So I recently checked out the Tata Punch, and while everyone keeps talking about how tough it looks from outside, I was more curious about the inside. I mean, that’s where we actually sit, right? The interior is what really tells you if you can live with the car every day or not. And I gotta say… it’s kind of a mix of good stuff and a few things that maybe should’ve been better. Anyway, here’s my take on the Tata Punch’s cabin — no fancy words, just my honest thoughts (and sorry in advance if I ramble a bit).
First Thoughts – Not Bad At All
Okay, so when I opened the door and got inside, my first reaction was like, “Hey, this is nicer than I expected.” It doesn’t feel like a cheap car, even though it’s in that budget segment. The dashboard design is pretty neat — not flashy or anything, but clean and sensible. I liked the way the two-tone colour scheme breaks the monotony. I think the top variants come with this black and white-ish combo… not sure if it’s white or like off-white, but it looks kinda cool.
Now, don’t expect soft-touch materials or anything luxury-level. It’s mostly hard plastics, and some of them do feel a bit… basic? Like near the glove box and lower doors. But for the price, it’s fine I guess. You can’t have everything.
The Screen – Looks Nice, Works OK
So there’s a 7-inch touchscreen in the middle — again, not very big, but it looks decent. The interface is okay, not super slick. Sometimes it lags a little bit when you swipe or open stuff like Android Auto. I was trying to play music from my phone and it took a second or two to connect. It works though, so not a big deal.
The speakers, I was honestly surprised — the sound is actually pretty good. Like, you don’t need to change the system unless you’re one of those hardcore audio guys. One thing I didn’t like much was the placement of the screen. It’s kinda low on the dash. So while driving, you gotta look down a bit more than I’d prefer. Not a deal breaker but still, could’ve been placed higher.
Seats and Space – More Room Than Expected
This is where the Punch actually surprised me. The front seats are pretty comfy. I’m not a very tall guy (around 5’8), and I had plenty of room. My cousin, who’s like 6ft, also said he was comfortable. The under-thigh support could be a bit better though, especially on long drives. Steering only adjusts up and down (tilt), not telescopic, so taller folks might struggle a bit to get the ideal position.
At the back, it’s roomy for two people. Three adults can fit but only for shorter rides, to be honest. I sat in the back for like 15 minutes while my friend drove, and it felt okay, but the backrest angle is a little upright. Also, why Tata gave fixed headrests at the back, I don’t know. They’re not comfortable for taller people. At least top variants should’ve got adjustable ones.
Legroom and headroom are decent though. You won’t feel cramped unless you’re very tall or something.
Storage Spaces – Practical But Nothing Fancy
There’s a decent amount of space to throw your stuff around. Cupholders between the seats, bottle holders in the doors, a shelf above the glovebox — which I actually liked ‘cause I threw my phone and mask there. Glovebox isn’t massive, and yeah, it’s not cooled either, but it’s enough for papers and a few odds and ends.
Boot space is surprisingly big — 366 liters if I remember right. You can easily fit in a couple of suitcases. Only thing is the loading lip is kinda high, so lifting heavy bags might be annoying. But overall, pretty practical.
Also, the rear seats can be split (60:40) in the higher variants, so you can make more space if you need it. I didn’t try folding them down, but it looked simple enough.
Features – Some Hits, Some Misses
So the Punch is loaded with decent features, especially if you go for the top variants. Things like:
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Push-button start (which feels cool even if it’s kinda common now)
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Auto headlamps and wipers
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Cruise control (didn’t test it tho)
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Rear camera with parking sensors
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Digital speedo (semi-digital cluster)
But yeah, there are also a few features missing that I kind of expected. Like, no rear AC vents. Come on, Tata, even cheaper cars have them now. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but rear passengers might complain in the summer.
No wireless charging, which isn’t a big deal to me, but still worth mentioning. Also no sunroof, which people seem to want these days (even though I personally don’t care much about it). Oh, and the key fob? Kinda feels cheap. Like a toy almost. Works fine, but not very satisfying to hold.
Build and Cabin Feel – Feels Solid
Now, this is where I think Tata really nails it. The build quality feels solid. Like when you shut the door, there’s that satisfying “thunk” sound. No rattles, no squeaky noises — it actually feels safer than a lot of other cars in the same price range.
Cabin insulation is good too. Engine noise does come in when you push it hard, and since it’s a 3-cylinder engine, the noise isn’t exactly sweet. But at lower speeds, it’s pretty quiet. Road noise is well-controlled unless you’re on really rough roads.
Only thing is that in some lower variants, the all-black cabin theme might feel a bit gloomy, especially on cloudy days. Personally, I liked the brighter interior in the higher models more.
Final Thoughts – Worth It?
So yeah, the Tata Punch interior is definitely not perfect, but it gets a lot of things right. It’s comfy, feels roomy for a small SUV, has solid build quality, and offers good features. Sure, some things like rear AC vents, slightly better infotainment, and more premium materials could’ve made it even better — but for the price you’re paying, it delivers.
Would I recommend it? Yeah, I think if you’re looking for a budget-friendly compact SUV with a high driving position, decent features, and safe, strong feel, it’s worth checking out. Just don’t go in expecting luxury.
Also, best advice — go see it in person and sit inside. Photos and brochures only tell half the story.