Tata Punch Facelift Unveiled During Testing: Soon to Launch as India’s Most Affordable CNG SUV with Mileage of 27km/kg

Tata Motors Preparing to Launch Facelift Version of Popular Sub-4 Meter SUV

Tata Motors is gearing up to launch the facelift version of its popular sub-4 meter SUV. Recently, Tata’s new Punch was spotted during testing. Its design will be inspired by the Punch EV, featuring a new grille, LED DRLs, and refreshed headlights. There won’t be any major changes to the micro SUV’s side profile, but it may come with new alloy wheels. At the rear, it will sport updated tail lights, but there could be some updates to its rear bumper as well. It will directly compete with the Hyundai Exeter, while also challenging Maruti Franks, Citroen C3, Maruti Ignis, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger in its price segment.

Tata Punch was first launched in India in 2021. Subsequently, in August 2023, it was launched in a CNG version with twin-cylinder technology. In January 2024, an updated look and new features were introduced along with an electric version. It is estimated that the updated Punch could be launched in 2025.

This car provides a mileage of 27 km/kg in its CNG mode. It’s the most affordable CNG car in the micro SUV segment in the Indian market and has received a 5-star safety rating in global NCAP crash tests. Currently, its starting price is Rs. 6.13 lakh. The company claims that the car delivers a mileage of 20 km/l with manual transmission in petrol mode, 18 km/l with automatic transmission, and 27 km/kg in CNG mode with manual transmission.

Tata Punch Facelift

The photo of the new Punch’s cabin hasn’t been revealed yet, so it’s currently unclear how it will look from the inside. However, there’s an expectation that it will be updated for the Punch EV. Compared to other CNG cars, the Tata Punch offers more boot space in its twin-cylinder version, with a boot space of 210 liters.

Tata Punch Facelift: Features

Similar to Punch EV, the Tata Punch facelift will feature a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a two-spoke steering wheel dashboard. Additionally, Punch EV variant options such as a 360-degree camera, leatherette seats, electronic parking brake with auto hold, connected car tech, wireless charger, ventilated front seats, cruise control, and sunroof are expected to be available.

Gas Leak Detection Safety Features

For safety, all variants of the car will have 6 airbags, ABS, and ESC. Additionally, features such as blind-view monitor, three-point seat belts for all seats, child ISOFIX mount seats, and SOS function will be available. Tata Motors has also introduced gas leak detection as a safety feature in the car. In the event of a CNG leakage, the leak detection technology shifts the car from CNG to petrol mode automatically. This technology also alerts the driver about the gas leak.

Furthermore, during refueling, the car is equipped with a micro switch to keep it locked. This switch shuts off the ignition when opening the fuel filler cap, preventing the car from starting until the fuel filler is securely closed. It also provides a “close fuel lid” alert on the instrument cluster.

Tata Punch Facelift: Engine and Power

There are no expected changes in the engine of the Punch facelift for performance. It will continue to feature a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine, producing 86 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque. When running on CNG mode, this engine is capable of generating 73.4 bhp of power and 103 Nm of torque.

The engine comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the option of a 5-speed AMT gearbox is also available with the regular petrol variant of the car. While the 2025 Tata Punch CNG variant with a 5-speed AMT gearbox could be offered, recently this option has been made available in the Tata Tiago iCNG and Tata Tigor iCNG as well.