Tata Punch Beats Nexon and Brezza to Become Best-selling SUV in January 2024

Over the past five to six years, millions have opted for SUVs as their first preference. As a result of this, our country's SUV market is currently divided into multiple categories and sub-segments. Notably, SUVs hold about 50 per cent of the total market share in the passenger vehicle sector. Popular SUVs such as the Mahindra Scorpio, the Tata Nexon, and the Maruti Brezza have long been favourites in the Indian PV market. However, the Tata Punch, a compact SUV, outsold its rivals last month, demonstrating its considerable influence in the market. Here's a look at the model's latest sales figures. 

Punch, Nexon, and Brezza: Sales Figures for Jan 2024

In the passenger vehicle segment, the Tata Punch emerged as the best-selling SUV and the second-best-selling model overall as of January 2024. With a monthly sales volume of 17,978 units, the subcompact crossover saw a noteworthy 50 per cent YoY growth. For the uninitiated, the Punch is offered in both all-electric and internal combustion engine configurations. The former was launched last month starting at Rs 10.99 lakh.

Next in line is Punch's elder sibling, the Tata Nexon, of which 17,182 units were sold last month. This led to a 10 per cent year-over-year (YoY) gain. The car is available for purchase in both ICE and EV versions as well. Last year in September, the Nexon line underwent a significant revamp. The price of the model ranges between Rs 8.15 lakh and Rs 15.60 lakh. 

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is another model among the best-selling sub-4-metre SUVs in India, and comes in at third spot, with 15,303 sold in January. The carmaker sold 14,359 units in the corresponding month of the prior year, resulting in a 7 per cent YoY rise. As for its price, the SUV retails for Rs 8.29 lakh (base variant). Meanwhile, the top-spec variant can be had for Rs 14.14 lakh. All mentioned prices are ex-showroom figures.

Tata Punch: Engine Setup and Available Features

The mechanical configuration of the Tata Punch comprises a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, with the option of a manufacturer-installed CNG kit. In standard mode, the motor can produce 84bhp of maximum power and 113Nm of peak torque. The unit is tuned to develop 103Nm and 72bhp when using the CNG option. Together with the engine, there is an AMT unit and a 5-speed manual transmission available. 

On the feature front, the Punch includes a 7.0-inch part-digital instrument display (only available in the Creative variant), 16-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Harman speakers, a sunroof, and Traction Pro, among other amenities. Furthermore, it boasts a roomy 366-litre boot and 187mm of ground clearance. In the domestic market, the Hyundai Exter is the Tata Punch's main rival. Other competitors include the Nissan Magnite and the Renault Kiger.

The 5-seater SUV was originally priced at Rs 6 lakh, but owing to a recent price hike implemented by Tata Motors, it is now available for between Rs 6.13 lakh and Rs 10.20 lakh. Prices are ex-showroom. 

Other Models in the Top 5 Best-Selling SUVs for Jan 2024

The Mahindra Scorpio is surely an intriguing inclusion on the list. Compared to 8,715 units sold during the same period last year, the mid-size SUV sold 14,293 units overall in January. A whopping 64 per cent YoY growth resulted from this. The Indian manufacturer offers two variants of the Scorpio model: Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N.

The Fronx has been a major factor in Maruti Suzuki being the country's top SUV maker. Based on the Baleno hatchback, the crossover was launched in April 2023 and a total of 13,643 units of the same were sold last month.