A mid-life revision to the Tata Punch was long overdue. Come 2026, the facelifted Punch enters the market with a new turbo-petrol engine, revised looks, and updated features. Does it make the cut for you? Read the first-drive review of the 2026 Tata Punch facelift to find out.
2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Powertrain
A 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, also available with the Nexon, now finds a place under the hood of the Punch. This three-cylinder unit generates 120 horsepower and 170 Nm of peak torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox is the only transmission option on offer with this engine.
The 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine continues to be the preferred choice in the Tata Punch lineup and is also available with a factory-fitted CNG option. It produces 88 horsepower and 115 Nm on petrol, while output drops to 73 horsepower and 103 Nm in CNG mode. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).
2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Turbo Experience
The turbo-petrol engine, one of the most powerful offerings in the sub-Rs 10 lakh segment, is exciting to drive. It feels peppy from the word go. There is noticeable turbo spool at lower revs, but once past 2,000 rpm, the engine pulls cleanly and with intent. There is ample punch for sudden bursts of acceleration and quick overtakes.
That said, vibrations are evident on the floor when the engine is revved hard, and NVH levels could have been better controlled. Highway cruising should be effortless, with triple-digit speeds appearing without strain. The 6-speed manual gearbox feels slightly notchy, while the clutch has a long travel. Urban traffic may quickly tire the driver's left leg.
2026 Tata Punch Facelift: CNG-AMT Experience
Are paddle shifters on a CNG powertrain merely a gimmick? Surprisingly, no. While they make for catchy marketing headlines, the paddle shifters prove genuinely useful in real-world driving. The naturally-aspirated petrol engine feels modest and lethargic when running on CNG, clearly prioritising fuel efficiency over performance.
Unlike most AMTs that require the gear lever to be nudged sideways for manual control, the paddles make gear changes effortless. During quick overtakes, switching to manual mode allows the driver to hold a gear until 5,500 rpm. Comparing this setup to a torque converter or a dual-clutch transmission would be futile, but the paddle shifters undeniably elevate the driving experience by offering greater control in any car in the sub-Rs 10 lakh budget. The NA engine remains largely refined, and NVH levels are better contained in this configuration.
2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Dynamics
The Punch remains the best-riding car on bad roads under Rs 10 lakh. Period. The chassis feels stable over uneven surfaces, while the suspension absorbs undulations effortlessly. With a compact footprint, 190 mm of ground clearance, 16-inch wheels, and a water-wading capability of 400 mm, the Tata Punch inspires confidence on broken and difficult roads.
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The steering is nicely weighted, though there is slight vagueness around the dead centre. Due to its tall stance, the micro-SUV does exhibit noticeable body roll around corners. However, visibility from the driver's seat is excellent and commanding.
2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Design
If it isn't broken, don't fix it. Subtle yet meaningful design updates help break the monotony of the earlier, slightly dated styling. The massive halogen housings have been replaced with compact, vertically stacked LED headlamps. Slimmer DRLs up front and a connected light bar at the rear lend the Punch a fresher look.
The redesigned bumper incorporates a black-and-silver theme that adds visual contrast. Replacing the earlier tri-arrow layout with cleaner parallel lines works better aesthetically. New 16-inch alloy wheel designs also appear fresh. The side profile largely remains unchanged, and the heavy black body cladding continues, something that slightly dampens the car's overall appeal.
2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Cabin and Features
One strong point in Tata Motors' strategy is offering convenience features across trim lines and powertrain options. If you're in the market for a bi-fuel crossover under Rs 10 lakh with features packed under the roof, the Punch makes a compelling case.
The 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen supports wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and connected car features. Top-end variants also offer a sunroof, wireless phone charging, a Harman-tuned audio system, and a 360-degree camera.
The dashboard design remains similar to the pre-facelift version and feels a bit busy. The absence of soft-touch materials on the door trims and the upper dashboard slightly dampens the cabin experience. The new denim-fabric upholstery looks fresh, and more importantly, the seat contours have been revised. Additional under-thigh support significantly improves comfort. Dimensionally, the Punch remains unchanged. Boot space stands at 210 litres with the twin CNG cylinders and 366 litres without them.
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2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Verdict
So, who should consider the new Punch? Before answering that, let's look at pricing. The Punch facelift starts at Rs 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom), is offered in six trim levels, and goes up to Rs 10.54 lakh (ex-showroom) for the CNG-AMT variant.
At this price point, the Punch competes with the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Baleno, Fronx, Hyundai Exter, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite. The updated Punch looks contemporary and is loaded with feel-good features. While Suzuki rivals may have the edge in outright fuel efficiency, the Punch offers a solid alternative with its assured ride quality and a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.