The Tata Punch was launched recently and the model has been off to a good start kick-starting its own micro-SUV segment in the process. While the model impresses with its styling and features, some would say the petrol engine did leave a lot to be desired. While a turbo mill is one of the demands on the Tata Punch, it now seems the company is also preparing a diesel version of the model to further widen its appeal to customers. The latest spy images that recently emerged online surely indicate the same.
A diesel-powered Tata Punch was snapped recently refuelling at a fuel pump in Pune. The source suggests that the car was seen filling up diesel. While we don’t think the erstwhile 1.05-litre diesel engine from the Tiago will make a comeback, our next best bet is the 1.5-litre diesel making its presence on the Punch micro-SUV. The offering is based on the ALFA architecture that also underpins the Altroz and it would be easier for Tata to accommodate the oil burner on the Punch SUV.
The 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel is tuned for 90PS and 113Nm of peak torque. On the Altroz, it’s managed to impress us with its punchy performance and strong mid-range and there’s no reason to believe it will performance otherwise on the lighter Punch micro-SUV. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Meanwhile, Tata has spoken about the 1.2-litre turbo petrol also from the Altroz also being a possibility on the Punch micro-SUV. This engine develops 110PS and 140Nm of peak torque and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
However, it will be the price point that will make the Punch an interesting affair. The current range starts at Rs. 5.49 lakh, going up to Rs. 9.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Considering that the diesel versions would be at least Rs. 1 lakh more expensive, the Punch diesel variants would be priced between Rs. 7-10.5 lakh. That would overlap with the Altroz and the lower variant of the Nexon. It’ll be interesting, nevertheless, to see if there’s strong demand for the Punch diesel. The Punch Turbo petrol could be priced between Rs. 9-11 lakh (ex-showroom) mark as well.
On the feature front, the model will remain the same with the 7-inch touchscreen unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and iRA connected tech. There’s also the semi-digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights with follow-me-home, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and more. At present, the Tata Punch competes with the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. While the former offerings got diesel at one point of time, both Renault and Nissan have consciously stayed away from it. Would we see the revival of diesel at this price point? 2022 should have that answer.
