Tata Punch | Image source: Swapnil Dhawala
When the Tata Bunch first arrived in 2021, few could have predicted how disruptive it would become. It rewrote the rule book, topped the sales charts, broke the dominance of Maruti Suzuki, became the brand’s flagship product and played a pivotal role in Tata’s turnaround. Fast forward to today, and we have an updated Punch, which claims to be more refined, better equipped and more confident than ever before.
If there’s one area where Tata deserves absolute credit, it’s safety. Before we got behind the wheel, Tata showed off an exciting demonstration – a head-to-head collision between a Panch truck and a full-size Tata truck. This was not a standard crash test because the truck was not moving; It was more than just a visual marketing effort. However, the structural integrity of the punch was such that the doors could be opened even after impact. The updated Punch now comes with six airbags as standard on all models, which is a rarity in this class. Add to that electronic stability control, hill hold assist, tire pressure monitoring, and strong crash test credentials, and the Punch sets the standard for safety in its class.
Design has always been one of Punch’s strengths. Its compact SUV appearance, upright proportions and playful personality made it stand out in a sea of hatchbacks. The front looks straighter and more confident, with a redesigned grille and reworked bumper. The car now gets LED headlights and DRLs at the front, while the rear features a continuous LED taillight setup bringing it in line with newer Tata models. The Punch is now 49mm longer than before, giving it a better visual appearance, although the wheelbase remains unchanged. The higher versions ride on newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels that fit the SUV’s character well and add more visual punch.
Inside, the improvements are immediately apparent. The dashboard design has been updated with a dual-tone finish, better materials and improved textures that raise the overall sense of quality. The highlight is the new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system; It supports Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, and is elegantly located in the center of the dashboard. The interface is responsive, easy to use and feels modern, something that hasn’t always been the case in this segment.
Fully loaded
Seat comfort has also improved significantly. Both the front and rear seats now offer better thigh support, and the overall package remains one of the Punch’s strong suits. The utilization of space is excellent for a car of this size, making it appear larger than it really is. One smart solution remains Tata’s twin-cylinder CNG technology. Instead of using one large cylinder in the trunk space, Tata uses two smaller cylinders placed under the floor, freeing up usable space for luggage. As a result, the CNG version still offers a practical 210 liters of boot space, while the petrol versions have a generous 366 litres.
Tata has equipped the Punch with features that improve the ease of daily use. Depending on the model, you get rear air conditioning vents, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, a front armrest, an air purifier, and a 360-degree camera. One small but thoughtful addition is the “Say Awesome” button. Press it, and the air conditioner instantly kicks into full gear with the temperature set to the minimum – perfect for those scorching summer days. It’s these little touches that make Punch feel so well thought out.
The steering wheel has been updated to match newer Tata models, featuring an illuminated Tata logo. While the glossy black finish attracts fingerprints, the presence of physical buttons for climate control is a huge win in the age of touchscreen overload.
Tata has retained the familiar 1.2-litre petrol engine, available with a manual or AMT gearbox, along with CNG variants for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and running costs. The big news is the introduction of a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, producing 120bhp and 17.33kgm, which is a huge leap for a car in this segment and makes it one of the most powerful units here. Paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, this engine finally gives the Punch a sense of character in terms of performance.
We had to drive the turbo petrol version on an autocross off-road track created by Tata, and it really surprised us. Power delivery is strong and usable across the rev range, the clutch is light and the engine feels enthusiastic without being scary. The gearbox could be smoother, but overall it’s a very enjoyable setup. Natural gasoline remains a sensible choice for city driving, while the CNG-AMT range makes a strong case for budget-conscious buyers looking for ease of use and lower running costs.
For a compact SUV, Punch has always impressed with its ride quality and this update builds on that reputation. The suspension setup strikes a good balance – it’s a little stiffer, but never uncomfortable. On highways, the Punch feels firm and stable, not nervous or floaty like some small cars at speed. It absorbs bumps well, handles bumpy spots with confidence and keeps backseat passengers comfortable even on bumpy roads. Around corners, it remains predictable and assured.
Braking performance is adequate for casual use, although spirited drivers may want to use rear disc brakes instead of drums. However, for the target audience and price point, the setup works well. Perhaps the most impressive part of the Tata Punch story is that despite all these upgrades, more safety, a better interior, new technology and a powerful turbocharged engine, Tata has managed to maintain incredibly competitive pricing. With prices starting at INR 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom), Punch remains one of the best value-for-money cars in the Indian market today. By enhancing its core features, adding more features and a really exciting turbo petrol engine, Tata has ensured that the Punch remains at the top of its game.
© World of Cars
Posted on January 23, 2026
