The Micro-SUV King Gets a “Punchier” Upgrade: 2026 Tata Punch Facelift Review Tata Punch 1.2L i-Turbo Engine Specs: 110 PS and 6-Speed Manual Detailed

The wait is finally over. The car that single-handedly made “Micro-SUVs” a household name in India has gone under the knife. As a journalist who has tracked the Tata Punch since its 2021 debut, I can tell you this isn’t just a “sticker and plastic” job. The 2026 Tata Punch Facelift is a calculated move to silence critics who found the older engine a bit “lethargic.”

With an expected ex-showroom starting price of ₹5.99 Lakh, the new Punch is ready to reclaim its throne. It now features an EV-inspired face, a significantly more premium cabin, and—the headline act—a Turbo Petrol engine option.

QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Feature	1.2L Revotron (Standard)	1.2L i-Turbo (New)
Engine	1.2L 3-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated	1.2L 3-Cylinder Turbocharged
Power	88 PS @ 6000 RPM	120 PS @ 5500 RPM
Torque	115 Nm @ 3250 RPM	170 Nm @ 1750-4000 RPM
Transmission	5-Speed MT / 5-Speed AMT	6-Speed MT
Boot Space	366 Litres	366 Litres
Ground Clearance	187 mm	187 mm
Fuel Tank	37 Litres	37 Litres

EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The 2026 Punch Facelift looks like it spent some time at the gym with its older brother, the Punch EV. The split-headlamp setup remains, but the execution is much sharper.

• The Face: The new slim, connected LED DRLs (on top variants) give it a futuristic look. The main headlamp cluster is now vertically stacked and features Full LED units for better night visibility.
• The Stance: It still sits high with 187mm ground clearance, giving it that “Mini-SUV” vibe that Indian buyers love. The new 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels look significantly more premium than the old ones.
• Does it turn heads? Absolutely. Especially in the new ‘Blue’ and ‘Dual Tone’ themes, it looks much more expensive than its price tag suggests.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

If you found the old Punch’s interior a bit “plastic-heavy,” the 2026 facelift will surprise you. Tata has borrowed heavily from the Nexon’s parts bin.

• Dashboard: You now get a massive 10.25-inch Touchscreen with a very slick UI. The steering wheel is the new two-spoke unit with an illuminated Tata logo, which feels amazing to hold.
• Space: Despite being a micro-SUV, the legroom and headroom are better than some premium hatchbacks. You can sit three people at the back, though it’s a tight squeeze for long journeys. The rear AC vents (finally added!) make a huge difference in our Indian summers.
• Key Features:
  • 360-Degree Camera: A segment-first that makes parking in tight spots a breeze.
  • Ventilated Seats: Yes, you read that right! Top variants now get cooled front seats.
  • Sunroof: The voice-assisted electric sunroof is a major crowd-puller.
• Missing Bits: I still feel the quality of plastic in the lower door pads could have been better, but it’s a minor gripe.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

City Drive: Effortless and Zippy

The standard 1.2L NA engine is great for city runs. The clutch is light, and the steering is very easy to operate. It’s a joy to park in crowded markets. However, the real star is the new Turbo Petrol engine. It produces 120 PS and makes the Punch feel like a different animal—there’s no more “gasping for air” when you need to close a gap in traffic.

Highway Drive: The Stability King

At 100kmph, the Punch feels incredibly planted. Unlike some rivals that feel light and floaty, the Punch gives you the confidence of a bigger car. There is some body roll due to its height, but it’s well-controlled. The new 6-speed manual on the Turbo variant means the engine stays relaxed at triple-digit speeds.

Suspension: Built for India

The suspension absorbs potholes easily. Whether it’s broken village roads or city speed breakers, the Punch glides over them without that annoying “thud” sound. It remains the benchmark for ride quality in this segment.

Read more : Tata Harrier

SAFETY: THE UNTOUCHABLE SCORE

Tata hasn’t compromised here. The Punch continues its legacy as a safety leader.

• Airbags: 6 Airbags are now standard across all variants (Smart to Accomplished+).
• Build Quality: It retains its 5-Star Bharat NCAP DNA. The “thud” when you close the door tells you everything you need to know about the steel quality.
• Tech: Electronic Stability Program (ESC), Hill Hold Assist, and ISOFIX mounts are standard.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

Let’s talk numbers. While the ARAI figures look pretty, here is what you will actually see on your MID:

Fuel Type	ARAI Claimed	Real City (Heavy Traffic)	Real Highway (Steady 90kmph)
Petrol (NA)	20.09 kmpl	12 – 13.5 kmpl	17 – 18.5 kmpl
Turbo Petrol	18.20 kmpl	10 – 11.5 kmpl	15 – 16.5 kmpl
CNG (Twin-Tank)	26.99 km/kg	18 – 20 km/kg	23 – 25 km/kg

THE COMPETITION: Punch Facelift vs Rivals

Feature	Tata Punch Facelift	Hyundai Exter	Maruti Fronx
Base Price	₹5.99 Lakh (Est.)	₹6.13 Lakh	₹7.51 Lakh
Safety Rating	5-Star (B-NCAP)	Not Tested	Not Tested
Turbo Option	Yes (120 PS)	No	Yes (100 PS)
Ground Clearance	187 mm	185 mm	190 mm

Winner: If you want Safety and Ride Quality, the Punch is the undisputed winner. If you want a smoother 4-cylinder engine, the Exter is a close second. For those who want more “Premium-ness” and can spend more, the Fronx is the way to go.

FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

• You want the safest car for your family under ₹10 Lakh.
• You often drive on bad roads or high-speed highways.
• You love features like a 360-camera and ventilated seats.

Skip it if:

• You want a 4-cylinder engine (Tata’s 3-cyl can be slightly vocal at high RPMs).
• You want the highest possible mileage (Maruti is still the king there).
• You need a massive boot space with a CNG setup (Though Tata’s Twin-Cylinder is the best in the business).

FAQs (People Also Ask)