Tata Punch iCNG Launched: Know About India’s First Compact SUV with Twin-Cylinder CNG Technology
Tata Motors has launched the Punch iCNG in India, priced at Rs 7.10 lakh (ex-showroom). The Punch CNG is available in five different variants and features the same twin-cylinder technology found in the Altroz CNG. The twin-cylinder technology helps free up essential boot space, thus making the car more practically appealing. The Punch CNG model comes with fresh enhancements.
What is the twin-cylinder technology?
The twin-cylinder technology is a unique feature of Tata Motors’ CNG vehicles. It involves splitting a large 60-litre CNG tank into two smaller 30-litre tanks and placing them under the boot floor. This way, the boot space is not compromised and the car can still offer a decent range on CNG mode.
What are the specifications of the Punch iCNG?
The Punch iCNG is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that can run on both petrol and CNG. The engine produces 86 PS and 113 Nm of torque on petrol mode, and 73 PS and 103 Nm of torque on CNG mode. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
The Punch iCNG also comes with some new features such as direct start in CNG mode, auto switch function between fuels, and an electric sunroof. The car also retains the safety features of the petrol Punch, such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, hill hold assist, and reverse parking camera.
How does the Punch iCNG compare with its rivals?
The Punch iCNG is one of the few compact SUVs in India that offer a factory-fitted CNG option. The only other competitor in this segment is the Hyundai Exter CNG, which is priced from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The Exter CNG has a single 60-litre tank that reduces the boot space to 186 litres. The Exter CNG also has a lower power output of 66 PS and 95 Nm of torque on CNG mode.
The following table compares some of the key features and specifications of the Punch iCNG and the Exter CNG:
| Feature/Specification | Tata Punch iCNG | Hyundai Exter CNG |
|---|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 7.10 – 9.68 lakh | Rs 6 – 8.5 lakh |
| Engine | 1.2-litre NA petrol | 1.2-litre NA petrol |
| Power (petrol/CNG) | 86/73 PS | 83/66 PS |
| Torque (petrol/CNG) | 113/103 Nm | 114/95 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT | 5-speed MT |
| Fuel tank capacity | 37 litres | 45 litres |
| CNG tank capacity | 2 x 30 litres | 1 x 60 litres |
| Boot space | 366 litres | 186 litres |
| Electric sunroof | Yes | No |
| Touchscreen infotainment system | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic climate control | Yes | No |
| Alloy wheels | Yes | No |
