If you’ve been hunting for a sub‑compact SUV that won’t break the bank, Tata’s newest Punch just landed in South Africa.
The base model comes with a 1.2‑litre, 65‑kW naturally aspirated engine and a five‑speed manual gearbox, pushing 115 Nm of torque. The top‑trim Accomplished+ S adds a 1.2‑litre turbocharged unit that cranks out 88 kW and 170 Nm, still mated to a six‑speed manual. Pricing runs from R224,900 for the Pure+, R244,900 for the Adventure, to R269,900 for the Accomplished+ S.
All three variants are loaded with standard safety: six airbags, electronic stability control, hill‑hold and descent assist, tyre‑pressure monitoring and ISOFIX. Tech-wise, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come across the board, with the higher trims getting an 8‑inch or a 10.25‑inch HD Harman display, 360‑degree camera, blind‑spot monitor and automatic climate control. The interior is practical, featuring a digital cluster, USB‑C ports, rear AC vents and a voice‑activated sunroof on the Accomplished+ S. The Punch sits next to the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona, offering more tech for less money.
Tata backs the Punch with a five‑year or 125,000‑km warranty and a two‑year or 30,000‑km service plan under its TataMove ownership programme, which includes roadside assistance and nationwide servicing. With Motus Holdings handling distribution, the car is already available in major metros and dealers are slated to roll out in smaller towns over the coming weeks.