Tata Punch Facelift Review: Turbo Petrol KO

Updated: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 12:37 [IST]

Tata Motors, recently launched the facelift Punch micro SUV on January 13, 2026, with a starting price of ₹5.59 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. The Tata Punch's mid-cycle facelift comes five years since it was first launched in 2021. Since then, Tata has sold 7 lakh units of the Ounch micro-suv. .

The new Tata Punch Facelift includes quite a few significant enhancements. Apart from the revised design, the Tata Punch facelift, brings a host of additional features and technology and a new turbocharged engine option. We drove the Tata Punch Facelift in Pune and here’s how it performs on the road.

Tata Punch Facelift Review – Design & Features

The Tata Punch Facelift adopts a more upright and assertive front design, featuring a redesigned grille and reworked bumper. Additional body cladding and a skid-plate-style element enhance the SUV-like stance, while the overall footprint remains compact and city-friendly.

The lighting setup has been comprehensively updated. The Tata Punch Facelift now comes with LED headlamps and DRLs, paired with a connected LED tail-lamp setup at the rear. These changes align its visual identity more closely with newer Tata models. Design revisions have also resulted in the Punch being 49mm longer than before, lending it a slightly broader visual stance, even though the wheelbase remains unchanged.

Higher variants of the Tata Punch facelift are equipped with newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels. While tyre sizes are unchanged, the fresh wheel design complements the tougher exterior theme and adds to the Punch's SUV-inspired proportions.

The colour palette has been expanded as well. Buyers of the facelifted Tata Punch can now choose from new shades such as Caramel, Cyantafic, Bengal Rouge and Coorg Clouds, alongside familiar options like Pristine White and Daytona Grey, offering a wider range of personalisation.

Inside, the Punch receives a reworked dashboard with a dual-tone layout, focusing on better space utilisation and improved perceived quality through updated materials and textures. The centrepiece of the cabin is a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and integrates cleanly into the dashboard design.

Depending on the variant, the Punch offers a feature set that includes rear AC vents, a wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, an air purifier and a front armrest. Higher trims also get a surround-view camera system, providing multiple viewing angles and blind-spot assistance displayed directly on the infotainment screen, enhancing ease of use in tight urban conditions.

The Tata Punch Facelift holds a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. This covers both adult and child protection. It is due to six airbags, ESC, ABS, TPMS, and a 360-degree camera. The model offers improved features and powertrain options. It addresses previous performance feedback.

Tata Punch Facelift Review – Specifications & Engine Details

The Tata Punch Facelift offers three engine choices. A 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is available. A 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit is offered. A 1.2-litre bi-fuel CNG variant is also available.

The naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 88 PS and 115 Nm of torque. The turbo-petrol engine delivers 118 PS and 170 Nm of torque. In CNG mode on the iCNG variant, the Tata Punch generates 73.4 PS and 103 Nm of torque.

Both naturally aspirated petrol and CNG variants have 5-speed manual or AMT options. The turbo-petrol engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The CNG AMT, a segment-first, includes paddle shifters.

The iCNG variant has an ARAI-certified mileage of 26.99 km/kg. Petrol variants offer mileage between 18.8 and 20.09 kmpl. Boot space is 366 litres for petrol models. The Punch iCNG offer 210 litres, with its integrated CNG cylinders.

Tata Punch Facelift Review – Driving Impressions – On the Road

We drove the Tata Punch facelift in CNG AMT form as well as with the new turbo-petrol engine, and the update brings a noticeable change in how the Punch feels on the road, especially with the new turbo-petrol variant.

The Punch CNG AMT is powered by a naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 73PS and 103Nm of torque. In this configuration, performance remains tuned for efficiency and ease of use rather than outright pace. The AMT setup works best in city conditions, delivering relaxed progress and predictable responses, which does mean that you have to really think out an overtake, if the chance arises.

The bigger shift in driving character comes with the new turbo-petrol engine. Producing 120PS and 170Nm, this engine transforms the Punch's performance. This is the same motor seen in the Altroz and Nexon, but in the lighter and more compact Punch, it feels noticeably more energetic and responsive. Acceleration is stronger across the rev range, and the Punch now feels genuinely quick for its size, even though the 0-100kmph run takes roughly 10-11 seconds.

The turbo-petrol Punch is offered only with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and while it gives a bit more control and the gear changes feel smooth, the clutch needs a bit of careful modulation to get the best out of it as it can be a bit springy on release.

On the highway, the Punch feels far more confident than the pre-facelift version. Stability at speed has improved, and the car remains planted through long curves and sweeping bends. The added power makes overtakes easier, and the Punch now feels more engaging to drive, encouraging the driver to push a little harder than before.

There are still a few familiar drawbacks. The three-cylinder engine note is audible, especially under acceleration, and some panel gap inconsistencies remain noticeable. However, these do not significantly detract from the overall driving experience.

Ride quality has evolved as well. The suspension is still as pliant as ever, taking bumps and potholes with ease. As speeds increase, the new Punch facelift settles nicely, and feels stable and composed, reinforcing confidence on highways.

Overall, the Tata Punch facelift-especially with the turbo-petrol engine-feels considerably more powerful, more engaging and more confident than before, while retaining its compact, city-friendly nature.

Tata Punch Facelift Review – Verdict & Final Thoughts – Is It the Right Choice?

The Tata Punch Facelift sees the micro-SUV get upgraded in every possible way, including in terms of the powertrain, with the new turbo-petrol option being a defininite contender for those looking for a city runabout that you can have a bit of fun with when the mood arises.

Overall, the Tata Punch Facelift suits buyers seeking a stylish, well-equipped, and safe micro-SUV and is definitely one that we recommend you must drive before making a decision on your new SUV.