A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Punch
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
NX
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Punch
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
NX
Punch
Model Introduced Year
2023
2025
Generation
Second-generation Lexus NX mid-size luxury SUV
First-generation South African-market Tata Punch compact five-door SUV
Facelift History
Current South African range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and plug-in-hybrid derivatives
Introduced with Tata Passenger Vehicles' South African return in 2025; no South African facelift has been announced
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and plug-in-hybrid derivatives
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
Active
Segment
Luxury SUV
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1760-1860 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger Car
Spec
NX
Punch
Length
4660 mm
3827 mm
Width
1865 mm
1742 mm
Height
1670 mm
1615 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2445 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
195 mm
187 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
35 l
Boot/Cargo Space
520 l
366 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2370 kg
1483 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.8 m
5.0 m
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
159 mm
Kerb Weight
-
1059 kg
Payload Capacity
-
424 kg
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
-
940 mm
Front Legroom
-
870 mm
Rear Legroom
-
890 mm
Spec
NX
Punch
Front Track Width
1605 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1625 mm
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson -
Independent, Lower Wishbone, Mcpherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Double Wishbone -
Semi-independent Twist Beam with Coil Spring and Shock Absorber
Spec
NX
Punch
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Auto Dual zone
FATC
Power Windows
All/ All One Touch
Front Rear
Keyless Entry
Standard Smart Entry
Standard
Push Button Start
Push Start
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Standard Power and Handsfree
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Auto Dual zone
FATC
Heads Up Display
Standard
-
Air Conditioning
Auto Dual zone
FATC
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
NX
Punch
Engine
2.4-litre Turbocharged Petrol
1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2400 cc
1199 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
12
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Petrol SFI + D-4ST
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
11.3:1
Bore
87.5 mm
77 mm
Stroke
99.5 mm
85.8 mm
Maximum Power
205 kW @ 6000 rpm
65 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
430 Nm
115 Nm @ 3250 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
5-Speed AMT
Top Speed
200 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
7.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+
Eco, City
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
61.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
108.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
NX
Punch
Gearbox
Automatic 8-speed
5-Speed AMT
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Available
Number of Gears
8
5
Transmission Type
Automatic 8-speed
Automated Manual Transmission
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automated manual gear selector
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Permanent all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic 8-speed
AMT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
AWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
5
LSD Available
-
No
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
-
4.64
Clutch Type
-
Automated dry single-plate clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Spec
NX
Punch
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
17.86 km/l
City Mileage
9.9 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.5 km/l
16.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
35 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
55
35
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
-
BS VI Phase 2
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
17.86 km/l
Spec
NX
Punch
Airbags
Side,Curtain,Driver,Passenger,Driver Knee
2
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard,,
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard 2
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Through PEPS
Alarm System
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Not Available
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Through PEPS
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard,,
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
-
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Spec
NX
Punch
Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Standard
Rear View Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Auto,Rainsensing
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Standard
Reverse Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Spec
NX
Punch
Seat Material
F SPORT
Tri Arrow Design Fabric Seat
Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
-
Heated Seats
Standard Driver and Passenger only
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Standard Front only
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
60:40 -
-
Rear Armrest
Standard
-
Cup Holders
Standard 4
-
Steering Wheel Material
3 Spoke/ F SPORT
Leather-wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Standard TFT
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Driver 2-way,Power
-
60 40 Split Seat
60:40 -
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Manual adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Manual slide and recline
Seat Trim
F SPORT
Tri Arrow Design Fabric Seat
Ambient Lighting
-
Not Available
Spec
NX
Punch
Infotainment System
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Floating 10.5" Infotainment System
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Connectivity
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Standard 17
6
Navigation System
Standard/ EMV
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard TFT
4" Digital Cluster
USB Ports
Standard 5PCs
Front A and Fast C type USB
Infotainment Screen Size
Mark Levinson/ EMV
10.5-inch
Audio Speakers
Standard 17
6
Audio System
Mark Levinson/ EMV
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard 5PCs
-
Infotainment Screen
Mark Levinson/ EMV
10.5-inch
Connected Services
Standard
-
Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV
10.5-inch
Spec
NX
Punch
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
Standard LED
With Cornering Lamps
Roof Rails
Standard
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue, Graphite Black GF, Terrane Khaki, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Copper
Orcus White with Black Roof, Tornado Blue with White Roof, Calypso Red with White Roof, Daytona Grey with Black Roof, Tropical Mist with Black Roof
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Not Available
Spec
NX
Punch
Approach Angle
15.0 deg
20.3 deg
Departure Angle
25.0 deg
37.6 deg
Terrain Modes
Standard
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Permanent all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Approach Angle Deg
15.0 deg
-
Departure Angle Deg
25.0 deg
-
Ground Clearance Max
195 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
195 mm
-
Wading Depth
-
370 mm
Breakover Angle
-
22.2 deg
Spec
NX
Punch
Tyre Size
F:235-50RF R20 / R:235-50RF R20
195/70 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Drum
Wheel Rim Size
20
16-inch
Handbrake Type
Electric
Manual handbrake
Spare Wheel Type
-
Steel spare wheel, 185/70 R15
Spec
NX
Punch
Service Interval
12 months / 15,000km
-
Service Plan
-
2 years / 30,000 km
Spec
NX
Punch
CO2 Emissions
185 g/km
132 g/km
Spec
NX
Punch
Ownership Role
Private luxury, family and business
New passenger vehicle
Price Zar
1276500 ZAR
339900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Flagship
Recommended retail price
Starting Price
1276500
339900
Starting Price Zar
1276500
339900
Spec
NX
Punch
Warranty
7 years / 105,000km
5 years / 125,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This NX and Punch comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: NX 86 vs Punch 31.
Efficiency index: NX 49 vs Punch 68.
Safety-equipment index: NX 93 vs Punch 44.
Practicality index: NX 65 vs Punch 61.
Ownership-cover index: NX not separately scored vs Punch not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
NX and Punch image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
NX leads by 25 points
NX has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Punch.
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
NX
Performance
86/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
65/100
Punch
Performance
31/100
Efficiency
68/100
Safety
44/100
Practicality
61/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus NX
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 50 pts for Punch
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, NX leads. However, Punch may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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