Tata Motors is basically telling you that “size isn’t everything” with the new Wednesday, January 14, 2026 launch of the Punch Facelift. By dropping the Nexon’s 1.2-litre turbo engine into the smaller, lighter Punch, they’ve created a bit of a “pocket rocket” situation that makes the mid-spec Nexon look a little… slow.
The thing is, the Punch iTurbo now does 0-100 kmph in 11.1 seconds.1 Or nothing. Let’s be real, the Nexon takes nearly 13 seconds to hit the same mark with the same engine.2 Those too. It’s an ongoing situation where you have to choose between “cabin space” and “stoplight bragging rights.”
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Punch Turbo vs. Nexon Mid-Spec: Field Notes
It’s an ongoing situation where the price gap has shrunk so much it’s almost gone.
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The Power Paradox: Both cars use the same 120 PS / 170 Nm turbo-petrol heart.3 The thing is, because the Punch is a micro-SUV, that power goes much further. And here’s the kicker—the Punch now gets a 6-speed manual, just like its big brother.4
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The Tech Buffet: If you go for the Punch Accomplished + S at ₹9.80 lakh, you’re getting a 10.25-inch HD screen, a 360-degree camera, and a voice-assisted sunroof.5 The thing is, the Nexon Pure +S (at ₹9.79 lakh) is the “budget” middle-child.6 It feels a bit more “rental car” inside compared to the fully-loaded Punch.
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The “Fitting Five” Problem: Dimensions don’t lie. The Nexon is 168mm longer and 62mm wider.7 The thing is, if you actually have three adults in the back, the Punch will feel like a sardine can. It’s an ongoing situation where the Nexon’s 382-litre boot beats the Punch’s 366-litre hold every single time.8
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Safety Check: Both have a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.9 The thing is, the Punch facelift now makes six airbags standard across the range.10 It’s not just the “cheap” option anymore; it’s the “safety-first” option.
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The “Value” Scorecard: Jan 2026
| Feature | Tata Punch Accomplished+ S | Tata Nexon Pure+ S |
| Ex-Showroom Price | ₹9.80 Lakh | ₹9.79 Lakh |
| Engine | 1.2L iTurbo (120 PS) | 1.2L Turbo (120 PS) |
| 0-100 kmph | 11.1 Seconds | ~13 Seconds |
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch Ultra View | 7-inch Standard |
| Camera | 360-degree Parking | Rear Sensors Only |
| Rear Seat Space | Tight (Micro-SUV) | Comfortable (Compact SUV) |
And Here’s the Kicker…
The Punch now has 90-degree opening doors, which makes getting Grandma or a baby seat in the back much easier than the Nexon.11 The thing is, if you’re mostly driving solo in the city, the Punch iTurbo is a “no-brainer.” But if you’re the designated driver for the weekendroad trip? Stick with the Nexon.
It’s an ongoing situation where Tata is competing with itself. Why buy a base-model big car when you can have a top-model “small” car with more soul?
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