Polished, but not perfect

FRESH DESIGN, TURBOCHARGED ENGINE, MORE COMFORTABLE, BUT IS EXPENSIVE

- VIKRAM CHAUDHARY

TATA'S COMPACT SUV Punch has seen its fortunes rise and dip. In 2024, it was India’s largest-selling car with 202,031 units sold, but in 2025, sales dropped to just 173,502 units — a reason was an ageing design that begged for an update.

That update happened on January 13, and it’s not just in terms of styling, but also in powertrain, comfort levels, and features.

Prices have increased as well. The entry-level model is now ₹9,000 more expensive, but the top-end variants, which get a lot of feature additions, have become pricier by almost ₹40,000. We drove the Punch turbo-petrol and CNG variants for a day around Pune.

THE PUNCH finally gets the ‘punch’ it needed. While the 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine is there (₹5.6-9.55 lakh), it also gets a turbocharged variant, changing the SUV’s personality. This unit, borrowed from the Nexon, delivers 120 PS power and 170 Nm torque.