Tata Passenger Electric Mobility has taken the EV market by storm again with the launch of India’s most affordable compact e-SUV, the Punch EV. It is based on a state-of-the-art all-electric modular platform, the Acti.EV, which will also underpin the Curvv EV, Harrier EV and the Sierra EV. With the internal combustion engine Punch signing off the financial year on a high by becoming the third-highest selling vehicle in December, no doubt, its EV version will propel its sales figures further. We tell you our first impressions of the Punch EV including whether you should buy it.
Tata Punch EV Review: Design and Platform
Looks can be deceiving. Even though Tata Motors has decided to retain the ICE Punch’s overall design for its EV version, the latter is based on a brand-new architecture made exclusively for electric vehicles. All second-generation Tata EVs will be powered by Acti.EV platform which will optimize and enhance the battery life and driving range, offer flexible design and cabin space, modern technology and up safety further.
The Punch EV sports Tata Motors’ new digital design language which was first seen in the Nexon EV last year. Being an EV, the new Punch gets a closed front fascia with a connected sleek-looking LED DRL tucked below the bonnet hood. The DRL band doubles up as a sequential indicators and also indicates the charging level. What is interesting is that Tata Motors has decided to place the charging port in front, which, according to the company, makes it a lot more convenient than putting it on the side. The lower bumper, on the other hand, gets a vertical grille with vents to help cool the battery pack. The mini SUV retains the split headlight architecture but has rejigged it with a vertical LED headlight cluster and LED foglamps that have a cornering function. From the side, the Punch EV’s silhouette remains the same as its petrol avatar though it gets a newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels. The rear design stays unchanged except for the silver-coloured faux skid plate.
Tata Punch EV Review: Cabin and Features
The Punch EV’s cabin has an air of premiumness. In all fairness, the dashboard design remains pretty much the same but Tata Motors has changed the dual-tone colours to light and dark grey and has introduced some class-leading functions. First and foremost, the twin 10.25-inch infotainment and the all-new digital instrument cluster stand out. The Harman-made touchscreen is responsive and gets functions like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Arcade. ev app that has 17 apps for gaming, music and media and multiple voice assistants including Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant and from Tata.
It sports a new contemporary-looking two-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls like cruise control and an air purifier With an additional Rs 50,000, the Punch will also come with ambient lights and a voice-assisted electric sunroof. The Punch EV gets a new centre console that houses intuitive and easy-to-use buttons with two toggle switches. At the front, the e-SUV has an array of charging options like 45W Type-C, USB and a 12V socket. Sadly, there are no ports for the rear passengers.
Keeping an eye on convenience, the top models of the Punch EV have front ventilated seats and the rear bench has a supportive backrest and a comfortable seat squab. In terms of space, three adults sitting in the rear will be a squeeze and both the leg space and headroom are limited and feel cramped. With a new modular platform, we feel Tata Motors missed a trick as they could have improved the cabin space.
Tata Punch EV Review: Drive and Safety
The Punch EV is available in two battery packs — 25 kWh and 35 kWh. The former’s output is 80bhp and 114Nm while the latter with 120bhp and 190Nm of torque. We drove the Long Range version. With a start ignition button, the EV comes alive silently. Even though the Punch EV is available in three driving modes — Eco, City and Sport, we decided to leave it on the default mode (City). Like the Nexon, this EV too gets a metal rotary dial gear selector, which takes a second or so to change the function. As expected, the 120 ponies take off from the word go and according to the company, it does 0-100 kmph in 9.5 seconds.
Keeping in mind that this is a mini compact SUV and is electric, which means no power lag, it feels like a lot faster. Honestly, the City mode has more than enough punch, pardon my pun, but it effortlessly cruises in slow-moving traffic and unleashes unadulterated power on the highway.
Watch video: Tata Punch EV Review
We had the Punch EV for half a day and in City mode, it returned a range of around 340 km. Switch to Sport mode and 15 km was reduced. The Sport mode is undoubtedly the fun mode as it offers a lightning pace that will easily put to shame many expensive vehicles. The Punch EV has three regeneration modes which can be controlled by the paddle shifters. The first is very comfortable to use in daily commutes as the brakes gently apply while the second option is more appropriate for slow-moving traffic and the third can be opted for in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The light steering wheel ensures the Punch EV is easy to manoeuvre in tight parking slots. The EV easily gobbles up ditches and drives over tall potholes and speed breakers as it boasts an impressive ground clearance of 190mm. The ride quality ensures passengers are well pampered though the suspension set-up is a tad stiff without compromising on comfort.
The Punch EV is one uncompromised mini SUV that has six airbags, hill descent control, hill hold control, all four disc brakes for long-range versions, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and ISOFIX child seat mounts. It also comes with an electric park brake with auto hold, an SOS calling function, a 36-degree camera and a blind spot monitor.
Tata Punch EV Review: The Punchline
Without getting too detailed, I would buy the Punch EV if my housing society had a charging station. The Punch EV scores high in practicality with a boot space of 366 litres and 14 litres of additional space in the frunk. It comes packed with two powerful battery options along and drives like a breeze. The SUV’s interiors feel premium though the rear space is limited. There is no compromise when it comes to safety and it also gives you the option to do mild off-roading with a 19-degree approach angle, 28-degree departure angle and a ground clearance of 190mm. With a driving range of around 350 km in real-world conditions, the Punch EV is one no-compromise and a value-for-money e-SUV.