At a starting price of INR 5.59 lakh, the 2026 Tata Punch facelift continues to do what it has always done best, deliver far more than its size and price suggest. In a market obsessed with bigger screens, bigger wheels, and bigger SUVs, the Punch quietly goes about its business by being versatile, tough, and now, more powerful than ever.
This facelift strengthens the Punch’s biggest advantage i.e. choice. Whether you want affordability, performance, efficiency, or convenience, there is now a Punch that fits your exact requirement.
Powertrain Line-Up
Very few cars in this segment offer the kind of powertrain flexibility that the Punch does. The entry-level Punch continues with the familiar 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 87.8 PS and 115 Nm of torque. It is paired with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT. This setup is ideal for first-time buyers and city users who want fuss-free ownership and easy drivability.
For CNG buyers, Tata offers the 1.2-litre iCNG variant, which produces 73.4 PS and 103 Nm. What makes this special is the factory-fitted twin-cylinder layout, neatly integrated to retain boot usability while also being tested for rear crash safety. The Punch can start directly in CNG mode, thanks to an advanced ECU, and the availability of AMT makes it India’s first CNG AMT SUV. In real-world city traffic, the easy creep function works beautifully, reducing fatigue and making stop-go driving effortless.
But the biggest talking point of the 2026 update is undoubtedly the new 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine.
Turbo Petrol: Small SUV, Big Attitude
This brand-new turbo petrol motor transforms the Punch’s character completely. Producing 120 PS and 170 Nm of torque, it is the most powerful engine ever offered on the Punch. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, Tata claims a power-to-weight ratio of 105 PS per tonne and a 0–100 kmph time of just 11.1 seconds.
On paper, those numbers are impressive. In the real world, the difference is immediately noticeable. The turbo petrol Punch feels eager, responsive, and genuinely quick for a subcompact SUV. The dual VCT setup ensures strong torque delivery across a wide rev range, making overtakes effortless and highway cruising relaxed.
The use of lightweight all-aluminium construction and a water-cooled turbocharger also helps balance performance with efficiency. This is no longer just a city runabout — it is a Punch that can comfortably handle highways and spirited driving.
Ride, Handling, and Real-World Toughness
The Tata Punch has always worn its SUV tag more convincingly than most cars in this segment, and that remains unchanged.
With 193 mm of ground clearance, short overhangs, and a robust suspension setup, the Punch handles broken roads, potholes, and rough terrain with confidence. It feels stable, planted, and reassuring even when the road disappears altogether. Few mass-market cars at this price point manage rough stuff with such composure.
Ride quality is tuned for comfort. The suspension absorbs sharp edges well, and the car remains stable at highway speeds. There is some body movement when pushed hard, but it never feels nervous or unpredictable.
Interior and Features
Step inside the facelifted Punch, and the feature list immediately stands out.
Tata has equipped it with a 17.78 cm digital instrument cluster and a massive 26.03 cm touchscreen infotainment system. The interface is easy to use, and the display quality is among the best in the segment. The addition of a 360-degree surround view camera is a genuine game changer, especially for new drivers and tight urban spaces.
Other highlights include auto-dimming IRVM, 90-degree opening doors for easy ingress and egress, LED headlamps and fog lamps, automatic headlights and wipers, connected LED tail lamps, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Comfort features are equally impressive. You get a two-spoke steering wheel, touch-based climate controls, extended thigh support for the seats, an air purifier, ambient lighting, front and rear armrests, wireless charging, and 65W fast charging for gadgets. The voice-assisted electric sunroof adds a premium touch rarely seen at this price.
Audio duties are handled by four speakers and four tweeters, delivering a surprisingly rich sound experience.
Safety
Safety has always been a core strength of the Tata Punch. The facelift continues with a five-star Bharat NCAP rating and over 95 safety features. Combined with Tata’s strong build quality and the brand’s “Tata Promise” philosophy, the Punch feels like a car built to protect its occupants, not just transport them.
The 2026 facelift only strengthens that position. More powertrain choices, a genuinely exciting turbo petrol engine, segment-leading features, proven safety, and real-world SUV capability make the Punch an incredibly compelling package.
It may be compact in size, but in terms of value, versatility, and sheer ability, the 2026 Tata Punch punches well above its weight.
