Tata Punch CNG Spotted Testing - Launch Expected In 2022 | V3Cars

Due to the rising fuel prices, many manufacturers are looking for an alternative to petrol and diesel. Tata Motors are already leading in the EV space with more than 70% market share with their 2 EVs; Nexon EV and Tigor EV. The Tigor electric is also available in 2 versions - one for commercial customers and one for personal. However, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are dominating the CNG market as no other manufacturer provides a factory-fit CNG car. But now it seems like Tata Motors are all set to enter the CNG market. Many dealers are unofficially taking bookings for Tiago and Tigor CNG, which we expect to launch in January.

Also Read: Tata Tiago And Tigor CNG - Unofficial Bookings Open

As the Punch carries the same 1.2L petrol engine as Tiago and Tigor, there are very high chances that the test car was a CNG kit fitted Punch. Currently, the Punch is on sale only with the 1.2L petrol engine producing 86PS of power and 113Nm of torque. It is available with a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT automatic transmission.

The CNG variant will naturally see a lower power and torque output when running on CNG. It could go as low as 70PS of power and 90Nm of torque. It could come with only a 5-speed manual transmission. Punch CNG may offer a claimed fuel economy of around 30kmpkg. Tata may offer the CNG right from the base variant to keep the pricing competitive. If the Punch CNG makes it to the showroom floors, then we’re not sure if the performance will satisfy the customers. The Punch is a considerably larger and heavier car than the Tigor and Tiago, which are also likely to soon get a factory-fit CNG kit. The lower performance figures may greatly limit its ability to quickly overtake on undivided state highways.

The Tata’s CNG models might carry a price premium of Rs. 80,000 to 90,000 over the respective petrol variants. The petrol Punch currently starts from Rs. 5.5 lakh and goes up to Rs. 9.4 lakh (ex-showroom). It will go up against other CNG cars like Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Hyundai Aura and Maruti WagonR. Only the Tata Punch will offer an SUV-look among all CNG cars in India. Among the sub-4m SUVs, no other car has a CNG kit option. The Brezza is the only one, which might get a factory CNG kit when the new model goes on sale in 2022.

Also Read: 2022 Maruti Vitara Brezza With Sunroof Spied

Specs Leaked - Maruti Vitara Brezza CNG vs Other CNG Cars

The Punch is a very popular car from Tata Motors. The CNG variant will diversify its targeted audience, which will bring more sales. As the Altroz also uses the same engine, we can expect the CNG version of Altroz to launch soon too.