Tata Punch iCNG launched at Rs 7.10 lakh

By Anagh Bhaskar: Tata Motors has launched the Punch iCNG. The car features the brand's unique twin-cylinder CNG tech, which allows for a usable and practical bootspace. The twin-cylinder technology made its debut earlier this year with the Tata Altroz iCNG, Auto Today has driven the car, click here to read/watch the first drive review of the Altroz iCNG. Prices for the Punch iCNG start at Rs 7.10 lakh (ex-showroom). Along with this, Tata has also added the twin-cylinder tech to the Tigor and Tiago iCNG models.

Commenting on the launch, Vinay Pant, Head-Marketing, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., said, “ Since its debut at the Auto Expo 2023, the Punch iCNG has been one of the most awaited products in this segment. With its uncompromised boot space and high-end feature upgrades, the Punch iCNG demonstrates the go anywhere attitude of an SUV, which is engineered to meet the constantly evolving requirements of customers, who are tech savvy and demand best in class features along with an environment friendly and economical product. I am confident that these introductions put together will make our CNG line up appealing, holistic, and stronger than ever.”

The Tata Punch has been one of the highest sellers for the brand clocking more than 10,000 units in sales monthly, which only speaks to the popularity of the subcompact SUV. Now with its iCNG powertrain, the Punch opens up even more avenues for customers. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol/CNG bi-fuel motor generates 87.8bhp and 115Nm in petrol mode and 73.5bhp and 103Nm in CNG mode. This is mated to a 5-spee manual, which is the lone gearbox offered with the iCNG.

What makes Tata's Twin-cylinder CNG tech unique is the fact that it doesn't use a single CNG tank, but rather two smaller tanks which have been placed in the well of the boot, hence having a minimal impact on the available boot space which stands at 210 litre. The Tata Punch iCNG comes with two CNG tanks of 30 litre each, in addition to the 37 litre fuel tank.

In terms of features, the Punch iCNG comes with an electric sunroof which is voice operated, USB type C ports, automatic headlamps, LED DRLs, 7-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rain-sensing wipers, iTPMS, one-touch driver window up and more. The sunroof, iTPMS, Xpress cool. As seen with the Altroz iCNG, the Punch iCNG can start directly in CNG mode, reducing the process of starting the car in petrol mode and then shifting it into CNG mode. There is a simple switch, which instantly changes the fuel mode from CNG to petrol, or vice versa.