Tata Motors has revealed the CNG versions of the Punch and Altroz at Auto Expo 2023. The brand also announced that both these models would be launched in India later this year. This makes the Punch and Altroz the third and fourth products to get a factory-fitted CNG kit, further expanding the brand’s CNG portfolio.
- Punch, Altroz CNG to get a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine
- Both models sport a new twin-cylinder CNG setup
- Retain the same design details
Tata Punch CNG: what is it?
The CNG version of the Punch is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that comes paired only to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This engine produces 86hp and 113Nm of torque in petrol guise, while in CNG spec, it makes 77hp and 97Nm of peak torque. Like the Tiago and Tigor CNG, the Punch can also be started directly in CNG mode, a feature not offered by any of its rivals.
What is different, however, is how Tata has managed to tackle the issue of low boot space, which plagues the Tiago and Tigor CNG. The Punch now gets a new dual-cylinder set-up, splitting the otherwise large 60-litre tank that would take up nearly all boot space.
Also see: Carmakers at Auto Expo 2023: Complete A-Z guide
The new twin cylinders, each 30 litres in capacity, have been positioned under the boot floor to free up storage space. The Punch CNG sees no exterior design changes, apart from the addition of the ‘i-CNG’ badge on the tailgate, similar to the Tiago and Tigor CNG. Likewise, there aren’t any notable changes to the interior of the Punch CNG either.
In terms of features, the Punch CNG is well-equipped as it gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen and digital driver's display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a voice-activated sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, an engine start/stop button, automatic climate control and height adjustable driver seat.
Tata Altroz CNG: exterior, interior, and features
Like the Punch CNG, the Altroz will use the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder unit that puts out 77hp in CNG mode. It also gets the new dual-cylinder CNG set-up, in an effort to preserve boot space. The premium hatchback, too, retains the same exterior details, apart from the ‘iCNG’ badge, and features the same interior layout.
The Altroz CNG gets all features available on the Punch CNG, with certain additional equipment – leatherette seats, rear AC vents and front centre armrest. Upon launch, the Altroz will be the third CNG-powered premium hatchback in its class, after the Baleno and Glanza CNG.
Tata's Auto Expo 2023 display
The brand has a vast array of products on display at the Auto Expo this year. These include the Safari and Harrier Red Dark editions, the Harrier EV, Curvv coupe-SUV, Sierra and the Altroz Racer.
Also see:
Auto Expo 2023: Tata Punch, Altroz iCNG walkaround video
Auto Expo 2023: 9 new Tata Motors car, SUV launches by 2025