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      Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe Reveals Flamboyant Design

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      Mahindra XUV.e9 EV CoupeWhen compared to XUV.e8 with a regular monocoque SUV proportions, Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe emerges as significantly more stylishCoupe SUVs have been catching up in recent times. What started as a design trend with BMW X6 has reached mainstream car markets. Mahindra is also taking up the trend and developing XUV.e9 and BE.09. There have been spy shots showing profile, but the new spy shots show rear section as well.Mahindra XUV.e9 EV CoupeFor starters, the new XUV.e9 is essentially an electrified version of upcoming XUV700 Coupe or XUV800. While XUV.e8 is an electrified version of XUV700, XUV.e9 is an electrified version of XUV800, which could be launched at a later date. To ace aerodynamic performance of a coupe SUV, Mahindra seems to be benchmarking a Tesla Model Y, spotted at Mahindra’s premises.The recent XUV.e9 spy shots were captured by automotive enthusiast Anto Leo Thomson. This particular test mule was found trundling along near Paranur toll gate outside Mahindra City, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. These are the clearest and the closest pictures of XUV.e9 yet. Most of the components like tail lights and headlights seem to be production-spec.In many Mahindra prototypes, we have seen temporary tail lights, but these seem to be finalised. We can see how massive Mahindra XUV.e9 looks and the massive road presence it exudes. Wheels look a tad small for a vehicle of this size. However, the coupe roof line is the primary highlight here.Mahindra XUV.e9 EV Coupe shapeIt smoothly flows into rear section that features a connected tail light design along with a fake air vent-type element. We can see split aero rear spoiler along with a shark fin antenna. Front door handles are flush, but rear door handle is in the C-pillar. Chunky body claddings will cut down on visual mass too.Immersive interiorsAnto Leo Thomson also mentioned that this particular test mule features a triple-screen setup – one for main infotainment, one for driver’s instrumentation and one for front passenger. We will see Mahindra’s new steering wheel which looks to be inspired by Tata’s new steering design. Like BE.05, XUV.e9 could feature a fixed glass roof too.Powertrain-wise, Mahindra’s new INGLO platform will underpin this stylish coupe SUV. Battery size will vary between 60 kWh to 80 kWh. Single motor RWD and dual motor AWD layouts will be offered as options. Performance with these SUVs will be plenty with instant electric torque. Mahindra demonstrated a 200 km/h top speed as well.Mahindra BE.09 Production DesignIn India, Tata Tigor was the first mainstream coupe vehicle, followed by Maruti Suzuki Fronx. That said, Mahindra had established interests in coupe vehicles much earlier and had even showcased XUV500 Aero Concept with a sloping roof line. The new BE.09 and XUV.e9 are spiritual successors of that design. More

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      Volvo C40 Recharge Electric Car Catches Fire – Volvo India Official Statement

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      Volvo C40 Recharge Electric catches fireQuick Thinking Ensures Escape from Burning C40 – How Will This Incident Impact Electric Vehicle Adoption?In a surprising turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a Volvo C40 Recharge, known for its reputation as one of the safest car brands globally, engulfed in flames. The incident occurred in Chhattisgarh, while the owner was driving, raising concerns about the safety of electric vehicles.The Volvo C40 Recharge, an all-electric car, has been gaining attention for its eco-friendly features and advanced safety measures. Priced at Rs 62.95 lakh (ex-showroom), it is one of the premium electric offerings available in India. However, a shocking video shared by the car owner reveals a different side to the vehicle’s safety record.Volvo’s Safety Reputation TestedThe video, recorded by the owner at the time of the incident, captures the moment the Volvo C40 Recharge caught fire. Fortunately, everyone on board managed to escape unharmed before the flames engulfed the car completely. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and investigations are underway to understand the circumstances that led to this unexpected incident.Volvo, known for its commitment to safety, has not released an official statement regarding the incident at the time of writing. Owners of the C40 Recharge and electric vehicle enthusiasts are awaiting an explanation from the company, seeking reassurance about the safety standards of their vehicles.[embedded content]This incident is likely to spark discussions about the safety of electric cars, particularly as they become more prevalent on roads worldwide. While electric vehicles are generally considered to be safer than traditional combustion engine cars, isolated incidents like these can raise concerns among consumers and prompt manufacturers to revisit their safety protocols.What Can the Electric Car Industry Take Away from This Incident?It is important to note that the swift evacuation and the absence of injuries in this incident highlight the importance of vehicle occupants being aware of safety procedures and emergency exits. The incident also emphasizes the need for continued research and development in the electric vehicle industry to enhance safety measures and prevent such incidents in the future. As investigations into the Volvo C40 Recharge fire continue, the incident serves as a reminder for both manufacturers and consumers to prioritize and stay vigilant about the safety aspects of electric vehicles.Update – Volvo India StatementWe are aware of an incident on Saturday involving a fire on a C40 while being driven. The embedded safety features informed the driver to take the car aside and step out of the car. There were no injuries & all occupants were safe. Our Customer Care call center was online to guide the customer on requisite safety measures. At Volvo Cars we pride ourselves on the safety of our cars and have taken this incident very seriously. The said vehicle will be minutely examined by our technical experts to ascertain the cause. We are in touch with and continue to support the customer. More

