When Tata unveiled the most recent Nexon EV model, it made some really significant advance steps. Apart from getting improvements on the powertrain for enhanced efficiency and range, the subcompact electric SUV benefited from what you could consider as a laundry list of additional features. Although the electric SUV is also the most sold EV on the market, internal brand stables are now posing a challenge to it. Underlined by the new dedicated EV platform, Acti.ev, Tata debuted the Punch EV earlier this year bringing in comparable levels of gear at a reduced price tag. Now the issue is: should you choose the Punch EV instead of the Nexon EV?

Styles and Dimensions

Though their sizes varied greatly, both the Punch EV and Nexon EV fit in the little area. Though the Punch EV has an advantage in headroom because to its tall-boy dimensions, the Nexon EV is clearly bigger and broader than the former.

Regarding design, both the Nexon EV and Punch EV have the new EV family design ready for use on all Tata EVs moving ahead. Inspired on the Curvv EV concept, the design does assist improve the appearance of both SUVs; the Punch EV appears especially unique compared to its internal combustion equivalent. Both SUVs have a full-width lightbar at the base of the bonnet with the foglamps and primary headlights arranged in angular housings down on the bumper. Though the Nexon's extra breadth and obvious fender flares give it an edge, both models seem the right fit for modern crossovers.

While the cladding works well to give it that SUV appearance the whole silhouette does look more like a high-riding hatchback, in profile the Punch EV's more tall-boy proportions are really clear.

Round the rear; all models have their own unique look with the Nexon EV carrying over the lightbar style concept and the Punch EV getting the separate taills with the special tri-arrow design feature.

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In cabin and space

Opening the Nexon EV's doors reveals exactly how far Tata has progressed in terms of the cabin size. While the touch-sensitive controls on the lower center console also feel like a step forward from past, the 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster help to greatly make the interior seem a lot more current than it always was. On the go, we cannot say the same about usability; it is another story entirely. Though the driving modes now receive their own rotary controller, the rotary gear selector with built-in display switches has been replaced with a more conventional gear selection down below.

One complaint still about the interior is the small footwell with the broad center console more than usually brushing against your leg while resting on the dead pedal. The second is the absence of many practical storage areas front with a little center armrest storage, glovebox, thin door pockets and a little driver-side storage shelf about all the room you have. Still, the front seats are really pleasant.

Powertrain Choices

With separate size battery packs and varying electric motor outputs, the Nexon EV and Punch EV both have two separate powertrains: long range (LR) and mid-range (MR). With either a 25 kWh or 35 kWh battery pack, the Punch EV is touted to have ranges of up to 315 km and 421km respective. Whereas the 35 kWh pack is matched with a unit generating 90 kW and 190 Nm of torque, the smaller battery pack is coupled with an electric motor producing 60 kW and 114 Nm.

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Cost and Conclusion

All things considered, for mass-market consumers both the Punch EV and Nexon EV are appealing bundles. Tata has advanced much in terms of technology, and there is not much else you could wish for in SUVs, especially in these totally equipped variants.

For first-time customers, the Nexon EV was always a decent EV; however, with Tata coming to town with its features game, the 2023 upgrade just made it more appealing. The same applied to the Punch EV as well as the tiny SUV provides a lot of tech at a reasonable price. Given our packed cities, the smaller size and nimbler feel of the Punch EV also have benefits. Furthermore to take into account is the cost; the fully equipped Punch EV is comparable to the Nexon MR, therefore it is much the more interesting as it will have the necessary extended range at a reduced price.