Tata Punch Facelift: Tata’s Compact SUV Gets a Turbo Boost – 2026 Review

The Tata Punch Facelift is a refreshed compact SUV. It launched in India in January 2026. This update comes after the original Punch sold over 7 lakh units since 2021. The facelift adds new looks and power options. It starts at Rs 5.59 lakh ex-showroom. Top models reach Rs 10.55 lakh. For buyers in Jharkhand, it suits Ranchi city drives and highways. The high ground clearance helps on rough roads. It competes with Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Citroen C3, and Mahindra XUV 3XO. Let us check the details.

Quick Spec Table

SpecificationDetails
Engine Options1.2L NA (88 PS, 115 Nm), CNG (73 PS, 103 Nm), Turbo (120 PS, 170 Nm)
Transmission5-Speed MT/AMT, 6-Speed MT (Turbo)
Mileage (ARAI)18-20 kmpl (Petrol)
Boot Space366 Liters (Petrol), 210 Liters (CNG)
Ground Clearance193 mm
Safety Rating5-Star BNCAP
Price RangeRs 5.59 – 10.55 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
Fuel TypePetrol, CNG
Seating5

Exterior Design

The Punch Facelift has a bold new look. It measures 3876 mm in length. Width is 1742 mm. Height is 1615 mm. The wheelbase is 2445 mm. Ground clearance is 193 mm. This is higher than before. It helps on bad Indian roads. In Ranchi potholes, it avoids scrapes. The front has sharp LED headlights. They are projector type. LED DRLs look like eyebrows. The grille is new with chrome strips. The bumper has black cladding. A silver skid plate adds toughness. The air dam is latticed. In Monte Carlo trim, grille has red accents. Side profile is similar. But new 16-inch alloy wheels stand out. They are diamond-cut. Wheel arches are square. Cladding is thick. Roof rails are there. Door handles are body color. Rear has connected LED taillights. A light bar joins them. The bumper is redesigned. It has a dark diffuser. No fake exhausts. Colors include Pristine White, Bengal Rouge, Coorg Clouds, Cyantafic, Daytona Grey, Caramel. Some have dual-tone roof. Paint quality is good. It shines well. The design is rugged. It looks like a small SUV. For families in Jharkhand, it appeals. But rear looks generic to some.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Punch Facelift feels premium. The dashboard is layered. It has gloss black trims. Fit and finish is better. But some plastics are hard. Dual-tone theme in top models. Black and grey. Seats are fabric. They have extended thigh support. Front seats adjust for height. Steering is two-spoke. It tilts. No telescope. Rear seats fit two adults well. Legroom is decent. Headroom is okay. But middle seat is tight. Rear has AC vents. Centre armrest folds down. No cup holders there. Headrests adjust. Boot is 366 liters in petrol. It expands by folding seats. CNG has 210 liters due to tanks. Spare wheel is under boot. Storage includes door pockets. Cooled glovebox. Cup holders. Ambient lighting has colors. Noise is low. Double glass helps. In hot Jharkhand summers, AC is strong. Entry is easy. Seats are not low. For families from Ranchi to Patna, it comforts. But tall people may find rear tight.

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Features and Technology

The facelift adds many features. Screen is 10.25 inches. It is touchscreen. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Audio has eight speakers. Four tweeters. Sound is clear. Climate control is touch-based. Automatic in higher trims. Sunroof is single-pane. Voice assisted. Cruise control is there. Wireless charging for phones. USB-C ports are fast. 65W in front. Keyless entry. Push start. Rain wipers sense. Auto dim mirror. Rear defogger. Front sensors from mid trims. 360 camera in top. Blind spot monitor. Connected app tracks car. In Jharkhand, it helps. But no ADAS yet. Software is smooth. Updates come. For daily use, it is modern. But touch controls distract. Features suit families.

Engine and Performance

Engines have updates. Base is 1.2-liter NA petrol. It makes 88 PS. Torque is 115 Nm. With 5-speed manual or AMT. CNG is 73 PS. 103 Nm. Now with AMT. New turbo is 1.2-liter. 120 PS. 170 Nm. 6-speed manual only. No auto yet. Acceleration is quick in turbo. 0-100 in 11 seconds. Pulls from 1750 rpm. Overtakes easy. In city, it is smooth. Highway cruises well. Gearbox is notchy. Clutch is heavy. Mileage ARAI is 18-20 kmpl. Real city 12-15 kmpl. Highway 16-18 kmpl. CNG AMT is slow. Shifts jerk. But saves fuel. Tank is 37 liters. Range is okay. Maintenance is low. Service every 15,000 km. In Jharkhand hills, turbo shines. But NA feels weak.

Ride and Handling

Ride is comfortable. Suspension soaks bumps. It is firm. Handles Ranchi potholes well. At low speeds, it jitters. But stable on highways. Body roll is low. Steering is precise. Weighs up at speed. Corners flat. Brakes are strong. Discs in front. Drums rear. ABS works. In rain, traction is good. NVH is low. Quiet cabin. Wind noise minimal. Engine sound when revved. For mixed Jharkhand roads, it balances. Fun yet comfy. Better than old model.

Safety Features

Safety is top. 5-star BNCAP rating. Six airbags standard. ESC. TPMS. Hill hold. ISOFIX. Three-point belts all. Auto lamps. Rain wipers. 360 cam in top. Blind spot. No ADAS active. Body is strong. For Indian roads, it assures. In Jharkhand traffic, basics help.

Variants and Pricing

Variants are eight. Smart, Pure, Pure+, Pure+ S, Adventure, Adventure S, Accomplished, Accomplished+ S. Base Smart has basics. Pure adds vents. Adventure has 360 cam. Top has sunroof. Prices start Rs 5.59 lakh. Top CNG AMT Rs 10.55 lakh. On-road in Ranchi add Rs 1-2 lakh. EMI Rs 12,000 up. Service in cities. Costs Rs 10,000 yearly. Rivals Exter cheaper in base.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Strong turbo engine.
  • High safety rating.
  • Good ride on bad roads.
  • Many features like sunroof.
  • Spacious boot in petrol.
  • Competitive base price.
  • Rugged design.

Cons:

  • No auto for turbo.
  • Pricey top models.
  • Hard plastics inside.
  • Average rear space.
  • Touch controls distract.
  • No ventilated seats.
  • Weak NA engine.

FAQs

What is the mileage of Tata Punch Facelift?

ARAI is 18-20 kmpl for petrol. City 12-15 kmpl. Highway 16-18 kmpl.

Which engine is best?

Turbo for power. NA for city. CNG for savings.

Is it safe for family?

Yes. 5-star rating. Six airbags.

What are competitors?

Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite. Punch wins in safety.

Any 2026 changes?

New turbo, CNG AMT, updated design.

How is service in India?

Good in cities. Costs average.

Better than old Punch?

Yes. More features. Better engine.

Conclusion

The Tata Punch Facelift is a strong update. It adds turbo power and features. Safety is high. Ride suits India. In January 2026, it is fresh. For Jharkhand buyers in Ranchi, it fits mixed roads. Price is good in base. But top is high. If you want compact SUV, pick Punch. Test drive now. Worth in Rs 6-12 lakh range. A family pick.

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