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      Tata New EVs Incoming – Curvv, Harrier (2024), Sierra, Altroz (2025)

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      Tata New EVs IncomingWith a diversified electric portfolio, Tata Motors can sustain its dominance in mass market EV segmentWith bestsellers like Nexon EV and Tiago EV, Tata Motors has captured a large chunk of the entry-level EV segment. Punch EV has also been launched and is expected to deliver similar results. With multiple affordable EVs, Tata Motors seems like the new Maruti of EV world. There’s more in store, as Tata Motors is readying 4 new SUVs for 2024-2025.Curvv EV, Harrier EV launch in 2024With its sporty design and hi-tech features, Curvv SUV has potential to disrupt the compact SUV segment. Curvv SUV will have both electric and ICE versions. The electric variant will be launched first to establish a lead over the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV. As of now, the compact SUV segment is dominated by the likes of Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. The compact EV SUV segment will also see the launch of Maruti eVX next year. It will be Maruti’s first electric offering, based on an entirely new born-electric platform. eVX will be one of the key rivals of Tata Curvv EV.[embedded content]For Curvv EV, Tata is using the new, born-electric acti.ev platform. Punch EV was the first Tata car to get this new advanced architecture. Apart from Curvv EV, all other upcoming new Tata passenger EVs will share the same platform. Acti.ev architecture offers multiple benefits spread across technology, performance, modularity and optimal space utilization.After Curvv EV, Tata will introduce Harrier EV later this year. The production variant will closely match the design and features seen with the Harrier EV concept showcased at 2023 Auto Expo. Harrier EV will retain the Omega architecture, a derivative of the legendary Land Rover D8 architecture.New Tata Harrier EV design patentHowever, the platform has undergone some major modifications to support electrification. Also, Tata’s Gen 2 EV architecture has been combined to create the new architecture for Harrier EV. Tata is also working on Harrier turbo-petrol that will be launched after Harrier EV.Sierra EV, Altroz EV launch in 2025Tata had showcased the Sierra EV concept at 2020 and 2023 Auto Expo. Launch is expected in 2025. A number of features are borrowed from Tata Avinya concept. Sierra EV will retain the overall look and feel of its predecessor, while also introducing new styling elements. Some of the key highlights include sleek headlamps, fine mesh grille, rugged bumper and a backlit Tata logo (part of the full-width LED light bar). Sierra EV will have spacious interiors and a comprehensive range of advanced features. It is likely that Tata will also introduce the ICE version of Sierra.Altroz EV was showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It is apparent that launch has been delayed due to the pandemic. Altroz will also share the new acti.ev platform like Punch EV. It could have a range of around 400-450 km. New features including ADAS are likely. More

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      Tata Punch.ev On-Road Prices Compared With Bigger SUVs

