Tata Punch Pure Plus S AMT

Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? You juggle so many things: how much it costs, how safe it is for your family, what the monthly expenses will look like, if it has all the cool new features, and of course, how good the company service is. It is a puzzle we all try to solve. Today, we are going to dive deep into one car that is grabbing a lot of attention in the Indian market for trying to tick all these boxes: the new Tata Punch Pure Plus S AMT. Is it the perfect micro SUV for you? Let us find out.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Tata Punch Pure Plus S AMT comes with Tata's proven 1.2-litre Revotron three-cylinder petrol engine.

• Engine Type: 1.2L Revotron Petrol
• Cylinders: 3
• Maximum Power: 86 PS at 6000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 113 Nm at 3300 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

This engine provides adequate performance for city driving and offers good fuel efficiency. The AMT gearbox adds a layer of convenience, especially in bumper-to-bumper Indian traffic.

Design Overview

The Tata Punch has always stood out with its bold design.

• Exterior: It boasts a strong, upright SUV stance. The front fascia gets a split headlamp design, signature Tata Humanity Line grille, and chunky cladding all around, giving it a rugged appeal. The 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers on the Pure Plus S AMT complement its strong look. It looks bigger than it is, giving you that proper SUV feel without being too bulky for city parking.
• Interior: Step inside and you will find a spacious and practical cabin. The dual-tone interior theme looks modern and appealing. The fit and finish are impressive for this segment. The seating position is commanding, offering a good view of the road. There is ample head and legroom for front passengers, and two adults can comfortably sit in the rear.

Key Features

Even in the Pure Plus S AMT trim, the Punch offers a good set of features to enhance your driving experience.

• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system by Harman with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
• 4 speakers
• Steering-mounted audio and phone controls.
• All four power windows.
• Electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs).
• Follow-me-home headlamps.
• Climate Control: Manual AC is standard. Automatic climate control is available in higher variants.
• Sunroof: Not available in Pure Plus S AMT. Electric sunroof is offered in higher 'S' variants like Accomplished S and Creative S.
• 360-degree Camera: Not available in Pure Plus S AMT. This advanced feature is typically found in top-end variants.
• Wireless Charging: Not available in Pure Plus S AMT.

What is the Ground Clearance of Tata Punch?

The Tata Punch offers an impressive 187 mm of ground clearance. This is excellent for tackling rough Indian roads, speed breakers, and minor off-road excursions without scraping the underbody.

What is the Boot Space of Tata Punch?

The boot space is a generous 366 litres. This is very practical for daily use, grocery runs, or weekend luggage for a small family.

What are the Dimensions of Tata Punch?

• Length: 3827 mm
• Width: 1742 mm
• Height: 1615 mm
• Wheelbase: 2445 mm

These dimensions make it compact enough for city driving while still offering a substantial road presence.

Powertrain Options

The Tata Punch is primarily offered with the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine. Buyers have two transmission choices:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
• 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) - the focus of our review today.

Safety Features

Tata Motors is synonymous with safety, and the Punch is no exception.

• Dual front airbags.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
• Brake Sway Control (TSC).
• Corner Stability Control.
• Rear parking sensors.
• ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
• Puncture Repair Kit.

Higher variants also offer features like a reverse parking camera, front fog lamps with cornering function, and cruise control.

NCAP Rating Table

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Protocol	Year
Global NCAP	5 Stars	4 Stars	Older	2021
Bharat NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars	Newer	2024

The Punch holds the distinction of being one of India's safest cars, a testament to Tata's commitment to passenger safety.

Rivals of Tata Punch Pure Plus S AMT

The Tata Punch competes in a highly competitive segment. Its main rivals include:

• Hyundai Exter
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis
• Citroen C3
• Nissan Magnite
• Renault Kiger

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

• Unmatched Safety: With 5-star Global and Bharat NCAP ratings, it is one of the safest cars in its segment, giving you peace of mind.
• SUV-like Stance and High Ground Clearance: Looks rugged and handles bad roads with ease.
• Spacious and Practical Cabin: Good headroom, legroom, and generous boot space.
• Convenient AMT: The AMT makes city driving effortless, especially in heavy traffic.
• Strong Road Presence: Its design makes it stand out from typical hatchbacks.
• Feature-Rich (for its segment): Even mid-variants offer useful features like a touchscreen and steering controls.
• Tata's Service Network: Wide service network across India.

Cons:

• Three-Cylinder Engine: Can feel a bit underpowered on highways for quick overtakes, and some might find the engine noise a bit high at higher RPMs.
• AMT Jerkiness: While convenient, the AMT can sometimes feel a bit jerky during gear shifts, which is common for AMT units.
• Limited High-End Features in Pure Plus S: Features like a sunroof, automatic climate control, or a reverse camera are not available in this specific variant, requiring an upgrade to higher trims.
• No Diesel Option: Only available with a petrol engine.

Conclusion

The Tata Punch Pure Plus S AMT truly stands out as a compelling package for Indian car buyers. It blends the rugged appeal of an SUV with the practicality and efficiency needed for daily city commutes. Its biggest draw remains its exceptional safety ratings, making it a responsible choice for families. While it might not have the most powerful engine or all the bells and whistles in this specific variant, it offers a balanced blend of style, space, convenience, and crucially, peace of mind. If you are looking for a safe, stylish, and practical compact SUV for your family that can handle Indian roads with ease and offers the convenience of an automatic, the Tata Punch Pure Plus S AMT deserves a serious look. It is a smart buy that prioritises what truly matters.