Tata Punch Facelift To Launch With iTurbo Engine - Makes 110 Hp

Tata Motors is set to launch the Punch facelift, its smallest SUV and second best-selling model after the Tata Nexon. Having been the best-selling car in 2024 and maintaining strong sales in 2025, the Punch is due for an update as competition in the segment has intensified.

The facelift will debut on 13 January, bringing design updates and, more importantly, a new i-Turbo engine option. This article focuses on that key upgrade. In the meantime, do join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to stay updated with the latest automotive news.

Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Debuts January 13: What To Expect?

Tata Punch - i-Turbo

For those who may not know, the i-Turbo engine made its debut with the Tata Altroz in 2021, to mark the hatchback's first anniversary. It represented a significant jump in performance, as the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine often felt underpowered, although refinement levels were still not particularly impressive. Later, Tata discontinued this powertrain from the Altroz lineup, and in its current facelifted version, the premium hatchback no longer offers a turbocharged engine option.

Tata is now reviving this engine for its top-selling Punch, and it is expected that the company has worked on improving refinement and tuning to make the car feel more responsive. In the Altroz, this 1.2-litre turbo unit produced 110 hp and 140 Nm of torque and was paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, so there is a high likelihood that these figures will be retained. The key point of interest will be how Tata tunes the engine for the Punch.

That said, this update is positive news for customers, as the Punch has often been criticised for being one of the slowest cars in its segment, taking around 16-18 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h - which is no longer acceptable by today's standards. With the CNG variant feeling even more lethargic, the introduction of a turbo-petrol engine is a welcome and much-needed upgrade.

Lastly, with the arrival of this new engine, the existing 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit will not be phased out. It will continue to be offered, as it enables the Punch to be priced under Rs 6 lakh, making it a highly attractive entry point. This engine will be available in two configurations - standard petrol and CNG.

Rivals

Other cars in the segment offering turbocharged engines include the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. Both are powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that delivers (98.63 Hp) 100 PS and 160 Nm of torque with the 5-speed manual transmission, while torque is limited to 152 Nm with the CVT. Other rivals like Hyundai Exter, Maruti Suzuki Ignis are offered with a 1.2L naturally aspirated 4-cyclinder engine.