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      New Tata Punch EV. Image – Shubhadip SinghaTata Punch.ev is not very small compared to sub 4m SUVs and looking at features, powertrains and dynamics, it is the best vehicle to buy under Rs. 16 lakh (on-road)With the launch of Punch.ev, Tata Motors aim to push electric mobility to the masses. Thus hoping to speed up electric adoption rate in India. Launched recently, Punch EV (sold as Punch.ev) costs between Rs. 11.99 lakh and Rs. 14.49 lakh (ex-sh). These are killer prices and Tata is offering sunroof and 7.2 kW fast charger for an additional Rs. 50,000 each.Tata Punch.ev On-Road Prices ComparedThe prices are introductory and are bound to change at a later date. However, buying one now will make a lot of sense. We have driven the car around Bengaluru at Punch.ev media drive event organised by Tata Motors including off-road track and on-road handling track. You can read our first impression review here.In the review, we concluded that car buyers looking at cars below Rs. 16 lakh across any segment should consider Punch.ev before finalising. To fully understand the gravity of Punch.ev’s brilliance, we should look at a car’s on-road pricing and compare it to sub 4m SUVs/crossovers.We say this because electric cars only attract nominal registration charges, while ICE cars attract full-fat road tax. In the price table below, you can see how Tata Punch.ev on-road prices hold up against on-road prices of IC engine equipped sub 4m SUVs. I took on-road prices from Karnataka of automatic variants. Read comparison with Citroen eC3 here.Tata Punch.ev On-road Prices ComparedThe prices mentioned above, are for reference only and are not accurate. They include indicatory RTO tax, insurance and other charges. When comparing on-road prices, Punch.ev starts to look a lot more VFM than larger sub 4m SUVs with an IC engine. For context, we took top-spec Punch.ev Empowered+ LR with 7.2 kW ACFC for this comparison.Why we call Punch.ev a game changer?At around Rs. 16 lakh (on-road, Karnataka), Punch.ev has a lot of features and equipment. For starters, Punch.ev gets an electronic parking brake with auto hold, a fancy gear selector with an integrated display, new-age steering wheel from Nexon with an illuminated logo, paddle shifters, ventilated front seats, all-four disc brakes, LED projector headlights and a lot more.Not just that, Punch.ev has sequential LED indicators, full-width LED DRL with welcome and goodbye functions, leatherette seat upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED projector fog lights, cornering light function, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming IRVM, 360-degree camera, air purifier, telematics, fancy touch and toggle-style climate control panel and steering mounted controls.Tata Punch.ev interiorsThen comes the new 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Arcade.ev app suite for video streaming from many OTT platforms. Add to it, a 10.2-inch single-piece TFT colour instrument cluster that is fully configurable with a full-screen maps feature and shows a plethora of vehicular information.A package of all these features and technology in itself is note-worthy at Rs. 16 lakh. But zooming out further, Punch.ev is an electric car with supremely low running costs. It offers a 35 kWh battery with LR models, packing 121 bhp and 190 Nm claiming 0-100 km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds. Range is a claimed 421 km, with a real-world range of around 300 km. There are drive modes and adjustable regen modes too.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewThe chassis optimisation of Acti.ev platform is definitely an added masala to an already incredible package. Tata Punch.ev is easily the most agile mainstream vehicle in sub 4m segment and promises spirited and sure-footed driving dynamics. Ride quality, rough road ability and off-road capability are pretty impressive too. More

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      Maruti Suzuki eVX Spotted With ADAS Module – Launch Nearing?

