The 2026 Tata Punch facelift brings fresh styling, advanced tech, and powerful new engines to India’s sub-compact SUV segment, starting at Rs 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom). Launched on January 13, 2026, this update targets first-time buyers and urban families seeking SUV appeal at hatchback prices, with over 7 lakh units sold since debut. Packed with six airbags standard, a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, and CNG AMT options, it strengthens Tata’s dominance against rivals like Hyundai Exter and Maruti Fronx.
Exterior Refresh
The 2026 Punch sports EV-inspired styling with sleeker LED headlamps, a bolder grille, and redesigned bumpers for a more aggressive stance. New six color options include vibrant hues like Seaweed Green, enhancing its urban SUV vibe. 17-inch alloy wheels on higher trims and connected LED tail lamps add premium flair, while the unchanged 187mm ground clearance ensures pothole-proof city drives.
Interior Upgrades
Inside, the cabin feels modern with dual-tone dashboards, soft-touch materials, and extended thigh support seats for long-haul comfort. 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment supports wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, paired with a matching 10.25-inch digital cluster in top variants. Height-adjustable driver seat, wireless charger, and ambient lighting elevate daily usability for tech-savvy Indian buyers.
Engine & Transmission Options
A game-changer is the new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (118PS, 170Nm) borrowed from Nexon, offering peppy performance with 6-speed MT or AMT. Retained 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol (88PS) comes with 5MT, CNG (73PS), or India’s first CNG AMT for effortless city commuting. Fuel efficiency hits 20+ kmpl (petrol) and 26 km/kg (CNG), ideal for Patna’s traffic and Bihar’s fuel costs.
Variant-Wise Breakdown
The expansive range spans eight variants—Smart to Accomplished Plus S—catering to budgets from Rs 5.59 lakh to Rs 9.5 lakh (estimated top-end).
| Variant | Price (ex-showroom) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Smart | Rs 5.59-6.69 lakh | 6 airbags, ESC, TPMS, LED lamps, 4-inch cluster, drive modes, hill-hold. |
| Pure | Rs 6.5-7.5 lakh | Adds manual AC, keyless entry, rear power windows, cruise control. |
| Pure Plus | Rs 7-8 lakh | 7-inch touchscreen, steering controls, auto-fold ORVMs. |
| Adventure | Rs 8-9 lakh | 360-camera, blind view monitor, alloy wheels, roof rails. |
| Accomplished | Rs 8.5-9.5 lakh | 10.25-inch screens, JBL audio, sunroof, ventilated seats. |
| Accomplished Plus S | Rs 9-9.5 lakh | Xenon DRLs, wireless charger, paddle shifters, premium leatherette. |
Lower trims prioritize safety; top ones pack luxury like rivals’ flagships.
Safety & Tech Features
5-star BNCAP rating continues with six airbags across all variants, ABS, EBD, and TPMS. Standouts include 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitor, and ADAS Level 1 (lane keep, auto emergency braking) in higher trims. Drive modes (City/Eco) and idle start/stop optimize efficiency; ISOFIX and puncture kit suit family needs. For content creators like you, the connected car tech with iRA app enables remote AC start—perfect for Patna’s humid mornings.
Performance Highlights
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Turbo-petrol: 0-100kmph in ~10 seconds, overtakes effortlessly on highways like Patna-Hajipur.
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CNG AMT: Seamless shifts for 50km daily commutes, saving Rs 2/km vs petrol.
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Boot space: 366 litres expands to 650L with seats folded—great for gadget hauls or weekend trips.
Real-world test: Punch facelift laps tighter than Exter, with better ride over speed breakers.
Pricing & Rivals Comparison
Starting Rs 5.59 lakh, it’s value-packed vs Hyundai Exter (Rs 6.13 lakh) lacking turbo or CNG AMT.
| Feature | 2026 Tata Punch | Hyundai Exter | Maruti Fronx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Start | Rs 5.59 lakh | Rs 6.13 lakh | Rs 7.51 lakh |
| Turbo Engine | Yes (1.2L) | No | Yes (1.0L) |
| CNG AMT | Yes | No | No |
| Airbags | 6 (all variants) | 6 (top) | 6 (top) |
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch | 8-inch | 7-inch |
| Ground Clearance | 187mm | 185mm | 190mm |
Punch wins on features-per-rupee, boosting your site’s SEO with “best micro SUV under 10 lakh” keywords.
Why Buy in 2026?
Tata’s update addresses customer feedback: premium cabin, efficient powertrains, and tech-loaded safety make it ideal for India’s evolving buyers. Bookings open now; deliveries by late January. For your sachlivenews.com audience, highlight CNG for Bihar’s green push and turbo for highway thrills—optimize with H1 tags like this article! Shailesh Chandra notes it “democratizes SUV experience.” Test drive soon to lock in festive deals.