A camouflaged test mule of a Tata Punch was recently spied testing, giving us a first glance at the imminent facelift of the sub-compact SUV. The launch, however, is still some time away as the company has previously indicated at a timeline of around mid-2025. What's unsurprising though is that the Punch facelift clearly draws influences from the Punch EV that was launched earlier this year. Let’s take a closer look:
- Punch facelift draws design references from Punch EV
- Will not have the same equipment list as the EV
- Launch expected by mid-2025
Tata Punch facelift spied
Despite the camouflage, the fascia is understandably borrowed from the Punch EV – it has the same bonnet line, a similar split headlamp setup and even a similar looking bumper. This also aligns it with the family look as seen on the larger Nexon, Harrier and Safari.
The Punch facelift, however, will likely be marked out from the EV just as the Nexon is from its EV counterpart – the ICE-powered Punch is not likely to have the full-width LED light bar up front, and there could be new details on the bumper. However, there doesn't seem to be any change in profile and at the rear, save for a new design for the alloy wheels.
On the inside too, the Punch facelift is expected to borrow updates from the Punch EV, but Tata Motors has previously said that both models will have a different equipment list, just like the Nexon twins. For instance, over the regular Nexon, the EV gets a larger touchscreen, an Arcade.ev app suite, electronic parking brake, all-wheel disc brakes, a welcome and goodbye animation by the front LED DRLs and OTA updates. A similar trend can be expected on the Punch as well, which means the EV is likely to remain better equipped.
Tata Punch facelift to remain mechanically unchanged
Under the skin, the Punch is expected to remain identical to the current model. It will continue to be powered by the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 86hp and 113Nm of torque, and comes mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox. The Punch is also available in CNG guise where it produces 73.4hp and 103Nm. The CNG version is currently only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox, but an AMT could soon join the line-up, perhaps even before the facelift, as it was recently introduced on the Tiago and Tigor CNG models.
The Punch created a new sub-compact SUV segment in India when it was launched in 2021, but since then, the Hyundai Exter and Citroen C3 have also entered this space. It's emerging to be one of the fastest growing segments – even Maruti will join this segment with the Y43 SUV by late-2026 – so the Punch facelift will have its work properly cut out.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
