Tata Motors Hornbill HBX Revealed as Tata PUNCH

Tata Punch - Competitors

We first saw the Tata Punch at the 2020 Auto Expo as Tata Hornbill or HBX. This small SUV is another option for a sub-4m SUV buyer but the Punch will occupy the lower end of the price band. The Tata Punch will compete with the 1.0-litre normal petrol engine models of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. Meanwhile, the Tata Nexon will continue to target the upper end of the sub-4m SUV market. That includes the turbo petrol models of the Magnite and Kiger along with other competitors like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza and Ford EcoSport.

If the Punch launches at the expected price discussed below, then it also becomes a competitor for the Tata Tiago NRG and Maruti Suzuki Ignis. The upcoming Hyundai Casper could also compete with the Punch if it launches with the 1.2-litre normal petrol and 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines.

Tata Punch Expected Price

Based on the list of potential rivals, we can expect the Tata Punch to cost between Rs. 6.0 lakh and Rs. 10.0 lakh.

Tata Punch - Expected Engine Specs

The Tata Punch will use the same engines as the Tata Altroz. That means it will certainly get the 1.2-litre normal petrol engine. Transmission options with this engine will include a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT automatic.

The 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 5-speed manual transmission and 1.5-litre turbo diesel engines could also make the cut to heat up the competition.

Tata Punch - Expected Launch Date and Timeline

We expect Tata to start revealing more details about the Punch SUV in September 2021. Prices could be out by Navratri. The deliveries of the car may start ahead of Diwali. Tata may also choose to create some more awareness about the Punch before announcing the prices late in 2021 and launching the Punch as a 2022 model.

Confirmed & Expected Features Of Tata Punch

Based on the official image, we expect to see the following features in the top-spec Punch:

• Projector headlamps
• Dual-beam headlamp cluster
• LED DRL
• Split headlamp layout like the Harrier and Safari with DRLs at the top and headlamps in the bumper
• Machined alloy wheels
• Adjustable front and rear headrests
• Dual-tone body colour with matching outside mirror colours
• Turn indicators in ORVMs
• Grab-type door handles
• Front fog lamps
• Simple, antenna in the front of the roof (no shark-fin antenna)
• Body-cladding all-around
• LED tail lamps
• Roof rails
• Rear door-handles integrated in C-pillar

Other expected features of the car are:

• Cruise control
• Sunroof
• Full-colour instrument cluster
• Steering-mounted controls
• Rear parking camera
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Apple Carplay
• Android Auto
• Cooled glovebox
• Front and rear armrests
• Premium music system
• Telematics and connected car features