The rumors are true. That happened. The one SUV that consistently haunts Maruti—even outselling the WagonR sometimes—is finally getting its much-needed facelift. It’s the Tata Punch, which was the second-best-selling SUV just last month, or nothing.
Fresh spy shots from Munnar just dropped. And here’s the kicker: the new design is essentially adopting the look of its electric sibling, the Punch.ev!
Design Overhaul: EV Aesthetic to the ICE
The current Punch, while rugged, was starting to show its age. The facelift completely fixes that, taking cues from Tata’s newer design language.
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Exterior Changes: The test car was camouflaged, but the design DNA is unmistakable. We’re talking connected LED DRLs across the front. Then you get the vertically positioned LED headlamps and fog lamps, similar to the Nexon.1 The bumpers—front and rear—are redesigned.2 Expect new LED taillamps and fresh alloy wheels to complete the sporty look.
Interior Upgrade: This is where the biggest shift is. The spy shots revealed a dash layout that mimics the EV model. The key components that stand out are a large 10.25-inch touchscreen system, a full digital instrument cluster, and that premium-feeling 2-spoke steering wheel with the illuminated Tata logo.3
Expected Features: They’re packing in more tech to counter the competition, those too. Look for a touch-based AC control system, and hopefully, ventilated front seats on the higher variants. And let’s be real, a 360-degree camera and six airbags as standard is a strong possibility, just like the latest Nexon/Harrier/Safari updates.
Mechanically Unchanged, Price Bump Incoming
The thing is, the mechanicals are staying put. This is a purely cosmetic and feature-based update, or nothing.
Engine: It will continue with the reliable 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine.4 That gives you 87bhp and 115Nm of torque.5 You still get the 5-speed Manual (5MT) and 5-speed AMT options.6
CNG Continuity: Good news for efficiency fans: the test mule was spotted with the CNG kit, confirming the twin-cylinder i-CNG option will carry over into the facelift.7
Launch & Pricing
The Punch facelift is expected to launch in early 2026 (some sources suggest January 2026).8 This significant refresh, along with the added tech and safety features, means the price is going to climb. It could see a hike of up to ₹60,000 over the current on-road price (which ranges from ₹6.39 lakh to ₹10.63 lakh in Mumbai). Some reports are even estimating a base price starting around ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom).9 The move is clear: Tata is ensuring the Punch maintains its segment dominance against the Hyundai Exter and other rivals. It’s an ongoing effort.
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