Tata Punch Facelift To Get 1.2L Turbo Petrol With 6-speed MT Gearbox

Recently, Tata Motors confirmed the launch of the Punch facelift, slated to take place on 13 January 2026, through a teaser on its social media handles. In the works for some time, test mules of Tata Punch facelift have been spotted on several occasions in the past few months. In the first teaser, Tata indicated changes in exterior styling for the upcoming Punch.

The second teaser reveals a major mechanical change. The short clip confirms that the Punch facelift will be offered in a new iTurbo iteration, similar to the erstwhile Altroz iTurbo. This means the addition of a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine in the updated Punch. At present, this engine is seen powering the Tata Altroz Racer and Nexon.

Tata Punch Facelift: Turbo Petrol Engine On Cards

In both these applications, this 1.2-litre turbo petrol mill churns out 118 bhp and 170 Nm of peak torque. We expect this engine to deliver the same output in the upcoming Tata Punch iTurbo. The video teaser also confirms that this engine will be paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox in the Punch. The availability of an automatic transmission option hasn’t been confirmed yet. Besides the turbocharged mill, the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit will also be offered in the Punch facelift.

This engine is tuned to deliver 86 bhp and 115 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual and AMT. Tata will also offer a CNG version of the same with its twin-cylinder technology, which uses a detuned version of the motor tuned for 72 bhp and 103 Nm of torque. 

Tata Punch Facelift: Expected Feature Updates

Besides the new engine options, the new teaser highlights several major feature additions. These include a fully-digital instrument cluster, 65W fast charging support, Hill Descent Control, and a new touch-based control panel. Another key update is the addition of a FATC (Fully Automatic Temperature Control) system. A close glance on the teaser will also reveal under thigh support extensions for the front seats of the new Punch. Other expected feature updates are a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, and auto-folding ORVMs.

Tata Punch Facelift: Expected Exterior Updates

The previous teaser revealed some exterior updates on the upcoming Punch that seem to be inspired by Nexon and Curvv. For instance, the gloss-black grille has been subtly revised and continues to be flanked by LED DRLs. The previously chunky headlamp unit has been replaced with a smaller, sharper-looking projector setup, likely sourced from the Nexon.

Also READ: Exclusive: 2026 Tata Punch Facelift Spotted Testing Ahead Of Launch This Month

The bumper has been reworked to feature vertically stacked fog lamps, a larger air intake, and a new brushed-silver skid plate. The side profile is expected to remain largely unchanged, aside from new alloy wheels, while the arrow-shaped taillamps have made way for a full-width connected light bar across the tailgate.