Tata is going toe to toe with Maruti & Hyundai in the Indian market. The main contributor to this growth has been its SUV lineup. Even the brand’s smallest SUV, the Punch, is raking in good sales. The Punch has been able to achieve this due to its SUVish design, aggressive pricing and no direct competition. However, Maruti plans to bring in a strong Punch rival. Maruti is working on a Baleno-based SUV codenamed YTB. In today’s article, let’s talk about this Tata Punch competition.

Design

Punch competition

The YTB is expected to get a design similar to Futuro-E-concept that Maruti revealed at the Auto Expo 2020. The YTB could also get some design elements from the new Baleno. So we could see a small grille with a sharp headlamp design. The car could be taller than the Baleno offering more roomy interiors. What about the interiors? YTB could borrow the interior layout from the new Baleno. It could get a premium dashboard layout with a floating infotainment system.

Punch competition – Specifications

Punch competition

The YTB would be based on the Heartect platform, like all newer Maruti cars. It is said to come with the 1.0-litre Booster Jet engine that once powered the Baleno RS in India. This engine would definitely enhance the fun-to-drive quotient of this coupe SUV. Maruti could also bring a mild hybrid setup on the YTB to offer a good mileage. The transmission option will mostly include a manual and an automatic gearbox option. Could Maruti offer this engine with an AMT gearbox? Only time will tell.

Features

Punch competition

Features have become an important USP in the Indian market. Of late, Maruti has started loading its car with a lot of features and we can expect the same with the YTB. The YTB could get features like a floating infotainment system, 360-degree camera, heads-up display, cooled glovebox, premium sound system, automatic climate control, etc. Over the Baleno, the YTB could get features like wireless charging and maybe cooled cupholders that it can borrow from the Maruti XL6. This way it will sit below the Brezza in the Maruti line-up without really overshadowing it with more features.

Punch competition – Launch timeline

Punch competition

The YTB has already been spotted testing in India. Media reports have indicated that Maruti will showcase this coupe SUV during Auto Expo 2023 with launch said to happen in coming February. Will you prefer the YTB over the Brezza instead? Do let us know in the comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__moGPzWIWQ&t=49s

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