What is the story about?
Tata Motors has launched the 2026 Punch facelift in India, with introductory prices starting at ₹5.59 lakh (ex-showroom). This is the first major mid-cycle update for the model since its launch in 2021.
The Punch was India’s largest-selling car in 2024 and the first non-Maruti model in over four decades to top annual sales. It slipped to the 10th position last year.
Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO at Tata Motors, said the decline was driven by pressure on the entry-level segment and prolonged speculation surrounding the facelift. He said the model still recorded retail sales of about 1,85,000 units.
Sales outlook and market position
“I don’t see this as a drop, mainly because of two large factors,” Chandra said, referring to demand pressure in the entry-level segment and rumours around the facelift. “Despite these factors, we still retailed about 1,85,000 units, so with the new Punch I am very confident sales will start hitting the next peak.”
Chandra said incremental volumes are expected from the facelift and the expanded powertrain lineup. CNG models accounted for 28% of Tata Motors’ overall sales last year, while CNG variants made up 35% of Punch volumes.
Powertrain options expanded
The Punch facelift introduces a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine sourced from the Nexon. The engine produces 120PS and 170Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Tata claims a 0–100 kmph time of 11.1 seconds.
“The naturally aspirated Punch will be the primary seller but the turbo Punch will add to our customer base,” Chandra said.
The existing 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, with 88bhp and 115Nm, and the 1.2-litre petrol-CNG option, with 73.5PS and 103Nm, continue. For the first time in the segment, the CNG variant is also available with an AMT.
Design, features and safety updates
The facelift aligns the Punch’s design with the Punch EV, with revised LED DRLs, updated front and rear bumpers, new 16-inch alloy wheels and connected LED tail-lamps. Inside, the layout mirrors the Punch EV, with a touch-based climate control panel and a new two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo.
Features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, a powered sunroof, a 360-degree camera and connected car technology.
Safety equipment includes six airbags as standard, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The Punch carries a five-star Bharat NCAP rating for adult and child occupant protection.
The Tata Punch facelift is offered in six trims—Smart, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Accomplished and Accomplished+—and six colour options. Tata Punch facelift introductory prices (ex-showroom Delhi):
Smart
Pure
Pure+
Adventure
Accomplished
Accomplished+ S
However, it should be noted that the turbo-petrol engine is offered only on Adventure and Accomplished+ S Persona variants, while the sunroof is available on Pure+ and Adventure Persona variants.
The new Tata Punch facelift goes up against the likes of Hyundai Exter, Maruti Fronx and Citroën C3. Bookings have commenced across Tata Motors dealerships in India.
The Punch was India’s largest-selling car in 2024 and the first non-Maruti model in over four decades to top annual sales. It slipped to the 10th position last year.
Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO at Tata Motors, said the decline was driven by pressure on the entry-level segment and prolonged speculation surrounding the facelift. He said the model still recorded retail sales of about 1,85,000 units.
Sales outlook and market position
“I don’t see this as a drop, mainly because of two large factors,” Chandra said, referring to demand pressure in the entry-level segment and rumours around the facelift. “Despite these factors, we still retailed about 1,85,000 units, so with the new Punch I am very confident sales will start hitting the next peak.”
Chandra said incremental volumes are expected from the facelift and the expanded powertrain lineup. CNG models accounted for 28% of Tata Motors’ overall sales last year, while CNG variants made up 35% of Punch volumes.
Powertrain options expanded
The Punch facelift introduces a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine sourced from the Nexon. The engine produces 120PS and 170Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Tata claims a 0–100 kmph time of 11.1 seconds.
“The naturally aspirated Punch will be the primary seller but the turbo Punch will add to our customer base,” Chandra said.
The existing 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, with 88bhp and 115Nm, and the 1.2-litre petrol-CNG option, with 73.5PS and 103Nm, continue. For the first time in the segment, the CNG variant is also available with an AMT.
Design, features and safety updates
The facelift aligns the Punch’s design with the Punch EV, with revised LED DRLs, updated front and rear bumpers, new 16-inch alloy wheels and connected LED tail-lamps. Inside, the layout mirrors the Punch EV, with a touch-based climate control panel and a new two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo.
Features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, a powered sunroof, a 360-degree camera and connected car technology.
Safety equipment includes six airbags as standard, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The Punch carries a five-star Bharat NCAP rating for adult and child occupant protection.
The Tata Punch facelift is offered in six trims—Smart, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Accomplished and Accomplished+—and six colour options. Tata Punch facelift introductory prices (ex-showroom Delhi):
Smart
- Petrol MT: ₹5.59 lakh
- CNG MT: ₹6.69 lakh
Pure
- Petrol MT: ₹6.49 lakh
- CNG MT: ₹7.49 lakh
Pure+
- Petrol MT: ₹6.99 lakh
- CNG MT: ₹7.99 lakh
Adventure
- Petrol MT: ₹7.59 lakh
- CNG MT: ₹8.59 lakh
Accomplished
- Petrol MT: ₹8.29 lakh
- CNG MT: ₹9.29 lakh
Accomplished+ S
- Petrol MT: ₹8.99 lakh
- CNG MT: Not available
However, it should be noted that the turbo-petrol engine is offered only on Adventure and Accomplished+ S Persona variants, while the sunroof is available on Pure+ and Adventure Persona variants.
The new Tata Punch facelift goes up against the likes of Hyundai Exter, Maruti Fronx and Citroën C3. Bookings have commenced across Tata Motors dealerships in India.
