One of India’s the top-selling SUVs (essentially a compact crossover), the Tata Punch recently received a midlife update and has benefited with a new 120bhp, 1.2L turbo petrol engine. However, the micro SUV lineup still misses out on a diesel powertrain.
Tata Punch Diesel Could Be A Possibility!
Speaking to Autocar, Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, revealed that the company has always favoured a multiple powertrain strategy. This is why the Punch was first introduced with CNG, followed by the EV version and now the new, more powerful turbocharged petrol engine.
In order to meet changing market demands, Tata Motors keeps updating its products via facelifts, new powertrain options, special editions and next-generation upgrades. Savarkar further added that the Tata Punch diesel variant might be introduced in future, depending on market demand.
Factors to Consider
Before introducing a diesel version of the Punch, Tata Motors must evaluate multiple factors. The carmaker currently offers the Tata Altroz (also based on ALFA platform) with a 1.5L, 4-cylinder diesel engine. However, for the Punch diesel, this engine would require major recalibrated along with mandatory homologation and regulatory approvals. The entire development procedure would significantly increase costs, and such an investment would only make sense if there is strong market demand.
New Turbo & NA Petrol Engines
The updated Tata Punch is now available with a new 1.2L turbo petrol engine, borrowed from the Nexon. This motor, paired with manual gearbox, delivers a maximum power of 120bhp and 170Nm of torque. It accelerates 0 to 100kmph in 11.1 seconds.
The Punch lineup can also be had with the 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine, generating power worth 88bhp and 115Nm of torque. The Punch CNG version offers a peak power of 73bhp and 103Nm of torque. Both the NA petrol and CNG variants are available with either a 5-speed manual and or an AMT gearbox.