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      Maruti Suzuki eVX spotted with ADAS moduleProduction-spec Maruti Suzuki eVX spotted testing, will rival ZS EV, upcoming Creta EV, Curvv EV, Elevate EV, Mahindra BE.05 and othersIndia’s leading carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, currently lacks an electric offering. This auto giant has a strategic partnership with Toyota and together, both the manufacturers are expected to launch their first electric vehicle for Indian markets. Maruti Suzuki eVX has been spotted testing multiple times and will launch before Toyota counterpart, based on Urban Crossover Concept.Maruti Suzuki eVX Spotted Testing AgainGlobal Suzuki has unveiled exteriors and interiors of eVX e-SUV in concept form. However, eVX has been spotted testing multiple times both overseas and here in India. Looking at the testing prototypes, we would wager that this product will probably take a lot more time than what was earlier predicted.But the testing is running in full swing, as observed with increasing frequency of test mule sightings. We can predict a launch timeline around the end of 2024. That said, the recent spy shots are some of the clearest, lending a perspective as to what we can expect from upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVX e-SUV.Considering that Suzuki has already revealed exteriors in concept form, we can compare how close the final production-spec model is going to be. Especially when compared to what was showcased as a concept.Maruti Suzuki eVX ConceptHow true is production model to conceptMaruti Suzuki eVX production model looks like it is toned down a lot from the concept version. We say this because the concept looked a lot more chiselled, edgy and flexed character lines that were quite complex to achieve in mass manufacturing. However, production model does retain design ethos where core silhouette is concerned.Front fascia ditches the sleek LED headlights in favour of a more conventional one. Concept has a closed-off grill, but production model features a grill that is a lot more open. Almost like a normal IC engine-equipped vehicle. Upper grill has a radar module too for ADAS suite. This could be the first Maruti vehicle to get ADAS. Maybe Grand Vitara may offer ADAS before eVX launch.Wheels are nothing fancy like the aero ones seen on concept model. A rear-view camera and flush door handles on concept make way for conventional ones with production-spec models. Rear door handle is on C pillar, which is interesting. Side profile almost carries design ethos from concept including an almost three-box design.Maruti Suzuki eVX dummy tail lightsTail lights of this particular test mule were dummy units for a temporary purpose. When launched, Maruti Suzuki eVX will feature connected tail lights that almost every car is offering these days. Other notable attributes include a shark-fin antenna, a subtle rear spoiler and a non-flashy bumper.Where powertrains are concerned, Maruti Suzuki eVX e-SUV will be based on born-electric YY8 skateboard, which is derived from Toyota’s 27PL platform. Battery options might include 45 kWh and 60 kWh units with single motor FWD and dual motor AWD layout options. Range can be around 550 km on a single charge.Maruti Suzuki eVX alloy wheel designSource More

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      Tata Sanand Plant To Start EV Production Soon – Curvv, Harrier, Safari EVs Spied Together

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      Along with Harrier EV, Tata is also planning the launch of Curvv EV and Safari EVTata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, a unit of Tata Motors, had acquired this Sanand facility from Ford India in January 2023Tata Motors, with an extensive range of electric vehicles in its portfolio, is planning to commence production from its new Sanand plant from April 2024. This plant was acquired from Ford India early last year and it is from this manufacturing unit that Tata Motors also produces the ICE versions of Nexon.Tata to make EVs at Sanand PlantThe Sanand plant which has been acquired from Ford India at Rs 725.7 crore, has a current capacity of 3 lakh units per annum though production capacity can be extended to 4.2 lakh units. Even as the company has announced that production of the Nexon EV will soon commence, Tata Motors also plans launch of the Curvv EV and Harrier EV, all of which will be produced from the same plant.[embedded content]There is also the Safari EV in the making. All three of these new EV SUVs were spied together recently in Pune. Targeting a 5 percent growth in the passenger vehicle segment, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD Shailesh Chandra revealed the timeline for launch of the Curvv EV and Harrier EV. The Curvv EV is planned for launch in Q3/Q4 of CY 2024 while later this year the company will also launch the Harrier EV.Earlier this week the company introduced Punch.ev. It comes in at a competitive pricing of Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 14.49 lakh, ex-showroom and booking open at Rs 21,000. It competes with the Citroen eC3 and upcoming Hyundai Exter EV and Kia Clavis. Punch.ev is being offered with two battery packs. The standard model gets a 25-kWh battery pack offering a 315 km range while the Long Range (LR) variant sports a larger 35 kWh battery pack with a 421 km range.Tata Safari EV spied in PuneTata Curvv has been spied on test and prices are likely to be announced by June 2024. It enters the compact SUV space and will have both ICE and electric powertrains. The ICE variant will take on the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos along with the Maruti Grand Vitara while the electric version of Curvv will compete with the upcoming Creta EV, Maruti eVX and Mahindra BE.05.Tata Harrier EV spied in PuneTata Harrier EV, Safari EV Design Patent LeakedTata Harrier and Safari EVs will be the company’s flagship electric vehicle. Design leaks show off a more futuristic design with extensive exterior updates along with a host of interior features. These include a twin spoke steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, touch based HVAC system, a 360 degree camera and ADAS. Cabin comforts also extend to automatic climate controls, wireless charging, ventilated seating in the front and ambient lighting.Tata Harrier EV and Safari EV will be positioned on the company’s Gen II EV architecture, an improvement over the Gen I platform seen on the Nexon EV. It will likely draw its power via a 60 kWh to 80 kWh battery pack to offer a range of around 500 kms on full charge. Expect prices to be in the Rs 25-35 lakh range upon launch. More

