In 2023, Maruti Suzuki Swift used to dominate in sales. This year, however, things could take a turn. According to data revealed by Jato Dynamics, the Tata Punch could beat it and become the best-selling car in India. Last year, the Punch was in the seventh spot. If the predictions are true, the micro-SUV could sell around 2,00,678 units this year! It could then mark a huge milestone for Tata Motors.
Rapid Growth Of Tata Punch
Since its launch in 2021, the Punch has shown an impressive growth rate of 73% in sales each year. In 2024, it is expected to sell 200,678 units, surpassing the Wagon R, which sold 187,225 units in 2023. The Punch’s success can be attributed to Tata Motors offering multiple powertrain options, including petrol, CNG, and electric variants, which has helped it appeal to a wide range of customers.
Pricing and Features
In 2024, the weighted average price (WAP) of the Punch is expected to be around ₹8.38 lakh, a 9% increase from the previous year. This increase in price is mainly due to the demand for premium features like better infotainment systems and safety options. The WAP is calculated by averaging the price of all variants, weighted by the number of units sold in each variant.
Why Is The Tata Punch So Popular?
A sizeable share of its success needs to be attributed to the ‘micro-SUV’ body style and design. It gets the look and feel of a tiny SUV. It stands tall, and has good ground clearance and upright pillars. It can easily go through bad roads and tackle potholes.
Courtesy of its size, the Punch is easier to handle as well. This way, it fulfils the average buyer’s desire to own something that is SUV-ish without compromising on comfort or convenience, and more importantly, for the price of a hatchback!
Another reason for its acceptance is the safety offered. The sturdy micro-SUV scored five-star adult safety and four-star child safety ratings in Global NCAP crash tests. Many choose the Punch for being a safe car.
Another reason for the rising sales numbers is the diverse powertrains it offers. This micro-SUV is available in petrol, CNG and electric powertrain choices. The petrol version is powered by a 1.2L 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated Revotron petrol engine that produces 87.8 PS and 115 Nm. Both manual and AMT gearboxes are available.
The Punch also has a CNG version to it. It uses the same 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that runs dual fuels- petrol and CNG. It produces 72 hp and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The micro-SUV also has an electric version to it. The Punch EV is available in two battery-motor configurations. It has a standard-range version and a long-range version to it. The standard variant returns a range of 315 km and the extended range version has a range of 421 km. The Punch.EV gets a different styling treatment compared to the ICE version.
The latest iterations of the Punch also come with ample features and tech. There is even a single-pane sunroof on offer on higher variants.
Nexon Is Falling!
Tata’s other popular SUV, the Nexon, is expected to slip from the 5th position in 2023 to the 10th position in 2024, with around 156,770 units sold. This is due to increased competition in the SUV market. Despite this, Nexon’s WAP has decreased slightly to ₹11,89,448 from ₹12,09,891 in 2023. This price drop is for staying competitive in the market.
