Tata Punch Becomes India’s Best-Selling Car in 2024

Maruti Suzuki’s long-standing dominance as the producer of India’s best-selling cars came to an unexpected end in 2024. For the first time, a non-Maruti Suzuki vehicle claimed the top spot. The Tata Punch emerged as India’s best-selling car, with over 2.02 lakh units sold, surpassing the Maruti Suzuki WagonR by more than 10,000 units. This milestone ended Maruti Suzuki’s 40-year reign at the pinnacle of Indian car sales.

The Tata Punch’s rise is attributed to its affordability, variety of powertrain options, fuel efficiency, SUV body style, and impressive feature set. Let’s delve into what makes the Tata Punch a game-changer in the Indian automotive market.

Tata Punch Pricing

The Tata Punch is available in four primary variants: Pure, Adventure, Creative, and Accomplished. Prices for the base Pure variant start at ₹6.13 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-tier CAMO Creative + Sunroof with AMT costs ₹10.15 lakh (ex-showroom). The top-spec manual version, Creative + Sunroof with MT, is priced at ₹9.60 lakh. The Punch EV, an affordable electric option, starts at ₹10 lakh and is available in three variants—Smart, Adventure, and Empowered—with battery options of 25 kWh and 35 kWh.

Multiple Powertrain Options

The Tata Punch stands out as the only SUV in India to offer petrol, CNG, and electric powertrains. The petrol variant features a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine delivering 87 bhp and 115 Nm of torque, paired with manual and automatic transmissions. The CNG version offers slightly reduced output, with 73 bhp and 95 Nm, available only with a manual gearbox. The electric variant includes 25 kWh and 35 kWh battery options, offering ranges of 315 km and 421 km on a single charge, respectively.

Fuel Efficiency and Performance

Fuel efficiency remains a critical factor for Indian buyers, and the Tata Punch delivers. The petrol variant provides approximately 19 kmpl, while the CNG version offers an impressive 27 kmpl. The EV model further strengthens its appeal, boasting up to 421 km of range per charge. These figures ensure that the Punch caters to a wide audience, from cost-conscious buyers to eco-conscious consumers.

Compact SUV Design

With SUVs gaining immense popularity, the Tata Punch is perfectly positioned as an affordable entry into this segment. Measuring 3,827 mm in length, 1,742 mm in width, and 1,633 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,445 mm and a ground clearance of 187 mm, the Punch is Tata’s smallest SUV. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving while retaining the rugged appeal of an SUV.

Feature-Rich Package

The Tata Punch offers a well-rounded set of features for its price. Key highlights include a seven-inch floating infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a digital-analog instrument cluster, and Tata’s iRA-connected car platform. Other conveniences include cruise control, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a cooled glovebox, and a voice-assisted sunroof. Safety features like TPMS and crash alerts further enhance its appeal.

Conclusion

The Tata Punch’s exceptional blend of affordability, versatility, and modern features has made it a favorite among Indian car buyers. By dethroning Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR as the best-seller, it has set a new benchmark in the Indian automotive market. With its wide range of options and SUV styling, the Punch is likely to continue its strong performance in the years to come.