Tata’s updated Punch facelift gains a turbo petrol engine, more safety and features, making it feel larger and more complete
New Delhi: Tata Motors has introduced a big update for the Tata Punch, and the facelifted model now feels bigger, bolder, and more complete than before. The company has added a turbo petrol engine, added more features, and improved safety. As a result, this mini SUV now feels more modern and capable.
Turbo Petrol Engine
The new 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine is the most significant improvement to the Punch redesign. This engine produces about 118–120 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque, which is a clear upgrade over the older naturally aspirated version. As a result, the Punch now offers stronger performance, especially on highways and faster roads.
However, this turbo engine comes only with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which may not appeal to buyers who prefer automatic transmissions.
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Meanwhile, the facelift still continues to offer the existing engine options:
- 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol (around 88 PS)
- 1.2-litre petrol + CNG option (about 73–75 PS)
Both these engines come with manual or AMT transmissions.
Exterior Gets a Bold Update
The Punch facelift now looks more modern because Tata has made several design changes. For example, it gets a sharper front design and redesigned bumpers. In addition, the car now comes with new LED lighting, a connected LED taillamp strip, and updated alloy wheels. All of these changes give the Punch more road presence and make it appear more like a real SUV.
Interior Gets Major Upgrade
Inside, the Punch now feels considerably more luxurious. The cabin receives:
- A 10.25″ touchscreen infotainment system
- A new digital driver display.
- Voice-activated electric sunroof
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Enhanced comfort with enhanced thigh support
- These enhancements make the interior more contemporary and user-friendly.
More Features Across Variants
The facelift now offers many new features, such as:
- 360-degree camera with blind-view monitor
- Auto-dimming internal mirror
- Wireless phone charger
- Cruise control
- Air purifier
- Rear AC vents
- Some high-end features like paddle shifters and premium audio systems are available only on higher variants.
Safety Improves with 5-Star Rating
Safety remains one of the Punch’s biggest strengths. The facelifted Tata Punch has earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, and it now comes with six airbags as standard in all variants. Besides that, it also includes several important safety features such as:
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
- Hill hold and hill descent control
- ABS with EBD
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
Because of these features, the Punch stands out as one of the safest small SUVs in its class.
Ride and Practicality
Reviewers say the Punch still feels like a compact SUV, mainly because it has high ground clearance, a comfortable ride, and a strong road presence. Moreover, the higher driving position and rugged stance make it easy to drive both in the city and on rough roads.
Pricing and Variants
The Punch facelift is priced competitively in India. The base petrol variant costs approximately ₹5.59 lakh (ex-showroom). The top-end turbo and CNG variants might cost up to ₹10.5 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on features.
What Reviewers Like
Reviewers liked many things about the Punch facelift. First, they praised the stronger performance from the turbo petrol engine. They also found the interior to be sleek and spacious, and they believed that even the cheaper trim levels provided a nice list of features. In addition, reviewers praised the Punch’s exceptional safety, particularly its 5-star rating, and claimed it has a powerful SUV-like feel with good ride quality.
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What Critics Mention
However, several reviewers did bring out a few shortcomings. For example, they stated that the turbo petrol engine is not available with an automatic transmission, which may not appeal to purchasers who prefer automated vehicles. They also stated that some competitors provide smoother automatic transmissions and slightly more sophisticated interiors. Still, most critics believe that these shortcomings are minor in comparison to the significant improvements that the Punch makeover delivers.
