many is something that could disappoint many buyers as not everyone would opt for the top- end and youthful Blu variant.

Ford however, has updated one thing in all its cars for 2020. The addition of FordPass connected car technology that works on an in- built 4G data connection which free of cost subscription for three years. The app enables new car owners to obtain real time data like tyre pressures, fuel level, odometer reading, car position and it also allows for remote start/stop and lock/unlock of the vehicle via the app. Owners can also locate nearest fuel stations, local point of interests and nearby Ford dealers, while the Guide function provides help to owners by calling a Ford guide or roadside assistance in case of a breakdown.

While the new Figo has lost a few features, the introduction of FordPass does bring Ford back in the game as such technology is getting quite common in new cars.

Next-gen Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid Launch Timeline Confirmed

It's been almost a decade since the launch of the Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid in India. Finally, these mid size sedans are scheduled to get replaced by all-new models in 2021. However, before laughing the sedans, VW-Skoda will be launching the SUVs first.

The production version of the Skoda Vision IN concept SUV will be the first all new product in their new launch strategy. Next in-line will be the Volkswagen Taigun midsize SUV. Only after these launches, VW’s mid-size sedan will come to the market.

Similar to the current Vento-Rapid models, the new generation sedans will share their underpinnings, switchgear

and powertrains, but will look unique following their brand specific signature design language. Both these sedans will be based on the made for India, MQB-A0-IN platform.

Both the midsize sedans are expected to retain the current 110hp, 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, along with the 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque convertor automatic options. Besides this, VW-SKODA is also likely to bring a hybrid based powertrain.

The larger 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit seen on the VW-SKODA SUVs will not be offered on the new Vento and Rapid sedans.

VW-SKODA is pushing for 95 percent localisation and more parts sharing of new upcoming models to reduce costs.

Stay tuned for further updates on Skoda Volkswagen's new upcoming cars.