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First Drive: Tata Tiago and Punch
Tata, the very same brand that once gave us models such as the Bolt, Indica and the Xenon bakkie before its passenger division quietly exited the market in 2019, has made a comeback. And after spending two days with the Indian marque, where it introduced its four new models, its re-entry feels like a carefully timed move.
In this way, the brand is now distributed locally by Motus, backed by a strong partner network that reinforces its commitment to the market. Beyond the cars themselves, Tata has laid out a clear plan built on three key pillars designed to win back trust and customers' confidence.
The first is reliability. Tata is backing its products with a 5-year/125,000km warranty, strong safety ratings, and a focus on structural integrity. The second is peace of mind, which covers 24/7 roadside assistance, a 72-hour mobility solution, and all the support a driver needs when things don’t go according to plan. The third pillar is its nationwide network, aimed at ensuring 85% service centre coverage across the country. This includes partnerships in after-sales, OEM-trained technicians, and accredited body repair shops. Put together, these pillars show customers that the brand is serious about long-term commitment.
Now, about the cars, the Indian brand rejoins the market with four new cars: Tiago, Punch, Curvv and Harrier during the first phase of the relaunch. During the second phase, which is earmarked for the first half of 2026, the brand will introduce the Nexon compact SUV and Sierra mid-size SUVs.
Tiago
Not to be confused with VW’s Taigo, the Tata Tiago is an entry-level compact hatch aimed squarely at rivals like the Toyota Vitz, Suzuki S-Presso, Hyundai Grand i10, Renault Kwid, and, to an extent, the Suzuki Swift. The Tiago is offered in three variants: the base XM, the mid-range XT, and the range-topping XZ+, which is expected to join the lineup in the coming months.
It’s a charming little car that doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not, perfect for anyone seeking a peppy city runabout. At launch, I spent time behind the wheel of the mid-range XT. Like the rest of the range, it’s powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine sending 63kW and 113Nm to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. On paper, the figures are modest, while on the move, it’s enough to keep up with traffic comfortably.
The drive included a mix of city streets and highway cruising, and the Tiago tackled both with refreshing simplicity. It feels light, nimble, and it has decent ride quality for its class. At 120km/h, keeping up with highway traffic produces somewhat of a rough engine note when shifting down for overtakes. It's only a reminder that this is a small, naturally aspirated car – nothing out of the ordinary. As is typical with this kind of setup, the manual gearbox and non-turbo engine demand a hands-on approach if you want to extract the most from it, but that’s part of the fun for a compact car like this.
Sure, the build quality leans toward the cost-saving side, but honestly, that’s what you’d expect at this price point. The hard plastics feel solid and durable, more than capable of withstanding daily wear and tear. What really surprised me, though, are the thoughtful touches, such as a crisp 7-inch Harman infotainment screen, electric windows all around, an illuminated logo on the steering wheel, and a 4-speaker sound system that, hand on heart, is the best I’ve heard in this segment. One small trade-off is the absence of a rear wiper, a familiar cost-cutting measure, but it hardly detracts from the overall package.
The Tiago really stands out as a great little package, practical, solid, and perfectly suited for anyone looking for a dependable everyday hatch. What makes it even more refreshing is that it’s not just another Chinese product but rather brings its own character to the road and does so with confidence.
- Tata Tiago 1.2 XM: R184,900
- Tata Tiago 1.2 XT manual: R209,900
- Tata Tiago 1.2 XT auto: R224,900
Punch
Moving up in Tata’s line-up, you’ll find the Punch, a subcompact crossover SUV available in three trims: Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative. It goes up against the likes of the Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Exter, Suzuki Fronx, and Mahindra 3X0. Clearly, Tata wants to have something for everyone, no matter your taste.
From a design perspective, I think Tata absolutely nailed it. The Punch has a confident, modern look that should appeal to anyone shopping for a stylish crossover in this segment. I had the chance to drive the Accomplished model at launch, and honestly, it feels like the sweet spot in the range. You get useful features like LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, and 15-inch steel wheels with neat covers, little details that actually make a difference in a car like this.
Step inside, and the cabin is well put together. Sure, there are hard plastics here and there, but they feel solid and durable. What impressed me most, though, is just how feature-rich the Accomplished is. The floating 10.25-inch Harman infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a highlight, and you also get two USB ports up front and another for the rear passengers. Add in push start/stop, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, and a reverse camera, and it really feels like Tata thought carefully about what everyday drivers actually want.
Space is always a big consideration in this segment, and the Punch does well here. The cabin feels roomy enough to seat passengers comfortably, while the boot space at 336 litres is just slightly bigger than what you’ll find in rivals like the Fronx (304 litres), Magnite (336 litres), and the 3XO (364 litres). It’s not a massive leap, but it’s enough to make the Punch appealing for buyers who value that extra bit of practicality.
On the road, things get a little more interesting. Power comes from a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder petrol engine, producing 65kW and 115Nm. At the launch, I got behind the wheel of the version fitted with a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). Like other AMTs I’ve driven before, it left me wanting more in terms of refinement. The shifts were jerky, a little too slow, and lacked the smoothness you’d expect from a traditional automatic or the control you’d enjoy in a manual.
That’s why the 5-speed manual, only available on the Adventure derivative and unfortunately not present at the launch, feels like it could be the more compelling choice. I understand why the AMT exists; it helps keep costs down and makes city driving a bit less demanding. But for anyone who actually enjoys driving or simply values a smoother and more predictable response, the manual seems like it would deliver a better experience.
Now, the Punch isn’t built to be quick, and that’s fine. It confidently weaves through traffic and overtakes slower-moving cars without too much stress. What really stood out to me, though, was the comfort. The suspension setup, featuring an independent, lower wishbone McPherson strut at the front, effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections. It cushions the ride nicely, giving you a sense of ease whether you’re in the city or cruising on open roads. For a vehicle in this segment, that balance between practicality and everyday comfort is a big win.
Then there’s the matter of safety, which is becoming more and more important for buyers in this segment. The Punch comes standard with dual airbags, ESP, ABS, and even a reverse camera, features that give you peace of mind in everyday driving. What really sets it apart, though, is its 5-star Global NCAP rating, which is impressive for a car in this category.
As mentioned earlier, Tata’s re-entry into the market feels like a very deliberate and strategic move. When you look at the products it has chosen to relaunch with, it’s clear the brand isn’t here to make up the numbers. And in a time when Chinese manufacturers are steadily gaining ground and dominating market share, it’s refreshing to get behind the wheel of something that carries no Chinese influence. With these two models in particular, the brand delivers a sense of character and a distinct identity that really stands out in today’s crowded market.
- Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure MT: R244,900
- Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure + S MT: R269,900
- Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure + S AMT: R288,900
- Tata Punch 1.2 Accomplished + AMT: R309,900
- Tata Punch 1.2 Creative + AMT: R339,900
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