Tata Punch Facelift: More Power, More Features, and Finally… More Punc

When I first heard that Tata was updating the Punch, I was curious—but also a little skeptical. The original Punch always looked tough, but if I’m being honest, it never quite felt punchy enough. That changed the moment I saw the facelift in person. After going through the details, features, and especially the new engine options, I can confidently say this: the Tata Punch facelift finally lives up to its name.

Let me walk you through what’s new, what works, and where I think Tata could’ve done better.

A Sharper, More Modern Design

Front-End Changes You’ll Notice Instantly

The first thing I noticed was how different the Punch looks from the front. Tata has clearly aligned it with its newer models, and that’s not a bad thing.

• Slimmer grille with a cleaner layout

• Distinctive LED DRLs that really stand out

• All-LED headlamps arranged vertically

• Chunkier bumper that adds visual toughness

I noticed that the car is slightly longer now, but interestingly, that extra length comes purely from redesigned bumpers. Mechanically, it’s largely unchanged.

Side Profile: Familiar but Still Tough

From the side, the Punch looks familiar—but that’s kind of the point. The squared wheel arches, black cladding, and upright stance remain intact.

What caught my attention:

• New 16-inch alloy wheel design

• Ground clearance bumped up to 193 mm

• Strong SUV cues reinforced by Tata

Tata is clearly pushing the “real SUV” narrative, and honestly, the numbers back it up. With impressive water-wading capability and solid approach and departure angles, this isn’t just a tall hatchback pretending to be something else.

Rear Design: A Mixed Bag

Around the back, the connected LED light bar looks modern, but I’ll admit—I miss the old tri-arrow LED signature. That design had character. The new setup looks cleaner but also a bit generic.

That said, the overall finish is neat, and the tailgate feels solid.

Boot Space That Actually Impresses

For such a compact SUV, the boot space surprised me.

• 366 litres in petrol variants

• 210 litres in CNG models (thanks to underfloor twin cylinders)

When I first checked the depth of the boot, I genuinely thought, “This is more usable than expected.” For city users and weekend trips, it does the job well.

Cabin Experience: Familiar, Feature-Rich, and Mostly Practical

Screens and Tech

Inside, the layout hasn’t changed dramatically—but that’s because Tata has been quietly updating the Punch over time.

Here’s what you get now:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• 7-inch digital instrument cluster

• New steering wheel design (borrowed from newer Tata models)

The screens are sharp and responsive, though I did notice the fonts in the instrument cluster are a bit on the smaller side.

What I Liked (and Didn’t)

I really liked the dual-tone layered dashboard design—it still looks fresh. However, the materials are undeniably hard and scratchy in places. You feel it instantly.

One change I wasn’t thrilled about:

• The old rotary AC knobs are gone

• Replaced by toggle switches and touch controls

Personally, I found the older system easier to use while driving.

Seats and Comfort: Surprisingly Good

This is where the Punch quietly wins points.

• Supportive fabric seats

• Under-thigh support extension (front and rear)

• Comfortable driving position

When I first sat down, I didn’t expect much—but the seat cushioning and fabric quality genuinely impressed me.

Rear Seat Experience: Compact but Thoughtful

Let’s be clear: this is still a small car. Rear-seat space is decent, not generous.

What works:

• Good thigh support

• Upright seating gives a nice view out

• Light-coloured upholstery makes it feel airy

• Rear AC vents and a 15W USB-C charger

If you’re over 5’8”, headroom might feel tight. But for city commutes and short trips, it’s comfortable enough.

Safety: One of the Punch’s Biggest Strengths

Tata doesn’t mess around when it comes to safety, and the Punch facelift continues that tradition.

• 5-star Bharat NCAP rating (adult & child)

• Strong body structure

• Proven crash-test performance

This is one of those cars I’d confidently recommend to safety-conscious buyers.

The Big Upgrade: Turbocharged Petrol Engine

Finally, Some Real Punch

This is the update everyone’s been waiting for.

• 1.2L turbo petrol engine

• 120 hp & 170 Nm torque

• 6-speed manual gearbox

When I saw these numbers, it finally made sense. The Punch now has the performance to match its SUV styling.

That said, there’s no automatic option with the turbo engine yet, which might disappoint some buyers.

Other Engine Options Still Available

• 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol

• Petrol with manual and AMT

• CNG with manual and AMT

So, Tata hasn’t taken away choices—just added a much-needed performance boost.

Price and Value for Money

Prices start at ₹5.59 lakh and go up to ₹8.99 lakh for the fully loaded turbo petrol manual.

Considering:

• Features

• Safety

• Engine options

…I’d say the pricing is competitive, especially at the top end.

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Pros & Cons

FAQs

Is the Tata Punch facelift good for city driving?

Yes. Its compact size, upright visibility, and light controls make it very city-friendly.

Does the Punch facelift have a sunroof?

Yes, higher variants now offer a sunroof.

Is the turbo engine worth it?

Absolutely. If you enjoy driving or frequently hit highways, the turbo engine makes a noticeable difference.

How safe is the Tata Punch facelift?

It’s among the safest cars in its segment, with a 5-star crash rating.

Is the CNG version practical?

Yes. Thanks to underfloor cylinder placement, boot space is better than most CNG rivals.

Final Verdict: My Thoughts

After going through everything, I genuinely feel Tata has addressed the Punch’s biggest weakness—performance. The facelift doesn’t just add features for the sake of it; it makes the car feel more complete.