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      Citroen eC3 Shine Launched – New Features To Rival Punch EV

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      Citroen eC3 Shine trim launchedCitroen eC3 Shine claims acceleration from 0-60 km/h in 6.8 seconds, a top speed of 107 km/h and DC charging facilities up to 80% in 57 minutesThe new top-spec Citroen eC3 Shine trim has been launched in India priced between Rs. 13.2 lakh and Rs. 13.5 lakh (ex-sh). It was earlier presented in two variants – Live and Feel, launched at Rs 11.50 lakh and Rs 12.13 lakh (ex-sh) respectively. With the launch of Punch.ev with its stellar packaging and fat brochure, Citroen is upping its EV game too.Citroen eC3 Shine LaunchedIts ICE counterpart, C3 Hatchback, was also offered in Live and Feel trims initially and added top-spec Shine trim later on. When compared to ICE C3 Shine Non-Turbo variant, Citroen eC3 Shine costs Rs 5.44 lakh more and Rs. 4.92 lakh more for Turbo variant. The eC3 Shine trim is also offered in Vibe Pack, Dual Tone and Dual Tone Vibe Pack priced at Rs 13.35 lakh, Rs. 13.35 lakh and Rs 13.50 lakh respectively (all prices are ex-showroom).The new Citroen eC3 Shine marks the company’s attempt to better rival against newly launched Tata Punch.ev. It goes up against the Tiago EV and MG Comet. But the apples to apples comparison points towards recently launched Punch EV. Deliveries of the eC3 will commence soon.Citroen eC3 Shine trim sports all the same dimensions and features as seen on its ICE counterpart. It measures 3,981mm in length, 1,733 mm in width and 1,586mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,540mm. It boasts a ground clearance of 170mm too.Citroen eC3 Shine ColoursAdded features over Feel trimThe main feature additions have to be 15-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable ORVMs, rear washer and wiper, rear defogger, rear parking camera and a leather wrapping to its steering wheel. External design additions include front and rear silver faux skid platesOther features carried over from Feel trim include dual front airbags, manual air conditioning, remote locking, power windows at the front and rear and a height adjustable driver’s seat. It also sports onboard equipment such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car technology and a 4 speaker sound system.Connected car tech is via the MyCitroen Connect app that offers users information on vital statistics such as charging status, location and navigate to the nearest charging station. Safety is via dual airbags, ABS with EBD.Citroen eC3 Shine infotainmentNo changes to powertrainCitroen eC3 Shine continues to draw power from a 29.2 kWh battery pack with a single electric motor offering 57 hp power and 143 Nm torque. It offers a 320 km range and fast charging via a DC charger that can charge the battery upto 80 percent in 57 minutes. It can also be charged from 10 to 100 percent via a home charger in 10.5 hours.Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in 16.88 seconds. The Citroen eC3 also gets two driving modes of Eco and Standard along with regenerative braking. Citroen eC3 is presented with a 7 year/1,40,000km warranty on battery pack, 5 year/1,00,000km warranty on e-motor and 3 year/1,25,000km warranty on the vehicle.Citroen eC3 Shine exteriors More

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      Tata Punch EV First Drive Review – The Star, Reborn!

