New Tata Punch launched at Rs 5.59 lakh, gets turbo-petrol engine and feature upgrades

Tata Motors has launched the comprehensively refreshed 2026 Tata Punch in India, with introductory prices starting at Rs 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This facelift marks the most significant update to the ICE-powered Punch since its debut in 2021, introducing a more aggressive design, an expansive feature list, and major upgrades to its powertrain options. With over seven lakh units sold to date and consistent top-10 sales performance, the Punch remains one of the country’s most successful SUVs. The 2026 update strengthens that position by bringing in Tata’s new "Command Max" philosophy.

Exterior Design

The updated Punch adopts a noticeably bolder and more modern design language, drawing subtle cues from the Punch EV while retaining its compact SUV stance. The front fascia now features vertically stacked LED headlamps that flank a broader 3D-effect grille, topped by a full-width gloss-black DRL strip that replaces the earlier stepped lighting arrangement. A thoroughly redesigned bumper introduces sharper surfacing, silver accents and functional-looking air curtains, giving the Punch a wider and more muscular front appearance. Tata’s new PowerSight LED headlamps further enhance illumination and add to the SUV’s premium character.

Along the sides, the SUV receives fresh dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out ORVMs and a choice of six new exterior colours including Bengal Rouge, Caramel and Cyantafic. These additions give the Punch a more vibrant and contemporary look.

At the rear, the most notable update is the connected LED tail-lamp setup housed within a sleek black panel, complemented by a reprofiled bumper and a faux skid plate. Despite retaining its familiar silhouette, these combined changes bring the Punch in line with Tata’s latest design direction and significantly elevate its road presence.

Interior Design

Inside, Tata has maintained the Punch’s core cabin layout but extensively refreshed the design, material quality and feature integration to deliver a more premium in-car experience. The standout addition is the new two-spoke steering wheel featuring an illuminated Tata logo, an element first introduced in the brand’s electric SUV lineup and now migrating to ICE models. The centre console has been modernised with a touch-enabled Clima Touch automatic temperature control panel, replacing the previous rotary dials and contributing to a cleaner, more minimalistic cabin aesthetic.

The upholstery and fabric patterns have been upgraded with designs inspired by the Punch EV, while the dashboard now features a DuoTone Signature Dash finished in richer textures and mountain-inspired graphics.

Comfort has also been prioritised, with the introduction of Executive Lounge Seats that offer enhanced cushioning and extended thigh support for front occupants. Rear passengers benefit from a flat floor layout, improved legroom and the addition of a centre armrest. Together, these refinements create an interior that feels more sophisticated, spacious and aligned with the premium expectations of modern buyers.

Features

The 2026 Punch becomes one of the most feature-rich SUVs in its segment, offering several new additions that significantly elevate convenience, connectivity and usability. The highlight is the new 10.25-inch HD infotainment screen paired with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a high-resolution, intuitive interface for navigation, entertainment and vehicle data. An advanced 360-degree HD Surround View camera system makes parking and tight manoeuvres easier, while an auto-dimming IRVM further enhances nighttime driving comfort.

The updated Punch also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a wireless charging pad, a 65W front Type-C fast charging port, rain-sensing wipers and a premium eight-speaker audio system comprising four speakers and four tweeters. Additional enhancements include follow-me-home headlamps, an integrated air purifier, cruise control, smart digital steering controls and 90-degree wide-opening doors that improve ingress and egress. These features collectively move the Punch into a more premium territory and make it one of the most technologically advanced offerings in the micro-SUV space.

Powertrain: More punch now

The biggest mechanical highlight of the 2026 Punch is the introduction of the new 1.2-litre turbocharged iTurbo Revotron engine, which produces 120bhp and 170Nm. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, this motor delivers a best-in-segment power-to-weight ratio and accelerates from 0 to 100kmph in a claimed 11.1 seconds. This variant is aimed at buyers seeking a stronger performance profile within a compact, city-friendly footprint.

The familiar 1.2-litre naturally aspirated Revotron petrol engine continues to be offered with 88bhp and 115Nm of torque, available with both a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. The Punch also retains its 1.2-litre iCNG powertrain producing 73bhp and 103Nm of torque; however, the big upgrade comes in the form of an CNG AMT, making the Punch India’s first SUV to offer twin-cylinder CNG technology paired with an AMT gearbox. This twin-cylinder layout preserves boot space while improving weight distribution and convenience. With petrol, turbo-petrol and CNG options now available across manual and AMT choices, the Punch offers one of the most versatile powertrain lineups in the segment.

Safety

Safety has been a defining strength of the Punch since launch, and the updated model builds on that foundation with enhanced equipment and structural improvements. The SUV continues to be built on the ALFA-Arc platform using ultra-high-strength steel, supported by Tata’s "Safety Dome" framework that integrates more than 95 active and passive safety features. Importantly, the model retains its 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, reaffirming Tata’s leadership in this category.

Six airbags are now standard across all variants, including front, side and pelvis-thorax protection. The SUV also receives an enhanced Electronic Stability Program (ESP), iTPMS (tyre pressure monitoring), three-point seatbelts for all seating positions with reminders, hill hold assist, hill descent control, auto headlamps, rear wiper and defogger, and rear parking sensors. Higher variants benefit from the inclusion of a 360-degree camera system that significantly improves situational awareness, especially in urban environments. These additions make the updated Punch one of the safest vehicles in the micro-SUV segment.

Price

The pricing structure ensures that Tata caters to a wide spectrum of customers—from budget-conscious buyers opting for the base manual petrol, to urban commuters seeking the convenience of CNG-AMT, and performance enthusiasts interested in the new turbo variant. With this comprehensive update, the Punch strengthens its competitiveness against rivals such as the Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Fronx, offering more features, more safety equipment and a broader engine lineup at comparable prices.

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