Cheapest Tata CNG SUV Outperforms Nexon, Delivers Nearly 27 km/kg Mileage
- byPranay Jain
- 07 Feb, 2026
Tata Motors’ Punch, positioned as a micro SUV, continues to remain one of the brand’s most reliable and mass-appeal offerings. While the Punch slipped to second place in overall sales in 2025—behind its stablemate Nexon—it delivered a standout performance in the CNG segment, emerging as Tata Motors’ best-selling CNG model.
The Punch had earlier made history in 2024 by becoming India’s best-selling car, marking the first time in over four decades that a non-Maruti Suzuki model achieved the milestone.
Strong CNG Sales Performance
In FY2025, Tata Motors sold 71,113 units of Punch CNG, significantly outperforming other CNG models in the company’s portfolio. By comparison, Nexon CNG recorded sales of 34,712 units, followed by Tiago CNG at 15,775 units and Altroz CNG at 10,831 units.
With a starting price of ₹5.59 lakh (ex-showroom), the Punch remains one of the most affordable CNG SUVs available in the Indian market, contributing to its strong demand among budget-conscious buyers.
Engine Options and Mileage
The updated Tata Punch lineup offers multiple powertrain choices. The facelift introduces a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 120 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
The existing 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine continues to be offered, delivering 88 PS of power, with both manual and AMT gearbox options. The CNG variant produces 73.4 PS and 103 Nm of torque.
Tata Motors claims a fuel efficiency of 18.97 kmpl for the petrol-manual version, while the CNG variant delivers an impressive 26.99 km/kg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its category.
Design, Features and Safety
The 2026 Tata Punch facelift features a sharper and more contemporary design. Updates include new LED daytime running lights, a revised grille, refreshed headlamps, connected LED tail-lamps, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin is equipped with a 10.24-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, Harman audio system, and increased boot space.
On the safety front, the Punch now offers six airbags as standard, along with electronic stability control (ESC), ABS, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a reinforced body structure—cementing its position as one of the safest vehicles in the micro-SUV segment.






