Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) on Tuesday unveiled a new-generation version of its mini Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Punch, expanding the model’s powertrain portfolio to include a turbo-petrol engine and a CNG variant paired with an automated manual transmission (AMT).

The all-new Punch enters a competitive compact SUV market that includes models such as the Hyundai Exter, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, and Citroën C3. With expanded engine options and a focus on safety credentials, Tata Motors is betting on the Punch to sustain volumes amid slowing growth in entry-level passenger vehicles.

Pricing and Powertrain Options

The updated Punch is priced from ₹5.59 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) and will be offered with petrol, turbo-petrol, and iCNG powertrains. Tata Motors said the new lineup is aimed at widening the vehicle’s appeal across urban and value-conscious buyers while responding to growing demand for alternative fuel options.

 “The Punch has been shaped by strong customer acceptance since launch, and the latest update reflects feedback around performance, technology, and safety,” said Shailesh Chandra, managing director and chief executive officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles. “This iteration raises the benchmark in the segment while retaining its core strengths.”

A key addition is the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, branded iTurbo, which Tata Motors claims offers a best-in-segment power-to-weight ratio. The company has also introduced a segment-first twin-cylinder iCNG system combined with an AMT gearbox, a configuration intended to balance fuel efficiency with ease of driving.

The Punch SUV was first introduced in 2021 and has emerged as one of Tata Motors’ highest-selling models. The automaker said cumulative sales have crossed 700,000 units, with the model ranking among the top-selling passenger vehicles in India over the past three years.

Safety and feature upgrades

In terms of safety, the new Punch carries a five-star rating under Bharat NCAP and comes with six airbags as standard, along with electronic stability control and other active safety features. The vehicle is built on Tata’s ALFA architecture, which underpins several of its small-car offerings.

Other feature upgrades include a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree surround-view camera, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, and a digital steering interface, depending on the variant. The Punch is offered in multiple trims across manual and AMT configurations.