- Tata updates its smallest SUV in India with new features.
- Facelifted Punch now offers a turbocharged 1.2L engine.
- Pricing starts at $6,200 and tops out around $11,700.
Tata’s latest update to the affordable Punch shows that even entry-level cars can offer more than the basics. The facelifted Punch features sharper styling and a more capable powertrain. Still, the real headline is the starting price at just Rs. 5.59 Lakh ($6,200), a reminder that in some countries, owning a car doesn’t have to come with a five-figure price tag.
Visually, the Punch takes after the larger Harrier, especially up front. The redesigned fascia now features a split LED headlight setup and a chunkier “Bull Guard Bumper” with pronounced plastic cladding and a silver skid plate.
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Around the back, a new “Infinity Glow” LED bar runs the width of the tailgate, linking the taillights. The rear bumper gets a cleaner, simpler look. Tata has also added new 16-inch alloy wheels and four fresh exterior color options, keeping the palette current.
Just like its predecessor, the facelifted Punch measures 3,827 mm (150.7 inches) long. However, it has a slightly increased ground clearance of 193 mm (7.6 inches) and a more respectable water wading figure of 400 mm (15.8 inches) allowing it to cope with India’s rough roads and challenging weather conditions.
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The interior looks familiar, but there are a few changes. The free-standing 10.25-inch infotainment is combined with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, sitting behind the redesigned two-spoke steering wheel. The climate controls on the center console are now touch-friendly, while the fabric-upholstered seats are said to offer more support.
As for equipment, the list includes a 360-degree camera, a sunroof, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker sound system. Advanced driver assistance systems are off the menu, but six airbags come standard. Tata continues to highlight the Punch’s strong performance in crash safety tests, despite it’s affordable price.
A Punchier Turbo Engine
The biggest news for the mid-lifecycle update lies under the hood. The automaker has finally given the Punch the more potent turbocharged 1.2-liter engine from the slightly larger Nexon. It produces 118 hp (88 kW / 120 PS) and is exclusively mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
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For those with a tighter budget, the carry-over naturally aspirated 1.2-liter engine with 87 hp (65 kW / 88 PS) is still part of the lineup. The same applies to the bi-fuel version (gasoline and CNG), which has gained an automatic option. Finally, the fully electric Punch EV is also expected to benefit from a facelift in the near future.
How Much Does it Cost?
The 2026 Tata Punch is already available for order in India. Prices start at Rs. 5.59 Lakh ($6,200) for the entry-level Base variant, while the fully loaded Accomplished+ S tops out at Rs. 10.54 Lakh ($11,700). In terms of competition, the Punch goes up against rivals like the Suzuki Ignis, Hyundai Exter, Citroen C3, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite