Joseph Fernandes 
New Tata Punch is big on features and safety including a 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating!
Tata Motors has officially introduced the 2026 Tata Punch facelift in India, marking the first major update for the sub-compact SUV since its 2021 debut. Starting at an introductory price of Rs 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom), this refresh addresses the previous model’s power gaps while adding high-end technology and a bolder look to maintain its lead in the micro-SUV segment.
New Exterior Design
The 2026 Punch moves away from its original face and adopts a much sharper, modern aesthetic inspired by the Punch EV. The front is dominated by a three-piece lighting setup, featuring slimmer LED DRLs and new vertically stacked LED headlamps housed in a redesigned, muscular bumper. A closed-off upper grille and a fresh silver skid plate give it a tougher, more premium stance on the road.
While the rugged, boxy silhouette remains unchanged, the side profile is updated with a new set of 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. At the rear, Tata has replaced the older tri-arrow cluster with sleek, connected LED tail lamps that stretch across the tailgate. The SUV is available in a refreshed color palette – Cyantafic Blue, Caramel Yellow, Bengal Rouge, Daytona Grey, Coorg Clouds Silver, and Pristine White.
New Interiors and Features
Inside, the cabin undergoes a significant transformation to feel more upmarket. The most striking change is the new two-spoke “Smart Digital” steering wheel featuring an illuminated Tata logo, a design element borrowed from the Nexon. The dashboard now houses a free-standing 10.25-inch Ultra View touchscreen infotainment system alongside a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster that provides high-resolution graphics for the driver.
Comfort has been prioritised with the addition of a CentralLux console with an armrest and seats that now offer extended thigh support. The updated layout also features a touch-enabled climate control panel with physical toggles, replacing the traditional dials. Other premium additions include a 360 Degree HD Camera, a voice-assisted electric sunroof, and an 8 Speaker premium audio system, making it one of the most feature-loaded cars in its class.
Engine Specifications
| Parameters | Tata Punch Facelift | ||
| Engine | 1.2 L 3 Cylinder Petrol | 1.2 L 3 Cylinder CNG | 1.2 L 3 Cylinder i-Turbo Petrol |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Power | 87 BHP | 72 BHP | 118 BHP |
| Torque | 115 NM | 103 NM | 170 NM |
| Transmission | 5 Speed MT / AMT | 5 Speed MT / AMT | 6 Speed MT |
The biggest news for performance enthusiasts is the addition of the 1.2 L i-Turbo petrol engine. Borrowed from the Nexon, this engine produces 118 BHP and 170 NM of torque, allowing the Punch to hit 0–100 KMPH in just 11.1 seconds
Improved Safety
Tata Motors continues to lead the way in safety, with the 2026 Punch facelift securing a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants. Safety is no longer a luxury reserved for top variants; Tata has made 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and an ISOFIX child seat anchorage system standard across the entire range.
Beyond the basics, the SUV is equipped with advanced safety tech like a 360-degree surround-view camera with a blind-view monitor, an auto-dimming interior mirror, and rain-sensing wipers. The structure itself has been proven in simulated head-on collision tests, ensuring that the doors remain fully functional even after high-impact crashes.
Pricing and Variants
The Punch facelift is offered in six main trims: Smart, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Accomplished, and Accomplished+ S. Base Model: Starts at Rs 5.59 lakh.
- CNG Range: Starts from Rs 6.69 lakh.
- Turbo Petrol Variants: Start at Rs 8.29 lakh.
With its blend of rugged styling, advanced tech, and the new turbo-petrol engine, the 2026 Tata Punch is well-positioned to dominate the sub-4m SUV segment. Bookings are now open, and deliveries are expected to begin in the coming weeks.