MOTORING NEWS

More SUVs as TATA Motors makes imminent return to mzansi

TATA Motors Passenger Vehicles are back in South Africa with four exciting new models, including three SUVs of varying sizes.

The Tata Punch is ready to meet the needs of consumers shopping for a compact SUV. 

This no-compromise, compact SUV design, inspired by its bigger brother, the Tata Harrier, embodies class and boasts the highest segment safety having previously tested and certified with a Global NCAP 5-star rating in 2021*. This SUV offers a blend of sporty dynamics and rugged utility, delivering all the right punches in all the right places.

“The Tata Punch is a testament to Tata Motors passenger vehicles commitment to offering South Africans the safest and most stylish vehicles in all segments,” says Thato Magasa, CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Distributor.

“Compact yet commanding, the Punch brings the SUV experience to urban drivers without compromise,” he adds.

The Punch is a tough micro SUV with excellent ride comfort, a high stance with a commanding driving position, higher ground clearance and an extensive host of innovative technology features. It offers an excellent combination of ruggedness and ease of use, making it perfect for the urban explorer.

 This versatility is why the Tata Punch has been loved by customers across the globe and why it became the best-selling car in India in 2024.

“Our vision with the Punch was to create a small SUV that feels big in presence,” says Martin Uhlarik, Global Head of Design, Tata Motors.

“Every detail—from the floating touchscreen to the sporty roof rails—has been designed to deliver a confident and dynamic driving experience,” he adds.

Signature Tata styling

Upfront, the grille is home to Tata’s signature humanity line, which incorporates a dash of chrome as an extension of the car’s bold and minimal philosophy. This is flanked by projector headlamps and LED DRLs.

Protective cladding on the doors, wheel arches and lower sills add a touch of sophistication that compliment the car’s chic design while elevating the overall aesthetic and providing a degree of protection. Up top, stylish roof rails and a shark fin antenna enhance utility. A set of bold LED taillights completes the rear end.

The Tata Punch is available in a variety of colours, which are further accentuated by a dual-tone contrast roof.

A roomy, well-equipped interior

Inside, an eye-catching dashboard that looks premium and feels stylish thanks to a dual-tone dashboard layout. Upholstery with a Tri-Arrow design makes passengers feel like royalty.

The interior is remarkably spacious, a fact that is enhanced by a flat floor, which adds to the feeling of spaciousness. A centrally located Grand Console with armrest enhances the feeling of space. This is complemented by a boot that measures an impressive 366 litres.

A high seating position is also height-adjustable for the perfect command driving position and enhanced visibility.

All models feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and either a 7-inch infotainment screen by Harman or a floating 10.25-inch Infotainment system. Four speakers and two tweeters create an immersive entertainment experience.

A stylish D-Cut leather covered steering wheel ensures enhanced control. Cutting-edge technology features include push-button start, steering-mounted controls, an electric sunroof (dependent on derivative), and other comfort-enhancing elements, such as over 25 utility spaces, including a cooled glove box on certain derivatives. Keeping those important devices charged is a wireless charger and a fast C-type port.

One of the Punch’s many innovative features are doors that can open a full 90 degrees for easier ingress and egress.

Automatic Climate Control with Xpress Cool adjusts temperature automatically and rear air conditioner vents are in place to ensure comfort for all occupants.

On all derivatives safety is taken care of by ABS with EBD, Corner Stability Control, Dual Airbags and an Electronic Stability Program amongst other features, which earned the Punch a five-star Global NCAP rating.

Under the bonnet

The Tata Punch is powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron, three-cylinder engine, featuring DynaPro technology which offers 65kW at 6000rpm and 115Nm at 3 350rpm.

The Punch will be available with both a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed Automated Manual Transmission.

Boosting efficiency is the innovative Idle Stop Start system. The driver is also able to tailor power delivery and efficiency by means of two driving modes labelled Eco and City on all derivatives.

Independent, lower wishbone Mcpherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent twist beam with coil spring and shock absorber at the rear ensure a balanced compliant ride. 187mm of ground clearance means that you sit tall and have the ability to tackle rough terrain.

Five derivatives to choose from

Five derivatives of the Tata Punch will be available, all offering a high-level of standard specification.

Standout features on the Adventure model, available exclusively with a manual transmission include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear parking sensor and a seven-inch infotainment screen.

The Adventure + S is available in both manual and Automated Manual Transmisison configurations and adds a front armrest, integrated roof rails, an electric sunroof, reverse parking camera, rain sensing wipers, auto headlamps, push button start and shark fin antenna to the standard fare.

The top of the range Accomplished + AMT and Creative + AMT build on this extensive offering with upgraded wheel design, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a floating 10.25-inch infotainment system, the FATC Air Con, cruise control, a wireless charger, LED Lamps with a Tri-Arrow Design and an illuminated glovebox with cooling function.

The Punch Accomplished + AMT rides on 15-inch hyper style wheels while the Creative + is fitted with stylish 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.

Warranty and pricing

Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure MT                            R244 900

Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure + S MT                     R269 900

Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure + S AMT                   R288 900

Tata Punch 1.2 Accomplished + AMT                R309 900

Tata Punch 1.2 Creative + AMT                          R339 900

Pricing includes a three-year/45 000km service plan and a five-year/125 000km warranty.

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