The Tata Punch iCNG has emerged as a compact SUV that combines style, practicality, and fuel efficiency, offering a fresh perspective in the growing market of CNG-powered vehicles. With the increasing shift towards greener, more economical options, Tata Motors has equipped the Punch with a dual-fuel powertrain to cater to eco-conscious buyers. In this review, we take the Tata Punch iCNG for a road test to explore its performance, efficiency, and overall driving experience.
Bold and Modern Design
The Tata Punch has always been a head-turner, and the iCNG variant continues this trend with its bold, contemporary design. The front end features Tata’s signature humanity grille, which adds to the SUV’s assertive stance. The sculpted bonnet and sharp lines running across the body further enhance its muscular appeal, while the sleek LED daytime running lights (DRLs) give it a modern touch.
The compact dimensions of the Punch make it ideal for city driving, with its high ground clearance and elevated stance offering a commanding view of the road. The alloy wheels, body cladding, and roof rails add to its rugged SUV-like character. The rear features distinctive tail-lamps and a well-integrated bumper that adds to its youthful and dynamic look. Tata has managed to give the Punch iCNG a solid, tough appearance while ensuring that it doesn’t feel oversized, making it the perfect fit for urban environments.
Spacious and Practical Interior
Step inside the Tata Punch iCNG, and you’ll immediately notice its practical and user-friendly cabin. While the interior doesn’t boast the luxury finishes of higher-end models, it offers a no-nonsense, functional design that’s ideal for daily use. The cabin features a dual-tone color scheme, with the dashboard offering a clean, minimalist layout. The quality of materials used is good, and the fit-and-finish are up to par for the segment.
The Punch iCNG is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to connect your smartphone for navigation, music, and hands-free calls. The interface is simple and responsive, providing seamless connectivity while on the move. Other features such as a reverse camera, steering-mounted controls, and automatic climate control further enhance the cabin’s appeal, making it a comfortable place to spend long hours on the road.
Comfort is a strong point for the Punch iCNG, as the seats are well-cushioned and supportive, with enough space in the front and rear to accommodate adults comfortably. The rear seats offer good legroom and headroom, ensuring that passengers can travel comfortably even during longer trips. The boot space is also practical, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or weekend getaway bags, making it a versatile option for city commutes or family outings.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the Tata Punch iCNG is powered by a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder engine that produces 73 bhp and 95 Nm of torque when running on CNG. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering a smooth driving experience with responsive power delivery. This engine is designed to provide a perfect balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making the Punch iCNG an excellent choice for urban dwellers who need an efficient vehicle for daily commuting.
On the road, the Punch iCNG impresses with its smooth and composed drive. The engine, though modest in terms of power, offers enough grunt for city driving and highway cruising. The CNG system ensures that the car delivers excellent fuel efficiency, which is one of its standout features. Whether you’re driving through congested city streets or on open highways, the Punch iCNG offers a refined driving experience, with minimal vibrations and a quiet cabin.
The handling is nimble, thanks to the compact dimensions and well-tuned suspension. The Punch iCNG absorbs bumps and rough patches of road with ease, ensuring a comfortable ride even in areas with less-than-ideal road conditions. The steering is light and precise, which adds to the ease of maneuvering the car through tight corners or heavy traffic. The high ground clearance also contributes to its off-road capability, making it suitable for light off-roading when required.
Fuel Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the main selling points of the Tata Punch iCNG is its impressive fuel efficiency. As a CNG-powered vehicle, it offers remarkable savings at the pump. The CNG version of the Punch delivers an excellent fuel economy, with figures that outshine traditional petrol-powered vehicles. This makes the Punch iCNG a cost-effective option for those who have long daily commutes or frequent city driving.
The CNG system is designed to be easy to refuel, with tanks that offer a decent range on a single fill-up. Additionally, the availability of CNG stations in many parts of the country is expanding, making it a practical choice for buyers looking to transition to a more eco-friendly mode of transportation without compromising on convenience. The low cost of CNG fuel further enhances the Punch’s appeal, especially when compared to petrol and diesel alternatives.
Safety and Driving Confidence
The Tata Punch iCNG comes equipped with a solid set of safety features, which is always a priority for Tata Motors. The vehicle includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. These features contribute to a safer driving experience, ensuring peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.
Additionally, the Punch iCNG is built on a strong platform that provides good structural integrity, helping the vehicle withstand impacts in the event of a collision. The high ground clearance also ensures that the vehicle is less likely to scrape its underbody when driving over uneven surfaces, further improving its safety credentials.
Verdict: Efficient and Practical
The Tata Punch iCNG is a standout offering in the compact SUV segment, combining the ruggedness of an SUV with the eco-friendly benefits of CNG technology. It provides excellent fuel efficiency, a comfortable cabin, and a smooth, composed drive, making it an ideal choice for urban commuters. Whether you’re looking for a practical city car or a budget-friendly vehicle with lower running costs, the Tata Punch iCNG delivers on all fronts.
While it may not offer the same level of refinement as higher-end models, its rugged charm, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance make it an attractive choice for eco-conscious buyers. The Punch iCNG successfully blends efficiency, practicality, and performance in a way that makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on quality or driving experience.
