Tata Punch long-term review - city-dweller favourite
We've spent the last three months putting 5,000 km on the Tata Punch you see here. This is the petrol manual in the Smart Camo style package, which we think does just enough for its SUV theme. The white roof and black elements especially make it stand out.
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With its size and footprint, the one thing you get used to quickly is that the Punch is quite easy to place in traffic. You have that SUV-like seating position and frontal visibility is good, even with the large blind spots. Yes, a 360-degree camera would have been good, but the rearview camera as it stands is quite clear as far as this price point goes. The steering is not quite precise, but the heft and effort needed didn't tire us on long stints through traffic.
There is also no compromise in that tough feel you expect from a Tata. This small car will take a beating, and you can confidently tackle anything your local roads throw at you. It's not the plushest, but it gets you through these patches feeling assured, which adds up when you tackle such roads on a daily basis. The seats deserve a mention too. They are supportive and don't cause fatigue over a long journey. The Punch also has good highway stability, so over long journeys, you are doing quite well.
The instrument cluster leaves a lot to be desired. It's the older segment LED setup, where you don't quite know for sure your RPM, but most annoying is the non-linear fuel gauge and the quite cautious fuel warning light. Conversely, the touchscreen is one of the best in this segment. Most of this unit's early glitches seem to have been sorted, so it comes through as responsive and intuitive.
But the thing that holds the Punch back the most is the powertrain. The standards in this segment are quite high, so this engine's rough, grumbly nature is stark. It also is not the most responsive and doesn't like being rushed. Yes, it's tractable, but you notice that it can't quite keep up with quicker inputs. The same can be said of the gearbox. Its long throws and mushy shifts need patience. Oddly, the clutch too needs a firm shove to engage fully, so if you are driving quickly, you need to be extra careful. We also wish it was a bit more efficient. We managed 14 kmpl, which is good, but there are more efficient alternatives.
As for the Punch's reliability, we didn't face any major troubles, although some of the beading around the mirror and windscreen did come loose.
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