Comparison: Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch

Tata appears to have perfected the formula for creating the best-selling cars in India. It’s gone from numerous failures bearing exception to the iconic Indica and Safari Storms to coming out with cars like Altroz, Punch, and Nexon that immediately became people’s favourites. As a result, Tata has captured a significant portion of the Indian automotive market, irrespective of the segment. 

In today’s comparison, we’ll see how two recent additions to Tata’s lineup stack up against each other. It’s Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch —Which sibling reigns supreme?

They’ve quickly become popular among car enthusiasts and first-time car buyers alike. With impressive safety features, excellent fuel efficiency, and identical engine options, the Tata Altroz and Tata Punch cater to diverse consumer preferences. Furthermore, prices for the Tata Altroz and Punch are quite similar, despite their different body types.

Read on as we pit these two Tata cars against each other, helping you determine the best option per your requirements.

Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch: Dimensions

The Altroz comes with a longer wheelbase and a wider body, hence, offering a more spacious cabin and a planted stance on the road. On the other hand, with its better ground clearance and compact size, the Punch proves to be more suitable for easily navigating through roads filled with potholes and improperly constructed speed-breakers, a common sight on Indian roads. Moreover, despite being smaller, the Punch provides ample boot space, height, and legroom for passengers.

Overall, while the Altroz commands presence on the road, the Punch offers a practical and convenient option for urban dwellers.

Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch: Engine & Transmission

The Altroz and Punch share the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine—however, the Altroz is also available in a turbocharged and diesel variant, offering more power and performance than the Punch. The turbo variant of the Altroz has a peak power output of 110 PS and 140 Nm of torque, but if compared with its rivals, the engine doesn’t perform anywhere close to what the numbers suggest. That being said, the Altroz is much quicker than the Punch, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 12.2 seconds as compared to the Punch’s 16.1 seconds. 

If you are someone who loves a balanced combination of power and fuel efficiency, Altroz’s 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel engine, which is capable of kicking out 90 PS and 200 Nm of torque, is the right one for you.

Coming to the transmission, both cars come with a manual transmission option, but the Punch offers a relatively more refined and precise transmission. The Punch also offers an AMT gearbox that delivers more than adequate performance for daily city runs and highway drives alike. You’ll like how the Punch’s naturally aspirated engine feels more refined and less noisy than the Altroz’s turbocharged engine. However, it doesn’t provide the “punch” or the thrilling experience that its name suggests.

Another important factor you should consider is fuel economy. The petrol engines of both cars offer impressive fuel economy. While the Altroz’s petrol engine has a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.05 km/l, the Punch’s petrol engine, on the other hand, has a fuel efficiency of 18.15 km/l with the manual transmission and 17.7 km/l with the AMT. However, the iRA-connected car technology of the Punch enables drivers to monitor their vehicle’s fuel consumption in real-time, allowing for more efficient driving habits.

When it comes to the ride-and-handling department, it’s the Punch that, surprisingly, stamps authority. It absorbs bumps and undulations on the road in a more mature and SUV-like manner.

Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch: Features and Comfort

The sporty-designed Tata Altroz comes equipped with an advanced 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, automatic climate control, voice recognition and smartphone integration, a multi-function steering wheel, and keyless entry, among others, ensuring a fun and comfortable experience for passengers. While the top-end variant of the Punch offers nearly identical features, the Altroz goes the extra mile providing additional features such as a larger cooled glovebox, rear AC vents, a more premium audio system, and ambient lighting.

Moreover, the Altroz cabin feels more luxurious and premium than the Punch. The leatherette seats, front armrest, rear AC vents, and slightly higher-quality plastics are among the extra touches offered by the Altroz,  giving you the impression of sitting in a more premium car. In terms of space, the rear-seat passengers would particularly appreciate the larger windows and wider bench of the Altroz, which give a more expansive and premium feel as compared to the relatively cramped cabin of the Punch. Having said that, the Punch boasts superior outward visibility and more headroom, addressing the headspace issue for the rear passengers.

Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch: Safety Features

It is worth noting that this is one department where both cars from the Tata family are on par. The Altroz and the Punch are both equipped with several advanced safety features, including dual front airbags, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Corner Stability Control (CSC), a reverse parking camera, rear parking sensors, seat belt reminders, and ISOFIX child seat mounts, among others. Undoubtedly, both vehicles from the Tata family leave no stone unturned when it comes to employing innovative and cutting-edge safety technologies.

In addition to all these safety measures, both Punch and Altroz have a five-star safety rating from Global NCAP, but the Punch got 16.45 points, and the Altroz got 16.13 points for protecting the adults in the front seats out of a maximum of 17 points. The Punch did a better job of keeping their heads, necks, chests and legs from getting hurt than the Altroz. The Altroz also had a problem with the back seat coming loose during the crash for the child occupants, which cost it some crucial points.

Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch: Prices & Variants

In terms of pricing, there is not much of a difference between both cars. Tata Punch’s base model with manual transmission starts at 5.99 Lakhs and goes all the way to 8.92 Lakhs (if you want the top model with the iRA connectivity suite). Similarly, Tata Punch’s AMT starts at Rs. 7.50 Lakh and goes all the way to Rs. 9.52 Lakh with the iRA connectivity suite.

Tata Altroz petrol’s price in India ranges between Rs. 6.60 Lakh and Rs. 10.56 Lakh, while Altroz diesel’s price starts at Rs. 8.15 Lakh and goes all the way to Rs. 10.39 Lakh. And as for Altroz iTurbo’s price, it ranges between Rs. 9.1 Lakh and Rs. 9.64 Lakh.

Final Verdict

Both cars have their unique strengths and weaknesses and are strong contenders in their respective segments. Whether it’s exterior design, comfort, safety, or fuel efficiency, it’s refreshing to see how both cars push the boundaries, providing consumers with options that suit their needs.

The decision between choosing Tata Altroz or Tata Punch depends invariably on your needs and preferences. While both are considered great vehicles in their respective segments, the Tata Altroz is a clear winner if you want comfort and a more premium experience. With a sporty design, a spacious, luxurious, well-designed cabin, a powerful driving experience, and a refined and precise transmission, the Altroz offers an invaluable value proposition, providing consumers with a reliable and practical choice for daily commuting and long drives alike.

The Tata Punch is a fantastic choice for buyers looking for a compact and sporty crossover that can handle different terrains and road conditions. A strong body, high ground clearance, smooth suspension, and responsive steering make the Punch fun and easy to drive. Plus, Punch offers better safety, a spacious boot, and a smart infotainment system. The Punch may not be as comfortable or luxurious as the Altroz, but it is a versatile and reliable vehicle that can punch above its weight.