Tata Punch Facelift Launch: Tata Motors has rolled out the first major update to the Punch since its debut in 2021. The 2026 Tata Punch facelift is now on sale in India with a starting price of ₹5.59 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Along with visual and feature upgrades, the biggest change is under the bonnet, where Tata has finally added a more powerful turbo-petrol engine and expanded its automatic gearbox options.
For a car that has been one of Tata’s best sellers, these changes are aimed at keeping the Punch competitive in a rapidly evolving small-SUV market.
Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift 2026 Features: New Trims, Turbo Petrol, 6 Airbags
What has changed with the 2026 Punch?
The facelift is not just cosmetic. Tata has refreshed the exterior styling, added more features inside, improved safety equipment and, most importantly, introduced new powertrain options. Bookings for the updated Punch have already opened, and deliveries are expected to begin soon.
Despite the upgrades, Tata has kept the entry price only ₹10,000 higher than the original 2021 launch price, which is an important factor for budget-focused buyers.
Tata Punch Facelift Launch- New turbo-petrol engine
One of the biggest complaints about the earlier Punch was that it felt underpowered. Tata has addressed this with a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine borrowed from the Nexon. It produces 120hp and 170Nm of torque, a big jump over the standard engine.
This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and Tata claims a 0–100kph time of 11.1 seconds, making it the quickest Punch ever. There is no automatic option with this engine, likely to keep costs in check and avoid overlap with the Nexon.
Alongside this, the familiar engines continue:
- 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol (88hp)
- 1.2-litre petrol-CNG (73hp)
Both of these now get a 5-speed manual or an AMT, with the CNG-AMT being a new addition for city buyers who want low running costs with two-pedal convenience.
Tata Punch Facelift Launch Full price and variant breakup
The Punch facelift is offered in six trims: Smart, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Accomplished and Accomplished+ S. Here is the official price structure:
| Trim | Petrol MT | Petrol AMT | CNG MT | CNG AMT | Turbo-Petrol MT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart | 5.59 | – | 6.69 | – | – |
| Pure | 6.49 | – | 7.49 | – | – |
| Pure+ | 6.99 | 7.54 | 7.99 | 8.54 | – |
| Pure+ S | 7.34 | 7.89 | 8.34 | – | – |
| Adventure | 7.59 | 8.14 | 8.59 | 9.14 | 8.29 |
| Adventure S | 7.94 | – | 8.94 | 9.49 | – |
| Accomplished | 8.29 | 8.84 | 9.29 | – | – |
| Accomplished+ S | 8.99 | 9.54 | – | 10.54 | 9.79 |
A single-pane sunroof is optional on Pure+ and Adventure trims for ₹35,000.
Exterior now looks more like the Punch EV
The updated Punch takes styling cues from the Punch EV. It gets new vertically stacked LED headlamps, revised LED DRLs inside gloss-black surrounds, and a more rugged bumper design with silver accents.
At the rear, the facelift adds connected LED tail-lamps and a new bumper with a silver skid-plate effect. New 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels also freshen up the side profile.
Six colours are offered, including new shades like Bengal Rouge, Caramel and Cyantafic.
Interior upgrades and features
Inside, the layout remains familiar but gets a new two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo and a redesigned climate control panel. The seats now offer extendable thigh support for better comfort.
A new 7-inch digital driver display joins the existing 10.25-inch touchscreen. Other additions include:
- 360-degree camera
- 8-speaker audio system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless phone charger
- 65W Type-C fast charger
- Cruise control
- Automatic climate control with rear vents
- Single-pane sunroof
Strong focus on safety
Safety is one of the Punch’s biggest selling points. The facelift continues with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child protection. It also gets six airbags as standard, ESP, hill-hold and descent control, TPMS, ISOFIX mounts, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.
What this means for Indian buyers
The Punch facelift makes the car far more versatile than before. Buyers now have:
- A powerful turbo-petrol option for highway users
- A CNG-AMT for city commuters
- Strong safety as standard
With prices remaining competitive, the Punch continues to be a serious alternative to the Hyundai Exter, Citroen C3, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.
Conclusion
The 2026 Tata Punch Facelift Launch is more than a cosmetic update. By adding a turbo-petrol engine, more automatic options and a long list of features, Tata has fixed the key weaknesses of the original car. It now offers a wider appeal without losing its core strengths of safety, practicality and value for money.
Disclaimer: Prices, features and specifications mentioned are as per Tata Motors’ official announcement and may vary by city or dealer. Buyers are advised to confirm final details with authorised Tata dealerships.
Also Read: Top New Car Launches in Early 2026 in India: What Buyers Can Expect
Raj Prajapati is a senior automobile journalist at AutoIndia24, reporting on car, bike, EV, and auto industry developments in India.
