Tata has taken a bold step with the 2026 Punch facelift, revamping the compact SUV with a refreshed design, upgraded features, and enhanced powertrain options. The facelift brings a more youthful and contemporary look compared to the rugged charm of the previous model. Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the changes.
Exterior Updates
Front Design
The front fascia of the new Punch appears sleeker and more refined. A slim gloss black grille now integrates eyebrow-styled LED DRLs that also serve as turn indicators. The headlamps have moved to the bumper and now feature squarish projector LED units, replacing the old rounded halogens. LED fog lamps are neatly stacked alongside the headlamps, and the broad black bumper paired with a silver skid plate gives the SUV a more upright and commanding stance.
Side Profile
The side profile showcases bold black cladding along the doors and wheel arches, enhancing the mini SUV’s rugged appeal. All pillars are blacked out, creating a floating roof effect near the C-pillar. The Punch continues to offer 16-inch alloy wheels for higher trims and 15-inch steel wheels with caps for entry-level variants. Contrasting black roof rails against the white roof add to its sporty aesthetics.
Smaller Details
The rear door handle is subtly integrated into the C-pillar, and the dual-tone alloy wheel design draws inspiration from the Tata Safari.
Rear Styling
At the rear, connected LED taillights add a modern touch, while the bumper design with a silver highlight elevates the overall sophistication.
Colour Options
The facelift introduces six updated colours with funky names, all paired with a white roof:
- Pristine White
- Daytone Grey
- Bengal Rouge (Red)
- Coorg Clouds (Silver)
- Cyantific Blue
- Caramel
These options give the Punch a lively and youthful character.
Interior & Cabin Features
Dashboard & Seating
The cabin retains a layered and minimalistic dashboard. A new 2-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls complements the free-standing infotainment screen, borrowed from the Punch EV, featuring slimmer bezels. Dual-tone seat upholstery and centre armrests enhance comfort, though rear cupholders are missing. The front centre console adopts a gloss black touch panel for AC controls, replacing most physical buttons.
Smaller Details
Doors open 90 degrees for easier access, and the cabin uses high-quality hard plastics.
Features
Key features of the new Punch include:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment with slimmer bezels
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 7-inch digital driver display
- 8-speaker sound system (2 extra speakers over previous model)
- Auto AC with rear vents
- Wireless charging pad
- Single-pane sunroof with electronic and voice control
Additional amenities include auto-dimming IRVM, air purifier, keyless entry with push-button start, height-adjustable driver seat, extended thigh support, and 45 connected car technology features.
Safety
The Punch offers a robust safety package with 6 airbags, hill hold assist, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts, and rear parking sensors. Additional tech includes a 360-degree camera, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Bharat NCAP has awarded the Punch a 5-star safety rating, following rigorous testing, including a controlled crash against a Tata truck.
A radar for an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is visible on the front bumper but is likely limited to the Punch EV.
Bootspace
The Punch offers 366 litres of boot space, expandable by folding the rear seats. In the CNG variant, boot space is 210 litres due to the twin-cylinder setup.
Engine & Transmission Options
| Engine Type | Transmission | Power | Torque | 0-100 kmph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2-litre Petrol | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT | 88 PS | 115 Nm | – |
| 1.2-litre Turbo Petrol (New) | 6-speed Manual | 120 PS | 170 Nm | 11.1 sec |
| 1.2-litre Petrol + CNG | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT (New) | 73.5 PS | 103 Nm | – |
The turbo petrol engine is a notable addition, paired with a 6-speed manual, delivering a 0-100 kmph time of 11.1 seconds. The CNG variant now comes with an AMT option, improving convenience for city driving.
Price & Competitors
The 2026 Tata Punch is priced between Rs 5.59 lakh and Rs 10.54 lakh (ex-showroom). Variant-wise pricing:
- Petrol: Rs 5.59 lakh – Rs 9.94 lakh
- Turbo Petrol: Rs 8.29 lakh – Rs 9.79 lakh
- Petrol + CNG: Rs 6.69 lakh – Rs 10.54 lakh
Its main competitors include Maruti Ignis, Hyundai Exter, and Citroen C3, while slightly pricier alternatives include Maruti Fronx and Toyota Taisor.