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      Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewThe new Acti.ev dedicated electric car platform debuts with Tata Punch EV and will be used with future Tata electric carsIndia is no stranger to Tata Motors. The company has been a staple automaker in India catering to a wide variety of customers ranging from PVs to CVs. But the company’s latest launch is one that is poised to be a trendsetter, a benchmark for vehicles to follow under the Rs. 15 lakh mark. Say Namaste to Punch.ev that is Tata Motors’ most ambitious launch in the recent past.Tata Punch EV – Perfect “Urban Vehicle”?Among the many first-ever titles within India and the world, Tata Motors has added a new title to its name as it launched India’s first dedicated EV platform in the form of Acti.ev, debuting with Punch.ev. Tata Punch EV has been priced between Rs. 10.99 lakh and Rs. 14.49 lakh (ex-sh) and these are killer prices considering everything Punch EV packs.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewTata Motors product team explained how the company threw stereotypes of segment-wise features out of the window and aimed to nail a perfect Urban runabout vehicle. In that regard, we can see a lot of components that Punch EV (marketed as Punch.ev) shares with much pricier and premium siblings like Nexon, Harrier and Safari. Even design language is shared with these pricier siblings to establish a family DNA that is distinctly and impactfully, a Tata.Exterior design changesFascia is all new and gets sleek connected LED DRLs with sequential LED turn indicators. The center LED light bar incorporates welcome and goodbye animations along with battery charging status when plugged in. Headlights are LEDs housed in projectors, accompanied by LED projector fog lights with a cornering function.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewFront charging port Is a first for Tata and is possible due to the Acti.ev dedicated electric platform. This unlocks charging convenience, something that can’t be said about Nexon.ev with a charging socket at rear left quarter panel. The charging cap opens electrically too, which is a nice touch. Closed-off grill and air vents in lower bumper to cool brake rotors are other notable elements.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewSide and rear are identical to regular Tata Punch with an IC engine, except for the new 16-inch alloy wheels with Punch EV. These wheels are wrapped with low rolling resistance tyres from Apollo. Tata is providing all four disc brakes with Punch EV due to added performance from its electric powertrain.New-age interiorsFuturistic and prominent exteriors are perfectly complemented by the interiors with cutting-edge gadgetry that is shared with more premium Tata products. Dashboard layout is identical to its ICE counterpart along with door panels. But the overall ambience has lifted several notches with all the new elements that Punch EV now gets.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewWe’re talking about a fluidly fast and crisp 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.2-inch instrument screen that grabs all the attention. New leather-wrapped steering wheel is shared with Nexon facelift and gets illuminated Tata logo. Centre console is all new too and features a new touch and toggle style climate control panel. Further down, we get a rotary gear selector with an integrated circular display. This is where you find the Sports and Eco driving mode buttons along with an electronic parking brake with auto hold button.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewNew infotainment screen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with 360° camera feed and Arcade.ev app suite. It currently offers a few OTT and video streaming services to watch when the car is standing still or moving at a tortoise pace. For safety reasons, of course. Tata promises that this is an evolving platform that will host more functionalities with OTA updates. Punch EV offers Jio Saavn audio streaming too, with a 1 year subscription. The Harman-branded music system could have offered more bass with a dedicated subwoofer.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewThe new instrument screen is not only a digital TFT unit, it is fully configurable too. Offering functionalities that cars of rival brands from two segments above, don’t offer. It shows all the vehicular data including range, speed, drive modes, regen modes, TPMS data, trip data, blind spot assist and many more. The most impressive functionality has to be full-screen navigation on instrument cluster for a driver-friendly approach.