Tata Punch Facelift Spied Ahead Of Official Launch: What To Expect [Video]
The Tata Punch has a strong foothold in the micro-SUV space. It is available in a range of powertrain options, including CNG and electric. The carmaker is now working on a facelift that is expected to bring a slew of changes to the Punch. Several spy pictures have surfaced in the past, hinting at the possible changes. Now, a video shared on Instagram shows the facelifted Punch test mule up close.
This video seems to have been captured while the vehicle was undergoing its road trials in Bengaluru. It opens by showing the heavily camouflaged test mule parked at a bus stop. Since it is parked on the road, the car has its hazard lamps turned on.
Earlier reports had suggested that Tata might give the facelifted Punch a notable design overhaul. The car, featured in this video, however, looks almost the same as the outgoing Punch. Visual changes are limited to a few minute details.
Image Source: Rushlane
Look closely and you’ll see that the three ‘tri-arrow shaped holes’ on the grille, which are present on the outgoing model, are absent on the test mule. On the pre-facelift model, these cavities had a purpose- the car’s horn was placed behind them. The headlamps seem to have a darker finish on the mule. No fog lamps can be seen either. Tata Motors may, however, give fog lamps on the production version.
In addition to the details seen in the video, the vehicle could also get tweaks in its lighting signature ( the production model could come with connected LED DRLs and a rear light bar, unlike what you see in these spy shots), bumpers, and a few other areas. It will likely get new wheels as well.
Punch Facelift: Expected Changes Inside
Image Source: Rushlane
The cabin design and feature list are also expected to change on the facelifted model. Inside, the dashboard layout will be revisited. It will likely transition to a more layered design. The new Punch will use more premium trims and materials at various places inside. It will get a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with slim bezels and great display quality. The vehicle will also get a fully digital instrument cluster with better design and display quality.
Another big change to expect is a new steering wheel. As already confirmed by spy shots, the new Punch will get Tata’s new-age steering wheel design- the two-spoke wheel with a gloss Black centre piece and illuminated Tata logo. The vehicle may also get touch-based HVAC controls like what you see on the new Altroz.
The outgoing Punch comes with good equipment levels. You get the likes of a single-pane sunroof, climate control, large infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, push button start/stop, rear AC vents and auto fold mirrors.
Expected Powertrains And Specifications
We expect the changes on the facelift to be limited to just the styling and feature upgrades. Powertrain choices are likely to be left untouched. The engines and transmissions from the outgoing Punch will be carried over to the facelift as well. The micro-SUV uses a 1.2L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine on its petrol form. This unit is capable of producing 86bhp and 113Nm, and comes mated to a 5-speed manual and an AMT transmission.
The CNG version has a slightly lower output- 73.4 bhp and 103 Nm of torque, but feature the carmaker’s twin-cylinder iCNG technology. It stores the CNG in two interconnected cylinders, thus generating more usable boot space. Just the 5-speed manual transmission is offered on the CNG variants.
Considering the feature additions and the restyling that the facelift is expected to come with, we think it will only command a small price premium over the outgoing model. At present, the Punch is available in five variants- Pure, Pure (O), Adventure S, Adventure+ S and Creative+. The prices fall in the range of Rs 6.20 lakh – Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom)