Tata Motors is all set to launch the refreshed Punch on January 13, 2026, marking the first major update for its hugely popular subcompact SUV since its debut in 2021. The Punch has consistently been one of the brand’s top sellers, and this facelift focuses on sharper styling, a more premium cabin, upgraded features, and an all-new turbo-petrol engine option.
Here’s a complete, easy-to-understand look at everything you should know before the official launch.
1. 2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Exterior Design Changes
The Punch facelift retains its familiar upright silhouette but introduces noticeable cosmetic upgrades that give it a more modern and upmarket appearance.
At the front, the SUV now features vertically stacked headlights integrated into a sculpted bumper, closely resembling the design language of the Punch EV. The lower section gets dual central air intakes, silver accents around the air dam, and air curtains built into the bumper for a sportier look. Unlike the EV, however, the ICE Punch facelift does not get a full-width LED light bar and instead uses redesigned DRLs.
Around the sides, Tata has refreshed the two-tone alloy wheel design, making it look more premium. Elements such as faux roof rails, pillar-mounted rear door handles, and dual-tone paint options continue unchanged.
At the rear, the update is more dramatic. The 2026 Punch now sports new LED tail-lamps connected by a full-width light strip, housed within a glossy black panel. The rear camera has been repositioned lower on the redesigned bumper, and the Tata badging has also been updated for a cleaner finish.
2. Interior Updates in the Tata Punch Facelift
Inside, the Punch facelift borrows heavily from the Punch EV, resulting in a more contemporary and tech-focused cabin.
The dashboard layout, infotainment placement, engine start-stop button, and touch-based climate control panel are all inspired by the electric version. Unlike the EV, though, the ICE Punch continues with a traditional gear lever, which should feel more intuitive for most buyers.
Tata has also enhanced the cabin’s visual appeal by extending the white padding around the front AC vents, adding contrast to the otherwise black interior. The semi-digital instrument cluster now places its multi-information display centrally, flanked by analogue fuel and temperature gauges.
3. Features and Safety: What’s New?
The 2026 Tata Punch facelift significantly upgrades its equipment list, especially in higher variants.
Key highlights include:
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7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster
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10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Expected additions on top trims:
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Powered sunroof
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Surround-view camera system
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Wireless phone charging
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Ventilated front seats
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On the safety front, Tata is raising the bar. Six airbags will be standard across all variants, along with:
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Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
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ISOFIX child-seat mounts
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Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Higher trims are also expected to offer automatic headlamps and wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and an auto-dimming IRVM, making the Punch one of the most safety-focused cars in its segment.
4. Engine and Gearbox Options
The biggest mechanical update comes under the hood.
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1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol
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88hp, 115Nm
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5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT
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1.2-litre petrol CNG
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73.5hp, 103Nm
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New turbo-petrol engine (first for Punch)
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Paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox
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Expected to be the same three-cylinder turbo unit seen earlier in the Altroz iTurbo, producing around 110hp and 140Nm
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This new turbo option should make the Punch significantly more appealing to enthusiasts looking for stronger performance in a compact footprint.
5. Expected Price and Rivals
With added features, new styling, and an expanded engine lineup, the Punch facelift is expected to be priced slightly higher than before.
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Expected starting price: ~₹6 lakh (ex-showroom)
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Expected top-end price: ~₹9.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
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Likely increase over outgoing model: ₹20,000–₹50,000 depending on variant
In the subcompact SUV and crossover space, the 2026 Tata Punch will continue to rival the Hyundai Exter, Citroën C3, and Maruti Suzuki Ignis.
Final Thoughts
The Tata Punch facelift for 2026 focuses on exactly what buyers want: fresher styling, a more premium cabin, better technology, stronger safety credentials, and—most importantly—a new turbo-petrol engine. If Tata prices it competitively, the updated Punch is well-positioned to strengthen its dominance in the entry-level SUV segment.
