Tata Punch.ev Review: The Real Deal?

The Tata Punch needs no introduction. It started the whole micro-SUV trend in the country. And undeniably was a runaway hit. But that wasn’t enough for Tata Motors so it did what it does best. Say hello to the Punch.ev! A new platform, new looks and segment-first features. So, is the Punch.ev the real deal?

Tata Punch.ev: Exterior

Let’s start with the design, shall we?? Looks aggressive right? Well, the designers at Tata got the memo right and what we get in return is this bold, sexy-looking Punch. Certainly, it reminds us of the larger Nexon.ev but that’s what the company’s EV design will look like going forward with the future products as well.

So, a full-length LED connecting lights inspired by the Nexon.ev adds to its road presence. The charging indicator though, is available only on the top-spec Empowered persona. But what I like is how the Tata logo is done, it illuminates and doubles up as the charging port, so unlike the Nexon.ev that gets it on the side, the Punch.ev gets it at the front. Vertically stacked fog lamp housing, black claddings all around, and the right amount of muscle help Punch retain its SUV cred. In all honesty, the Punch.ev looks like a baby Nexon.ev.

To top it off, a new alloy wheel design and the '.ev' logo at the back is the only new addition on the Punch.ev, when compared to its petrol cousin. The 16-inch alloys are exclusively on the long-range versions, while the variant with a smaller battery, gets steel wheels. So, is the Punch.ev the best-looking budget EV? Oh yes, by a mile! There are also 5 exterior paint schemes on offer.

Tata Punch.ev: Tech & Interior

And you know what the cabin’s very modern too. I quite like the interior of the Punch.ev. It’s very modern and the company has kept things to the minimum so the centre console for the climate control is touch-based but there’s no haptic feedback so it takes time to get used to. Two cup holders in the middle would’ve liked some depth here so that the items don’t fall off.

You also get wireless charging here and is the only one in the segment to get this. But the biggest problem I have is this rotary knob for the gear selector. I’m not a fan of this because it’s not very intuitive for quick inputs.

The new infotainment on the other hand is quite responsive and intuitive. A 10.25-inch screen for both infotainment and driver's all-digital display. The lower trims get a 7-inch screen though, the same unit from the ICE Punch. Ventilated seats, an electric sunroof and cruise control are all part of the top-spec versions. While an in-built air purifier, TPMS, rear parking sensors and cooled glovebox are standard.

Tata Punch.ev: Dimensions

What remains unchanged, are the dimensions. So, the 366-litre boot space is ample as well for a car this size, adding to it a 14-litre frunk. Space for the rear seat passengers remains cramped for anyone above 5'9", but otherwise, it's manageable.

Tata Punch.ev: Safety Features

Safety takes a front seat in the Punch.ev. Disc brakes on all four wheels for the long-range version and drums on the other trims, helped Tata keep the pricing very aggressive. 6-airbags, Hill Hold Assist, 3-point seat belts for all passengers and seat belt reminders along with ISOFIX are part of the standard equipment list. Even the video clarity on the 360-degree camera is finally impressive.

Tata Punch.ev: New Platform

Tata Punch.ev is based on the new Acti.ev platform which essentially promises better packaging, and is designed to attain a 5-star rating in crash tests. It’ll help with several different battery packs such as LFP batteries which currently appear to be the best solution for our climate and conditions. Not just that, it even claims to improve the structural integrity of the chassis using a high percentage of Ultra High Strength Steel.

Tata Punch.ev: Battery Packs

So how has it helped the Punch.ev? Well, for starters, it gets two battery packs. A 35 kWh and 25 kWh is what Tata is offering, and if you consider the output from the turbo Venue and Sonet, the Punch.ev has more to offer.

Tata Punch.ev: Drive Modes

Add the different modes and the Punch.ev changes character. The best part about driving an EV is the different regen modes. With the Punch.ev you get four different modes. Either you switch it off or toggle between L1, L2 and L3, the latter is the heavy regen and is also the one I’ve done most of my driving. Paddle shifters help to switch to different modes. Under heavy regen, the power flow is linear and helps with single-pedal driving, especially in the city, as well as with braking.

Even the flat torque curve helps reduce the sudden jolt that you feel with the more powerful EVs making it ideal for a small EV like the Punch.ev, these are lessons learnt from the Nexon.ev. It builds power gradually and won’t jump when you put the pedal to the metal. Being an EV, range will always be a hot topic of discussion.

When you are driving in different drive modes, there’s Eco, City and Sport, expect some variation in the range because different modes have different outputs. The Sport mode has an evident surge in power. Tata engineers claim that the new platform is capable of conserving energy with better storage. But we need to spend more time with the car to better understand its longevity.

Tata Punch.ev: Ride & Handling

Although a change in platform, we felt that the dynamics were pretty much like the ICE Punch. The ride quality is not bad, it remained pliant on most occasions, and it doesn’t bounce too much which I suppose is due to the added weight from the battery pack and has made it more stable, and more grounded. It's heavier than the Punch ICE by 300 kg. The problem I have here though, is that the rear passengers won’t be comfortable with sudden bumps or even bad roads. It continues to bounce to even the slightest disturbance.

Having said that, the Punch.ev manages a very supple ride. It has its cons no doubt, but the pros are far greater.

Tata Punch.ev: Can It Off-Road?

Tata had curated a special off-road course. However, we decided to take things into our own hands. We tried mild off-roading on broken roads and the Punch.ev crossed it quite easily. Its 190 mm of ground clearance helped in this case.

Tata Punch.ev: Verdict

So, what’s the bottom line? Is the Tata Punch.ev the real deal? We feel so. Since the only real competition it has comes from Citroën ë-C3 but there’s no fast-charging option, nor are there as many features.

Realistically, there’s no other EV in the market that gives so much value for money at this price point specifically.

Even if compared to ICE vehicles from the segment above, It’s too soon for the micro-SUV to cannibalise that segment. For now, the Punch.ev certainly punches above its weight!

Photography By: Anand Malepu