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewOther notable features on the inside include good quality leatherette upholstery with front ventilated seats. Despite the fact that all equipment and features on Punch EV are designed to pamper front seat occupants, Acti.ev dedicated electric platform has unlocked more room for rear passengers. Kudos to Tata Motors for offering a sunroof as an optional extra for additional Rs. 50K, something that other manufacturers should probably take note of.Powertrain, specs and dynamicsTata’s new Acti.ev platform on Punch EV is offered in two versions – Standard Punch EV and Punch EV LR (Long Range). Standard Punch EV gets a 25 kWh battery pack powering an 80.5 bhp and 114 Nm electric motor and claims 13.5 seconds to 100 km/h and 315 km range on a single charge. LR model packs a larger 35 kWh battery pack powering a 120.7 bhp and 190 Nm electric motor and claims 9.5 seconds 0-100 km/h, 140 km/h top speed and 421 km range on a single charge.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewCar reviews these days are all about the features and gadgetry with very little mention of car’s actual dynamics. Since Tata Punch EV is debuting the new Acti.ev dedicated electric car platform, I would like to talk more about car’s dynamics.Tata had arranged for a small off-road and handling course to demonstrate dynamic capabilities of Punch EV. Where Tata had arranged for multiple off-road scenarios including rock beds, step climbs, hill descent, water wading, inclined driving, dug potholes and more.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewPunch EV has an approach angle of 19°, departure angle of 28° and ramp over angle of 15.1° along with an unladen ground clearance of 190 mm. All of this ensured Punch EV cleared all these off-road obstacles with flying colours. The 360° camera feed on a large infotainment screen helps a lot in tackling tough terrains and urban jungles alike. What impressed me more than off-road behaviour was on-road behaviour. Looking at Punch’s tall-boy design, one wouldn’t usually associate it with good dynamics. But Punch EV with Tata’s new Acti.ev platform will surprise you, for sure.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewIt is not just that electric cars have heavy batteries on the floor taking centre of gravity lower. The Acti.ev dedicated electric platform is designed and developed to be significantly stiffer than non-dedicated platforms shared with ICE counterparts. Tata’s product team personnel who accompanied me on this dynamic testing, asked me to trust the car and push it as hard as I could around corners. And to my surprise, Punch EV donning Tata’s new Acti.ev platform handled exceptionally well for the price bracket. You can carry a lot of speed into a corner and Punch EV delivers with a surprising amount of composure.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewAdded performance and dynamics need extra stopping power and this is where rear disc brakes come into the limelight. If Tata Motors offered a RWD version of this car with a manual handbrake and called it Punch EV Racer, it would make for a tempting hot hatch proposition too. Steering wheel gets paddle shifters to cycle between the three regen modes. L3 offers the strongest regen, but it doesn’t stop the car completely. One pedal driving is under consideration, as revealed by Tata’s product team. We couldn’t draw opinions on range with this brief media event, though.Safety and other attributesTata is offering 6 airbags as standard fitment with Punch EV and the car now gets 3-point seatbelts for all occupants. Other safety attributes include all four disc brakes, TPMS, ESP and the likes. Where crash safety is concerned, Tata Punch EV doesn’t share the same 5 star crash rating as ICE Punch as it is an all new platform. Given that it is a Tata product, we expect nothing less than stellar crash performance by Punch EV.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewThere is very little to fault with Tata Punch EV. Whatever tiny little niggles we could find are easily forgivable considering Punch EV’s aggressive pricing. However, I would have liked it if the car’s rotary gear selector dial didn’t move when the car’s gearbox hadn’t shifted due to partial brake application at user/driver’s end. Traditional gear selector stalks for automatic vehicles don’t physically move when gearbox hasn’t shifted.Tata Punch EV First Drive ReviewA similar thing happened to me during the brief media drives where I slotted to D, from R with partial brake application. Gear selector dial rotated, but the gearbox didn’t shift to D because of the partial brake applied at my end. I thought the car would move forward. However, it moved backwards. This is not exactly the car’s fault and prospective buyers will get used to it in a day or two and then it feels like second nature.ConclusionMany of you must have witnessed a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. With Punch EV, Tata Motors is doing the impossible by pulling a hat out of a rabbit by offering a surprisingly well-packaged product at a jaw-dropping price point. If you’re buying any car across any segment within Rs. 15 lakh price bracket, we would highly recommend Tata Punch EV over most of the other offerings. It’s that good of a package. 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