KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Punch.ev range starts from Rs 10.99 lakh
- First Tata EV to be based on the Acti.ev platform
- Real-world range of more than 300 km per charge
The 2024 Tata Punch.ev is the first-ever electric car from the brand to be based on Acti.ev platform. Designed with a specific chassis to give better range and performance, the Punch.ev is a cheaper alternative to the Nexon.ev. If you're also planning on buying it, read our detailed 5 positives and 4 negatives below before you make your buying decision. Also, make sure that you've joined our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group for the latest automotive updates.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV 3XO 5 Pros & 5 Cons To Know Before Buying
2024 Tata Punch.ev - 5 Positives
1) Value-for-money Package
The first positive of the Punch.ev is its pricing. The range starts at Rs 10.99 lakh only, thus, making it the cheapest electric SUV on sale in India. Its competition is its elder sibling i.e. the Nexon.ev. However, the Nexon.ev range starts at a whopping Rs 14.49 lakh for the low-range versions. Hence, the value-for-money tag of the Punch.ev is attractive. It offers almost everything that the Nexon.ev does but in a smaller yet practical package. In fact, the long-range version of the Punch.ev is cheaper than the top-spec low-range version of the Nexon.ev.
2) Comfortable Ride Quality
Tata's TELCO DNA is evident on the Punch.ev as it is very subtle to drive. The suspension on it absorbs almost every undulation and bumps on the road. Also, the top-spec variants that come with R16 wheels, feel planted even at triple-digit highway speed. The overall ride quality of Punch.ev is another positive that we recommend for buying it. However, the R16 alloy wheels on the top variants can feel stiff on sharp potholes or bumps but mostly it is a comfortable EV.
3) Practical & Spacious Cabin
The cabin design of Punch.ev is very practical and usable for a family car. Ample storage spaces, spacious and comfortable seats, and a light colour theme make the overall sitting experience smoother. Also, the build quality is solid which generates a sense of safety among the passengers. Being an EV, the NVH levels are excellent on the go as the car remains pliant and comfortable. For feature lovers, its top variants come loaded with a big floating infotainment screen, driving modes, ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless charging and more.
4) Ideal City Car
The compact size of Punch.ev makes it an ideal city car. It is easy to drive in tight spaces and on narrow streets. Also, the short turning radius and good visibility add to its practicality factor. Moreover, the absence of gears and a mechanical drivetrain makes it a very calm car to be in. We also love the fact that its long-range versions are affordable and one can easily get more than 300 km range on a complete charge if driven sedately. The 121bhp motor is very responsive and offers a punch-packed performance for everyday use. Also, the regen modes help in a single-pedal drive inside the city, thus, saving charge for longer use.
5) Safety
Being a Tata vehicle it has to be safe. Hence, there are ample of safety features on offer. Apart from its 5-star crash-test rated structure, it offers 6 airbags, all-four disc brakes, e-parking brake, hill hold and hill descent assist, blind-spot monitoring, etc., on the top variant. Moreover, the overall solid body means the safety of the occupants is uncompromised.
Also Read:
Meanwhile, you can also watch our detailed drive review of the Punch.ev below.
Tata Punch.ev - 4 Negatives
1) Uneven Fit & Finish
Despite using high-quality materials and a new platform, the fit and finish of the car is not up to the mark. During our test drive, the charging port cover popped up and it didn't fit well when tried by Tata's technicians. Also, there are uneven panel gaps inside the cabin and the use of low-grade plastic at crucial places like the center console is evident. It is not a nice feeling to be inside a car that costs as much as a mid-size SUV but with a budget car-like fit & finish.
2) Tata's Concerning After-Sales Experience
Although Tata has differentiated its EV wing from its ICE wing, the service experience is still either a hit or a miss. Internet is full of Tata owners complaining about repeated failures of technicians and cars without getting a solution. Also, the spare parts cost is on the higher side, as reported by the owners on different social media forums. Make sure that the Tata service center near you has a good reputation before you buy the Punch.ev.
3) Cabin Space Limited To 4 Adults
While the overall cabin is spacious and the seats are comfortable, the rear bench is narrow on the Punch.ev. Hence, the space for 3 adults at the rear is almost slim to none. Moreover, the big hump on the floor limits the space for a third passenger. Hence, the cabin is best suited for 4 adult passengers. The max it can do is adjust a kid for the time being; if it is a short drive.
4) No Spare Tyre
Cost-cutting by Tata feels too much when you notice the absence of a spare tyre. There is a puncture kit though which is designed to be used for a quick repair. However, highway drives are still unpredictable without a spare tyre. What if there is a tyre burst out on the highway? Well, good luck!
Also Read: Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor First Drive Review - Similar To Fronx, Yet Different!
Verdict
The Punch.ev has received a positive response from the customers. The new Acti.ev platform is efficient as well as more fun-to-drive than the Nexon.ev. Moreover, the low-range versions are affordable and safer to drive. The affordability factor of the Punch.ev makes a worthy and considerable car to buy over the ICE rivals.