The micro-SUV that single-handedly changed the fortunes of Tata Motors is back in a brand-new avatar. For years, the Tata Punch has been the default choice for anyone looking for a “tough” small car with a 5-star safety rating. But let’s be honest—it was starting to feel a bit dated, especially with the 3-cylinder engine feeling a bit sluggish on highways.
Enter the 2026 Tata Punch Facelift. With a fresh face inspired by its electric sibling, a massive tech upgrade, and the addition of a 120 PS Turbo Petrol engine, Tata isn’t just defending its territory—it’s aiming to conquer it.
Ex-Showroom Starting Price: ₹5.99 Lakh (Estimated)
Launch Date: January 13, 2026
QUICK SPECS TABLE (At a Glance)
| Feature | Details |
| Engine Options | 1.2L Revotron (NA) / 1.2L Turbo Petrol / 1.2L iCNG |
| Max Power (Turbo) | 120 PS @ 5500 rpm |
| Max Torque (Turbo) | 170 Nm @ 1750-4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT, 5-Speed AMT, 6-Speed MT (Turbo only) |
| Ground Clearance | 187 mm |
| Boot Space | 366 Litres (Petrol) / 210 Litres (iCNG) |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star (Global NCAP) |
3. EXTERIOR DESIGN: The Mini-Harrier Vibe
The most striking change is the front fascia. Tata has ditched the older “humanity line” for a cleaner, more futuristic Punch EV-inspired look.
- Front Profile: You get those razor-sharp LED DRLs connected by a blacked-out grille. The main headlamp cluster is now more angular and placed lower on the bumper.
- Side Profile: Not much has changed here, but the new 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels look much more premium. The 187mm ground clearance remains the best in class.
- Rear Profile: The tri-arrow LED taillamps are gone, replaced by connected LED taillights and a beefier bumper with a silver skid plate.
INTERIOR & FEATURES: A Massive Leap
Step inside, and you’ll realize this isn’t just a “plastic update.” The cabin feels significantly more upmarket.
- The Screen: A new 10.25-inch floating touchscreen dominates the dashboard. It’s slick, responsive, and supports Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
- The Cluster: Drivers now get a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster that can display navigation—a huge win for this segment.
- Comfort Features: Tata has finally added Ventilated Front Seats, a wireless charger, and an air purifier.
- Rear Space: Can three people sit at the back? Yes, but it’s a tight squeeze. However, the flat floor and 90-degree opening doors make entry and exit the easiest in the segment.
PERFORMANCE: The Turbo We Always Wanted
The biggest complaint about the old Punch was the lack of “punch” on the highway. Tata has fixed that.
- 1.2L Turbo Petrol: Borrowed from the Nexon, this engine produces 120 PS. On the highway, the car feels much more confident. Overtaking a truck at 80kmph no longer requires a prayer and a downshift.
- The City Drive: The steering remains light and easy to maneuver. The AMT has seen some software tweaks to reduce that annoying “head-nod” effect, but the Manual remains the enthusiast’s choice.
- Suspension: This is where the Punch shines. It absorbs potholes easily—almost like a mini-tank. You don’t have to slow down for every minor crack on the road.
REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Reality Check)
Let’s talk numbers. Don’t just go by the brochure; here is what we recorded:
| Fuel Type | ARAI Claimed | Real World (City) | Real World (Highway) |
| Petrol (NA) | 20.09 kmpl | 13-14 kmpl | 17-18 kmpl |
| Turbo Petrol | 17.50 kmpl | 11-12 kmpl | 15-16 kmpl |
| iCNG | 26.99 km/kg | 19-21 km/kg | 24-25 km/kg |
SAFETY: The Gold Standard
The Tata Punch was already a 5-star rated car. With the facelift, Tata has added:
- 6 Airbags as standard across all variants.
- 360-degree Camera with a blind-view monitor.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and TPMS.
- ADAS (Level 1): Select variants now feature Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
THE COMPETITION: Punch vs Exter vs Ignis
| Feature | Tata Punch Facelift | Hyundai Exter | Maruti Suzuki Ignis |
| Engine Power | 120 PS (Turbo) | 83 PS | 83 PS |
| Ground Clearance | 187 mm | 185 mm | 180 mm |
| Safety | 5-Star (GNCAP) | 6 Airbags (Standard) | 2-Star (GNCAP) |
| Best For | Ruggedness & Power | Features & Refinement | Budget & Peppy City use |
The Winner: If you want a rugged car that feels like a proper SUV, the Tata Punch Facelift is the clear winner, especially with the new Turbo engine.
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FINAL VERDICT
Buy it if:
- Safety is your #1 priority: It’s the safest car in its class, period.
- You drive on bad roads: The suspension and ground clearance are phenomenal.
- You want a feature-rich SUV: The 360-cam, ventilated seats, and sunroof make it feel like a luxury car.
Skip it if:
- You want the smoothest engine: The 3-cylinder engine still has some vibrations compared to Hyundai’s 4-cylinder.
- Rear seat width is critical: Fitting three adults in the back for long trips is uncomfortable.
- You are on a tight budget: The top-end Turbo variants can touch ₹12 Lakh on-road.
Overall Score: 9/10
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q1: What is the on-road price of the Tata Punch Facelift?
The base ‘Smart’ variant is expected to start at ₹6.8 Lakh on-road, while the top-end ‘Accomplished+ S’ Turbo could go up to ₹12.5 Lakh depending on the city.
Q2: Is there a CNG option available in the facelift?
Yes! The iCNG variant continues with the Twin-Cylinder technology, giving you a usable 210-litre boot space even with the CNG tanks.
Q3: Does it have a Sunroof?
Yes, the ‘S’ variants (like Adventure S, Accomplished S) come with a voice-assisted electric sunroof.
