Tata Punch facelift launched in India at an introductory price of ₹5.59 lakh

The Tata Punch was first launched in 2021 and it didn’t receive any major updates until now, but Tata has finally taken the covers off the all-new Punch facelift. Launched at ₹5.59 lakh, ex-showroom, the updated micro-SUV gets refreshed front and rear styling, an updated interior, and a new turbo-petrol engine. Here is everything you need to know about it.

​Design

Upfront, the Tata Punch gets updated styling inspired by the Punch EV. It features an updated grille, vertically stacked headlights and slimmer DRLs, giving it a sharper and more modern look. The facelift also gets a new silver skid plate along with a redesigned front bumper. Changes to the side profile are minimal, with the higher variants now riding on new 16-inch alloy wheels with a fresh design. At the rear, the Punch receives connected LED tail lamps paired with an updated bumper for a cleaner appearance. Tata has also introduced four new exterior colours with the facelift, including Cyantafic, Bengal Rogue, Caramel and Coorg Clouds.

Tata Punch HBX Edition

Tata Motors have also provided an option for the buyers to kit out their Punch with HBX styling on the exterior. The kit will add more aggressive bumpers, and red bumperettes, bonnet inserts. In the profile the kit adds window blinds and 15-inch alloy wheels with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tyres. The kit also adds a spoiler and a faux diffuser at the rear.

Powertrain options

Tata Motors has now introduced a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, borrowed from the Nexon and it produces 118bhp @5500rpm and 170Nm of torque @1750-4000rpm. This engine is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission. Carried over from the outgoing model is the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol which makes 86bh​p and 115Nm. It can be had with a CNG kit that's mounted in the boot under the floor (it's a dual cylinder kit) liberating a 210-litre boot space (366-litre on the non-CNG versions). In CNG mode it produces 72bhp and 103Nm. This mill can be had with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT.

Interior and features

Inside, the Tata Punch facelift gets an interior design inspired by the Punch EV, while the overall layout and design theme remain largely the same as before. It now gets a 7-inch fully digital driver’s display positioned behind the new steering wheel that gets an illuminated Tata logo, adding a more modern touch to the cabin. The biggest update comes in the form of a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which enhances the tech appeal. It also features a touch-based control panel for the air conditioning, replacing the older physical buttons. It also gets all new fabric seats finished in dual-tone blue and grey colour. In terms of features, it gets a 360-degree camera, LED fog lamps with cornering function, an 8-speaker audio system, rain-sensing wipers, drive modes (City and Eco), paddle shifters, hill hold assist and idle start-stop system, cruise control, wireless charger, a single-pane sunroof, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Variants and Pricing (introductory ex-showroom)

Pricing for the automatic variants is yet to be announced and the i-Turbo engine is available from an introductory price of ₹8.29 lakh (adventure persona).

Rivals and Market Positioning

Tata Punch will compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Exter, Citroen C3 and Renault Kiger.

With its strong focus on safety, a host of modern features, and a robust build, the Tata Punch continues to stand out in its segment. Its bold SUV-like design and high safety credentials are likely to appeal strongly to first-time car buyers.