If there's any Indian mass-market manufacturer that is betting high on other sources of energy, then it has to be Tata Motors. CNG is not a relatively new technology. However, intelligently utilising CNGs' potential is what Tata Motors has recently triumphed. The CNG version of Punch has been showcased in AutoExpo 2023, and today it has finally been launched, prices of which start from Rs. 7.10 lakh to Rs. 9.89 lahks. Punch iCNG will be available in 5 variants- Pure, Adventure, Adventure Rhythm, Accomplished, and Accomplished Dazzle S.
Tata Punch iCNG gets the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, NA petrol engine that produces 84bhp of peak power and 113Nm of torque. The engine comes mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In CNG mode, it puts out a peak power of 72bhp and torque of 103Nm. Unlike CNG cars from other manufacturers, Punch CNG can be started directly in CNG mode.
What makes Tata Punch iCNG unique is its dual-cylinder technology. What the brand has addressed from it is the boot space. They have tucked in the two cylinders with a capacity of 30kg each under the boot floor, thus liberating storage space. Punch also gets thermal incident protection that cuts off the CNG supply to the engine and releases gas into the atmosphere as a measure of safety.
Everything is similar in terms of exterior and interior design, apart from the iCNG badge on the tailgate. It is built on the same ALFA Architecture platform and is the only one to receive the 5-Star Global NCAP adult safety rating. Punch CNG goes up against the newly launched Hyundai Exter CNG, whose pricing starts from Rs 8.24 lakhs.
