Despite not being the highest-selling SUV manufacturer in India, Tata Motors has achieved a significant milestone by having the top two best-selling SUVs in the country for FY 2023-24: the Tata Nexon and Tata Punch. While Tata Motors trails behind Maruti and Mahindra in overall SUV sales, the Nexon and Punch have emerged as market leaders. The Nexon sold 171,697 units, and the Punch followed closely with 170,076 units. Here's why these subcompact SUVs have become such a hit.
Diversified Options
One of the key factors behind the popularity of the Tata Nexon and Punch is the wide range of options available. The Nexon is offered in four broad trims: Smart, Pure, Creative, and Fearless, along with the Dark Edition available in the Creative and Fearless trims. This results in a total of 100 variants, including petrol and diesel options, as well as manual and automatic transmissions.
The all-electric version, Nexon.ev, doubles these options, providing customers with even more choices. Similarly, the Punch is available in four broad variants: Pure, Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative, further divided into 25 variants. This extensive variety caters to a wide range of preferences and needs.
Priority on Safety
Tata Motors has set a high standard for safety in the Indian automotive industry. The Nexon was one of the first Indian cars to receive a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP in 2018, and it achieved even better points under the updated testing protocol in 2022. The Nexon.ev also scored a perfect 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP.
The Punch has also earned a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP in 2022, and the Punch.ev received a perfect 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP, making it the safest EV in India. This strong emphasis on safety attracts buyers looking for reliable and secure family cars.
Multiple Powertrain Options
Tata Motors offers a variety of engine and transmission options for the Nexon and Punch. The Nexon is available with petrol and diesel engines and offers four transmission options: a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed AMT, and a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The Punch, on the other hand, has a single petrol engine option paired with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. Additionally, the Punch is available in CNG variants, further enhancing its appeal. CNG variants of the Nexon are also expected to be launched soon. Both models also offer fully electric options, making them attractive to buyers looking to switch to green mobility.
The success of the Tata Nexon and Punch in the Indian SUV market can be attributed to their diversified options, high safety standards, and multiple powertrain choices. These factors have made them the preferred choice for many Indian buyers, ensuring their continued dominance in the future.
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