Has the Tata Punch really received a 5 star GNCAP safety rating? We explain

Tata will soon be launching their new Punch in the Indian market. Being a Tata Motors vehicle, there is a lot of emphasis on safety. Tata Motors’s website did say that the Punch has received 5 stars in the Global NCAP crash test. However, now they have removed the rating from their official website. Here, is a video uploaded on YouTube by Nikhil Rana that shows the changes that Tata Motors made to their website.

Global NCAP has not yet released any video or crash test rating from their end. However, it might happen that the homegrown manufacturer reveals the crash test rating when they launch the new micro-SUV on October 20th. As of now, you can book the Punch online or by going to a dealership.

It is important to note that the Punch is based on ALFA architecture. This is the same architecture that Tata used for the Altroz. The premium hatchback received a 5-star rating in the crash test making it the most affordable vehicle in India to receive a 5-star rating. Because Punch is using the same architecture, we are hoping that it would also score a good crash test rating in the Global NCAP crash test. It should at least receive 4 stars and if it is able to score 5 stars as the website used to claim then it will become the most affordable vehicle in India to receive a 5-star rating.

Also read: Tata Altroz and all-new Hyundai i20 compared on video

Safety equipment

Tata is offering quite a bit of safety equipment as standard with the Punch. It comes with dual airbags, an Anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Sway Control and Electronic Steering Stability. It also gets rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts, central locking with key and IAC.

Variants and Packs

Tata will be offering the Punch in four variants. There is Pure, Adventure, Accomplished and Creative. You can get all the variants with an AMT gearbox except the base Pure variant.

First, there is the Rhythm Pack that is offered with the Pure and Adventure variant. The Pure variant, adds a 4-inch infotainment system, 4 speakers and steering-mounted audio control. In Adventure variants, the Rhythm Pack adds a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 2 tweeters, rear parking camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  The Adventure variant already comes with 4 speakers.

Then there is the Dazzle Pack that is offered only with the Accomplished variant. It adds 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED Daytime Running Lamps, projector headlamps and an A-pillar covered with black tape. Finally, there is the iRA Pack that is offered with the Creative variant. It adds connected car technology to the Creative variant of the Punch.

Engine and gearbox

Tata offers the Punch with only a petrol engine. It is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally-aspirated unit that produces 86 PS of max power and 113 Nm of peak torque. It is offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT gearbox.

Also read: India”s first Maruti Baleno with “air suspension” looks gorgeous (Video)