The biggest update in the 2026 Punch facelift is under the hood, with Tata finally introducing a turbocharged petrol option. The new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, expected to be marketed as an i-Turbo or Racer variant, produces around 120 PS and 170 Nm of torque, transforming the Punch into a far more capable highway cruiser. 

This engine is likely to be paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, with the possibility of a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic for select variants. Alongside this, the existing 1.2-litre naturally aspirated Revotron petrol engine continues for mainstream trims, delivering 88 PS and 115 Nm and offered with 5-speed manual and AMT transmissions. Tata will also retain its popular i-CNG option with twin-cylinder technology, ensuring usable boot space and making the Punch one of the most versatile offerings in its segment.

Tata has made significant improvements inside the cabin, directly addressing criticism around material quality and feature availability in the earlier model. The dashboard now features a cleaner, layered design with improved textures and soft-touch materials on higher trims, giving the Punch a more upmarket feel. 

The highlight is a new 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system by Harman with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. This is paired with a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster on top variants, capable of displaying navigation data and multiple drive-related layouts. C

omfort and usability have also been enhanced through a new two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, a redesigned center console with touch-based climate controls, a wireless charging pad, and the long-awaited addition of a front armrest. A major safety and convenience upgrade comes in the form of a 360-degree surround-view camera, a segment-first feature that significantly improves visibility and ease of parking in urban conditions.

The most noticeable changes are concentrated at the front, where the Punch facelift adopts a more technology-focused look inspired by the Punch EV, but with important differences to reflect its internal combustion engine. The grille is slimmer and sits beneath a full-width LED light bar element, likely finished in chrome or piano black on ICE variants, with vertically stacked LED headlamp housings flanking either side. Unlike the EV’s sealed front, the petrol Punch retains an open grille for engine cooling, integrated into a more aggressive blacked-out bumper with a prominent silver skid plate to reinforce its SUV character. Along the sides, the facelift introduces newly designed 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, while the rear finally gets connected LED taillamps with a distinctive “X” motif, visually aligning the Punch with newer Tata models like the Nexon and Safari.