Tata Motors will launch the facelifted Punch on January 13. The refreshed Punch will also come with a turbo-petrol engine emerging as the most significant upgrade aimed at adding fresh sales momentum to one of India’s most popular entry SUVs. Lower variants are expected to continue with the 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine with pure petrol or petrol CNG option.
While the company has not officially disclosed specifications for the new 1.2-liter turbo petrol, industry sources suggest the turbo unit could be the 1.2-litre engine previously seen on the Altroz Racer, which develops 118 hp. It remains unclear whether the Punch will receive the same state of tune or a detuned version aligned with its positioning. The addition of a turbo option is expected to significantly improve performance credentials and attract buyers seeking a more powerful yet compact city-focused SUV.
Tata Punch
Initially launched back in 2021, the Tata Punch has evolved into one of Tata Motors’ most consistent volume drivers. In calendar year 2025, the model ranked among India’s top-selling passenger vehicles, with estimated total sales of around 1.73 lakh units. The upcoming mid-cycle refresh is aimed at defending this strong volume base as competition intensifies in the entry-SUV segment, which is also expected to see the launch of the Hyundai Exter facelift in the coming months.
Engine capabilities and features
Beyond the powertrain upgrade, the facelifted Punch is expected to receive a series of cosmetic and technology updates inside and out, aligning it with Tata Motors’ newer design language. Feature additions are likely as well, reflecting rising customer expectations even at the lower end of the SUV market.
With the turbo-petrol engine, the Punch will directly take on rivals such as the Citroën C3 turbo, as well as lower turbo variants of the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. Meanwhile, naturally aspirated variants will continue to compete against models like the Exter, ensuring broad market coverage across price and performance bands.
