The Tata HBX compact SUV concept has been given the name Punch, and it will be released in India in the coming months. This is a new car that will sit between the Tiago NRG and the Nexon in the Tata portfolio, and it will be the company's smallest SUV.
The Punch, which is based on the same ALFA platform as the Altroz, is projected to have a shorter wheelbase than the hatchback, with a wheelbase of roughly 3850mm according to industry standards. The nose is similar to that of the Harrier, with slim LEDs on top and a tri-arrow motif for the headlamps. The massive bumpers hint at the production model's aggressive body covering. Tata stated at the time of the concept car's introduction that the production-spec car's wheels and tyres will be toned down, and spy photographs show 15-inch units across the range.
Once you get past the cabin's frills and garnish, it's clear that the Punch's top-spec vehicles will come with a segment-leading feature set. This includes keyless entry, cruise control, climate control, a semi-digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment with floating display, driver seat height adjustment, a rear armrest with cup holders, and a cabin with a full black colour scheme.
It's likely to be available with Tata's 1.2-litre petrol engine, which produces 84bhp/113Nm and comes with a five-speed manual or automated manual transmission. After the rest of the Tata line gets it, we expect a CNG option to be available.
When it arrives, the Punch will compete in the newly established mini SUV sector against the Ford Freestyle, Mahindra KUV100, and Maruti Suzuki Ignis, among others. Tata is expected to price the Punch hbx between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 8 lakh.
