Sometime in the next year, the Tata Punch petrol will receive a mid-life makeover. At the Punch EV launch, MD of Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles Unit Shailesh Chandra confirmed this development, saying, “As far as the upgrade of the Punch is concerned, you know that it was launched in October 2021.” A facelift typically lasts for three years. Therefore, a facelift for the ICE version should only be anticipated by mid-2025, if not later.With a confirmed launch date for the second half of 2025, the ICE-powered Punch is expected to undergo a mid-life facelift similar to that of the Punch EV. This is in contrast to the initial projections of an earlier release this year.
What to Expect?
Like its electric sibling, the much awaited Punch makeover will have a redesigned front end with Tata’s signature modern design elements. It will have a symphony of changes, similar to the most recent Tata Nexon upgrade, such as a new grille and LED daytime running lights with endearing welcome and farewell animations. Unlike the Punch EV, the updated model will use a blacked-out grille to clearly identify it as an ICE variant.
It is probable that the Punch redesign will take design cues from the revised Harrier and Nexon. These consist of an updated rear fascia with new LED tail lights and an LED light bar, a redesigned front bumper and a revised grille with an LED light bar.Inside, the Punch facelift will include a redesigned 2-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, a touch-based air conditioning module, and a dashboard with a floating touchscreen.A 1.2-liter petrol engine producing 84 BHP and 113 Nm is currently available for the Tata Punch. It can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. There is a factory-installed CNG kit available for the small crossover.
Expected Features
With design cues from the Punch EV, the much-awaited Tata Punch facelift will bring a plethora of technological and safety-related improvements. It will get a tech boost without losing its unique identity. This includes amenities like a large 10.25-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, a fully digital driver’s display, and an air purifier. The inclusion of new features and time-honored favourites like cruise control, a sunroof, and automated climate control will be nicely balanced.
Anticipate an enhanced safety package that prioritises safety with features like electronic stability control (ESC), a TPMS, a state-of-the-art 360-degree camera with blind spot monitoring, and six airbags. With its distinctive style and cutting-edge technology, the Punch is poised to make an impression and raise the bar for safety and security in tiny SUVs.
Feature differences
When comparing the Nexon twins, it becomes evident that the Nexon EV has a few unique features, the most significant of which is the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the ICE Nexon’s biggest screen is a 10.25-inch device. Additionally, Tata’s new Arcade.ev app suite for streaming over-the-top platforms is included with the EV.
In addition, the manual handbrake on the ICE Nexon is replaced with an electronic parking brake with auto-hold on the Nexon EV. The ICE versions only have front-wheel disc brakes, but the EV has all-wheel disc brakes. The Nexon EV also receives OTA updates, connected car features, a puncture alert, and welcome and farewell animations on the front LED daytime running lamps.Tata Motors provides a 3-year/1,00,000km warranty for the ICE Nexon, while the Nexon EV is covered by a longer 3-year/1,25,000km warranty. Even the warranties for the two powertrains are different.
Expected Powertrains
The 1.2-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 86.63 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque, will not be changed in the upcoming Tata Punch redesign. This engine is very versatile because it can be matched with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. When using CNG, the same engine produces 72 horsepower and 103 Nm of torque, but only when paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The updated Punch will compete with the Hyundai Exter, the Nissan company Magnite, and Renault Kiger at an estimated cost of Rs 6 lakh.
