Tata Punch Facelift Review 2026: New Design, 10.25″ Screen & Real Mileage Test

The Tata Punch has been an absolute phenomenon in the Indian market. It created the “Micro-SUV” craze that forced rivals like Hyundai to scramble and launch the Exter. But let’s be honest—while the sales were high, the original Punch was starting to look a bit plain compared to its electric sibling, the Punch.ev.

Enter the 2026 Tata Punch Facelift.

Tata Motors has finally given the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Punch the major surgery it needed. It now wears the sharp, futuristic face of its EV counterpart and, more importantly, gets a cabin that feels properly premium. With a starting price of ₹6.13 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), it is still accessible, but is it significantly better to drive?

I spent a week with the new Tata Punch Facelift Creative+ S variant, driving it through the choked streets of Mumbai and the open highways of Lonavala. Here is the unfiltered truth.

Quick Specs: The Numbers Game

Tata hasn’t messed too much with the mechanics, but they have refined the package.

Parameter	1.2L Revotron Petrol	1.2L iCNG
Engine	1.2L 3-Cyl NA Petrol	1.2L 3-Cyl Bi-Fuel
Power	87.8 PS @ 6000 rpm	73.5 PS (CNG Mode)
Torque	115 Nm @ 3250 rpm	103 Nm (CNG Mode)
Transmission	5-MT / 5-AMT	5-MT Only
Boot Space	366 Liters	210 Liters (Twin Cylinder)
Ground Clearance	187 mm	187 mm
Fuel Tank	37 Liters	60L (Water Capacity)

Exterior Design & Road Presence: The “EV” Effect

If you felt the old Punch looked a bit “cute,” the facelift changes that completely. It now looks aggressive and far more modern.

• The Front Face: The biggest change is here. The grille is slimmer, and it now features the signature Connected LED DRL strip that runs across the entire width of the bonnet (on top variants). The main headlamps are now vertically stacked LED projectors housed in a sharper bumper.
• The Side Profile: The silhouette remains the same, but the new 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels add a sporty flair. The C-pillar mounted rear door handles are still there—a classic Punch trait.
• The Rear: The taillights have been updated with a new Y-shaped LED signature, and the bumper gets a faux silver skid plate to enhance the SUV appeal.
• Road Presence: Parked next to a Hyundai Exter, the Punch Facelift looks wider and more muscular. It doesn’t look like a hatchback on stilts anymore; it looks like a baby Harrier.

Interior, Comfort & Features: A Massive Tech Upgrade

This is where the old Punch fell behind, and where the new one shines.

1. The Dashboard & Tech

• Touchscreen: Gone is the small 7-inch screen. The top variants now get the crisp 10.25-inch floating infotainment system from the Nexon. It supports Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay and is buttery smooth.
• Digital Cluster: The driver now stares at a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster that can display Google Maps navigation right in front of you (in top trims).
• Material Quality: The dashboard features a new textured panel with tri-arrow detailing. It feels richer than the hard plastics of the predecessor.

2. Space & Comfort

• Ventilated Seats: Yes, the Punch Facelift now gets Front Ventilated Seats! A godsend for Indian summers.
• Rear Space: The rear bench is wide enough for two adults comfortably. A third adult is a squeeze. Legroom is decent, and the floor is almost flat.
• Rear AC Vents: Finally, Tata has added rear AC vents, fixing a major complaint from the previous generation.

Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics

I tested the 1.2L Petrol AMT. Here is the reality check:

City Drive:

The 3-cylinder engine has the typical thrum at idle. In the city, the car feels peppy. The low-end torque is good enough to close gaps in traffic.

• Steering: It is incredibly light at low speeds, making parking a breeze.
• The AMT Gearbox: It is improved, but not perfect. The “head-nod” (jerk) between 1st and 2nd gear is still there if you accelerate hard. However, for a relaxed city driver, it does the job fine.

Highway Drive:

Cruising at 80-100 kmph is stable. The car feels planted. However, if you want to overtake a fast-moving truck, you will need to plan it. The 1.2L NA engine takes its time to build speed, and the AMT takes a second to kick down.

Suspension & Ride Quality:

This is Tata’s home turf. The suspension is tuned beautifully for Indian roads. It swallows potholes and speed breakers with a dull “thud” rather than a crash. It feels rugged and confident, unlike some rivals that feel bouncy.

Safety: The 5-Star Legacy

The Tata Punch is famous for its 5-Star Global NCAP rating, and the facelift takes safety up a notch.

• Standard Safety: 6 Airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX mounts are standard across all variants.
• New Tech: The top variant gets a 360-degree Camera with a Blind View Monitor. The camera quality is surprisingly sharp, making parking in tight spots effortless.
• Build Quality: The doors shut with a reassuring “thud.” You feel safe inside this metal fortress.

Real World Mileage: The Truth

ARAI figures are often optimistic. Here is what I managed to get in real-world driving conditions:

Variant	ARAI Claimed	Real City Mileage	Real Highway Mileage
1.2L Petrol MT	20.09 kmpl	13.5 – 14.5 kmpl	17.5 – 19 kmpl
1.2L Petrol AMT	18.80 kmpl	11.5 – 12.5 kmpl	16.5 – 18 kmpl
1.2L iCNG	26.99 km/kg	19 – 21 km/kg	25 – 27 km/kg

The Competition: Tata Punch vs The Rivals

The segment is fierce. Let’s compare the Punch Facelift with its main enemies.

1. Tata Punch Facelift vs Hyundai Exter

• Select Exter if: You want a smoother 4-cylinder engine, a smoother AMT gearbox, and slightly more headroom.
• Select Punch if: You prioritize 5-Star safety, better suspension comfort on bad roads, and a more rugged SUV look.

2. Tata Punch Facelift vs Citroen C3

• Select C3 if: You want a turbocharged engine (performance) and the absolute best ride quality (magic carpet effect).
• Select Punch if: You want features (C3 misses a lot), a proper automatic option, and better after-sales service network.

Feature	Tata Punch	Hyundai Exter	Citroen C3
Engine	1.2L 3-Cyl NA	1.2L 4-Cyl NA	1.2L 3-Cyl / Turbo
Touchscreen	10.25-inch	8-inch	10.2-inch
Sunroof	Yes (Voice)	Yes (Voice)	No
Safety Rating	5-Star (GNCAP)	Not Rated	0-Star (Latin NCAP)

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The 2026 Tata Punch Facelift has successfully plugged the gaps of the original model. It is no longer just a “safe car”; it is now a “feature-loaded, stylish, and safe car.”

Buy it if:

• Safety First: It remains the safest car in the micro-SUV segment.
• Bad Roads: You live in an area with potholes; the suspension is brilliant.
• Feature Lovers: You want big screens, 360-degree cameras, and ventilated seats.

Skip it if:

• Performance: You are an enthusiast; the non-turbo engine feels flat on open highways.
• Smooth Automatic: You hate the head-nod of AMTs; a CVT or Torque Converter (like in the Amaze) is much smoother.
• Rear Space: You frequently travel with 3 adults at the back; it’s tight.

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