Tata Motors has officially launched the Tata Punch facelift in India at an introductory price of ₹5.59 lakh (ex-showroom). Offered in six variants, the updated Punch arrives with refreshed styling, new technology, and an expanded powertrain lineup. More importantly, Tata Motors is confident the facelift will help the Punch regain its strong sales momentum after a temporary dip in 2025.
Since its debut in 2021, the Punch has been a consistent performer for Tata Motors. In 2024, it achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s highest-selling car, ending Maruti Suzuki’s decades-long dominance at the top of the sales charts. However, last year saw the compact SUV slip to the tenth position, prompting questions around its future trajectory.
Tata Motors Confident About Punch Sales Revival
Tata Motors Managing Director and CEO Shailesh Chandra remains unfazed by the decline. Speaking at the launch event, he explained that the drop was driven by external factors rather than weakening demand for the product itself.
According to Chandra, pressure on the entry-level car segment due to a slowing economy impacted volumes across brands, including the Punch. In addition, prolonged speculation around the facelift caused many buyers to delay purchases for nearly six months.
Despite these challenges, Tata Motors still managed to retail around 1.85 lakh units of the Punch last year. With the facelift now officially launched and pricing stabilised after the GST rate revision, Chandra believes the Punch is well-positioned to “hit the next peak” in sales.
What’s New in the Tata Punch Facelift
The refreshed Punch brings updated exterior styling, a revised cabin layout, and added technology aimed at improving its appeal among urban and first-time buyers. While Tata Motors has retained the Punch’s familiar silhouette, subtle cosmetic changes help modernise the design without compromising its compact SUV identity.
Inside, the focus has been on improved features, better infotainment integration, and enhanced convenience, ensuring the Punch remains competitive in a crowded segment.
Expanded Powertrain Line-up to Drive Growth
One of the biggest changes in the facelifted Punch is the expanded engine and transmission options, which Tata Motors believes will play a key role in boosting volumes.
Alongside the familiar naturally aspirated petrol engine, the Punch now gets a new turbo-petrol option, aimed at customers looking for stronger performance in a small SUV. According to Chandra, while the naturally aspirated variant will continue to be the primary volume driver, the turbo-petrol Punch will attract buyers seeking a more spirited driving experience.
The CNG lineup has also been strengthened. While Punch CNG sales have traditionally been dominated by lower-spec variants, Tata Motors expects this to change with the introduction of an AMT option for the CNG version. Higher-end trims and automatic variants are expected to account for a sizeable share of incremental sales going forward.
CNG Continues to Be a Strong Pillar
One of the biggest changes in the facelifted Punch is the expanded engine and transmission options, which Tata Motors believes will play a key role in boosting volumes.
Alongside the familiar naturally aspirated petrol engine, the Punch now gets a new turbo-petrol option, aimed at customers looking for stronger performance in a small SUV. According to Chandra, while the naturally aspirated variant will continue to be the primary volume driver, the turbo-petrol Punch will attract buyers seeking a more spirited driving experience.
The CNG lineup has also been strengthened. While Punch CNG sales have traditionally been dominated by lower-spec variants, Tata Motors expects this to change with the introduction of an AMT option for the CNG version. Higher-end trims and automatic variants are expected to account for a sizeable share of incremental sales going forward.
Pricing and Market Position
Starting at ₹5.59 lakh, the Tata Punch facelift remains competitively priced in the entry-level SUV space. The model continues to target buyers upgrading from hatchbacks, offering a higher seating position, robust build quality, and a strong safety-focused brand image.
Tata Motors believes that addressing earlier constraints—uncertainty around the facelift and limited powertrain options—will allow the Punch to reclaim its position as one of India’s top-selling cars.
The Road Ahead
With refreshed styling, added features, turbo-petrol and CNG-AMT options, and renewed confidence from Tata Motors, the Punch facelift is positioned for a strong comeback. If demand in the entry segment stabilises, the updated Punch could once again become a major volume driver for the brand in 2026 and beyond.