2021 Tata Punch review, road test

The fresh and youthful exteriors are complemented by an equally stylish and exuberant interior. To start with, ingress and egress are a breeze, even for the elderly, thanks to its doors that open up to 90 degrees (like the Altroz) and its overall high seating. The layered dashboard design is pleasing to look at, and so are its rectangular air vents. Contrasting white panels, textured plastics and other materials not only look appealing, but also feel quite upmarket. The free-standing touchscreen, climate control buttons, steering, as well as the part-digital instrument cluster, are shared with the Altroz premium hatchback. Having the premium knitted roof liner, like the Tiago hatchback’s, would have added to the Punch cabin’s sense of occasion.

The front seats are nice to be in, however, the cushioning is a bit firm and tall drivers will find thigh support to be limited. What’s nice is that these seats are high-set to begin with, and can be jacked up further to suit your requirements. Its low window line and XL-size door mirrors further enhance side and rear visibility, and the reversing camera with adaptive guidelines makes life easier while parking in tight spots.

Despite its compact size, rear seat space is comparable to the pricier Kia Sonet, in terms of knee and shoulder room. Two six-footers can sit one behind the other with some room to spare, and what adds to comfort is the space beneath the front seats to tuck your feet into. Rear headroom is in adequate supply for all but the tallest of occupants, and what’s nice is that the Punch also gets adjustable rear head restraints and a centre armrest. A flat floor does add to the comfort of an occasional third passenger here, but the car’s narrow width makes seating three abreast here a tight squeeze. There’s no rear air-con vent either. It’s important to bring in that a Nexon is roomier with more leg, head and shoulder room, should cabin space dictate your choice of Tata SUV to buy.

Storage areas for smaller items like cupholders are in abundant supply, the segmented glovebox is massive and all the doors can easily swallow large bottles and then some. There’s just one USB charging provision and two 12V power sockets for front occupants. Rear passengers, on the other hand, get two front seatback pockets as well as a storage area with cupholders between the front seats. At 319 litres (366 litres, if measured till the roof), the Punch’s boot is almost the size of a Maruti Brezza’s boot, and owners also get the flexibility to fold down the rear seat to accommodate more cargo.