If you have been holding out on buying a micro-SUV, your patience is about to pay off in a big way. The Tata Punch has been the undisputed king of the compact SUV segment in India, but let’s be honest—it was starting to look a bit dated compared to the futuristic Tata Nexon and the tech-loaded Hyundai Exter.
Well, not anymore.
Spy shots from Munnar and recent leaks have all but confirmed that the Tata Punch CNG Facelift is just around the corner, and it is not just a minor sticker job. We are talking about a serious overhaul that borrows the best premium features from its electric sibling, the Punch EV. From a sharper “Iron Man” face to a cabin that feels segments above, Tata is gunning for the top spot again.
But the real question is: Is it worth the wait, and how much will it pinch your pocket? Let’s dive deep into what we know so far.
Quick Specs Overview
Before we get into the juicy details, here is a quick look at the numbers that matter.
| Specification | Details (Expected) |
| Engine | 1.2L Revotron Petrol |
| Fuel Type | Petrol & CNG (Twin Cylinder) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual (CNG) / 5-Speed AMT (Petrol) |
| Power (CNG Mode) | 73.5 PS @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque (CNG Mode) | 103 Nm @ 3250 rpm |
| Mileage (CNG) | ~27 km/kg |
| Boot Space | ~210 Litres (usable with CNG) |
| Touchscreen | 10.25-inch HD Display |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star Global NCAP (based on pre-facelift) |
A Design That Demands Attention
Gone is the friendly, rounded face of the old Punch. The facelift adopts Tata’s new design language, often called “Curvv-inspired.” The most striking change is at the front. You get a connected LED light bar running across the bonnet, which acts as the DRL (Daytime Running Light).
The main headlamps have moved lower down onto the bumper, housed in a sharper, more angular casing that mimics the new Nexon. The grille is sleeker, and the air dams are wider, giving the car a much more aggressive and planted stance. It looks less like a hatchback on stilts and more like a proper, muscular SUV.
On the sides, expect fresh 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that add a premium flair. The rear profile is also getting a nip and tuck with updated tail lamp graphics—possibly a connected light element here as well—and a reworked bumper with faux silver skid plates.
The Cabin Gets a Massive Tech Upgrade
This is where the current Punch was losing the battle against the Hyundai Exter, but the facelift changes the game completely. The interior is expected to be a carbon copy of the Punch EV, which is fantastic news.
The dashboard will likely feature a dual-tone theme, but the centerpiece is the new 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system. It is crisp, responsive, and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The driver also gets treated to a fully digital instrument cluster that can display maps and navigation details right in front of your eyes. And yes, the clumsy old steering wheel is gone. In its place is the new two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo—a feature that always grabs attention.
Comfort features are also getting a boost. We are hearing strong rumors about ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and a 360-degree camera, which would make parking in tight city spots a breeze.
Twin-Cylinder CNG: The Practicality Masterstroke
One of the biggest headaches with CNG cars has always been the lack of boot space. You buy a CNG car to save money on fuel, but you lose the ability to carry luggage.
Tata solved this with their innovative Twin-Cylinder Technology, and it is obviously carrying over to the facelift. Instead of one giant cylinder taking up the entire boot, Tata uses two smaller cylinders placed underneath the boot floor.
This means you still get a flat floor and a usable boot space of around 210 litres. It is enough for a couple of cabin bags or your weekly grocery run. You don’t have to compromise on luggage just because you want to save on fuel bills.
Performance and Safety
Under the hood, things remain familiar. The Punch CNG Facelift will continue to be powered by the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. In CNG mode, it produces about 73.5 PS of power. While that doesn’t sound like a lot, Tata tunes their CNG cars for drivability. The low-end torque is good, meaning you won’t be constantly shifting gears in city traffic.
Safety is Tata’s forte. The pre-facelift Punch was already a 5-star rated car. The facelift is expected to standardize 6 airbags across all variants. You also get Electronic Stability Program (ESP), tyre pressure monitoring, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Expected Price and Launch Date
Now, for the part you have been scrolling for.
With all these premium upgrades—the big screen, the sunroof, the 6 airbags—prices are bound to go up. We expect the Tata Punch Facelift to command a premium of around ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 over the current model.
- Expected Starting Price: ₹6.20 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
- Expected Top Model Price: ₹11.50 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
As for the launch, test mules have been spotted shedding their camouflage in Munnar and other parts of India. This indicates the launch is imminent. You can expect Tata to drop this bombshell in January 2026, possibly around the Republic Day window.
Summary
The Tata Punch CNG Facelift is shaping up to be a complete package. It fixes the outdated interior of the current model and adds the aggressive styling that Indian buyers love.
- Exterior: Sharp, Nexon-inspired look with connected LEDs.
- Interior: Premium dashboard, 10.25-inch screen, and ventilated seats.
- CNG: Usable boot space thanks to Twin-Cylinder tech.
- Safety: 6 Airbags standard and 5-star build quality.
- Verdict: If you can wait until early 2026, this will likely be the best micro-SUV in the market.