Tata Punch facelift spotted testing ahead of early 2026 launch

When the Tata Punch launched in India back in 2021, it breathed new life into the compact SUV segment. Since then, it has enjoyed massive success in the country. The SUV is long overdue for a facelift. Its updated model has been spotted testing on Indian roads since early 2024. However, the SUV will hit the dealerships in 2026. While Tata has not announced the release date yet, all signs point towards a January launch for the Punch. The updated model was recently spotted in Pune.

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Tata Punch facelift: What to expect?

The latest test mules of the Tata Punch look close to the production-spec model. The roof and pillars of these mules were not draped under covers. The remaining sections were heavily camouflaged. However, despite the camouflage, the test mules revealed some key details about the upcoming SUV. The ICE model will take design inspiration from its all-electric sibling. This means it will get sleek LED DRLs, angular cutouts for the vertically-stacked LED headlamps, and a redesigned bumper. The grille will have two horizontal slits.

The silhouette of the SUV will remain unchanged. However, it will get a new design for its alloy wheels. The body cladding looks similar to the current model, but does not rock the exterior colour scheme. The door handles are mounted on the C pillars. A look at the rear reveals a flatter and cleaner tailgate. The rear windshield has a greater rake angle. The bumper is expected to be reworked as well. The tail lamps will be connected by a sleek light bar.

The fresh crop of spy shots does not reveal any new details about the interior. The compact SUV is expected to get a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The new infotainment system will support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The steering wheel will have a two-spoke design with an illuminated Tata logo at the centre. We expect the SUV to come with premium features like a 360-degree camera, a voice-assisted electric sunroof, rear AC vents, an engine start/stop button, and fast USB charging.

No changes are expected under the hood of the 2026 Tata Punch facelift. It will retain the 2 powertrain options offered on the current model. The 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine generates a maximum power output of 86hp and 113Nm of torque. It can be mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox. In a CNG avatar, the SUV’s output drops to 73hp and 103Nm. The current model offers a manual transmission for its CNG powertrain. The facelift could add an automatic gearbox to the lineup.

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Final Thoughts

The current Punch range starts at Rs 5.50 lakh and goes up to Rs 9.30 lakh. The facelifted model could demand a premium of up to Rs 5.50 lakh. Tata will start accepting bookings for the SUV close to its launch. Upon launch, it will rival the Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite, Citroen C3, Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Skoda Kylaq, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza in India.