Tata Punch Facelift Bharat NCAP Rating: 5-Star Safety Score, AOP & COP Details

Tata Punch Facelift Bharat NCAP Rating: 5-Star Safety Score, AOP & COP Details

When it comes to automotive safety in India, one manufacturer consistently leads the charge: Tata Motors. The original Tata Punch had already established itself as a fortress on wheels with a 5-star Global NCAP rating. Now, with the launch of the 2026 Tata Punch Facelift, the micro-SUV has proven its mettle once again, this time on home turf. Top 7 Best 7-Seater Cars in India (2026): Price, Mileage & Features

The Tata Punch Facelift Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) rating has been officially revealed, and to the delight of safety-conscious buyers, it has secured a Perfect 5-Star Rating. This achievement cements the Punch’s position not just as a bestseller, but as one of the safest vehicles on Indian roads, regardless of price or segment.

At MotorCarVerse, we believe safety should be the first priority for every car buyer. In this detailed analysis, we break down the crash test scores, the specific safety features that made this possible, and why the new Punch sets a benchmark for the industry.

Tata Punch Facelift Bharat NCAP Rating: The Overview

The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) puts vehicles through rigorous crash tests, including frontal offset impacts, side impacts, and pole side impacts. The Tata Punch Facelift was subjected to these stringent protocols and emerged with flying colors.

The tested models included the Adventure + S and Accomplished + variants, but the rating applies to the entire lineup as safety features have been standardized.

Quick Scorecard

Category	Score Achieved	Maximum Score	Star Rating
Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)	31.46	32.00	★★★★★ (5 Stars)
Child Occupant Protection (COP)	45.00	49.00	★★★★★ (5 Stars)

These numbers are staggering. The AOP score of 31.46 out of 32 indicates that the Punch offers near-perfect protection for adults in the front seat, a feat that even some cars costing twice as much struggle to achieve.

Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) Analysis

The Adult Occupant Protection score is derived from the car’s ability to protect the driver and front passenger during a collision. Let’s dig deeper into how the Punch performed in the specific tests conducted by Bharat NCAP.

Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier Test

In this test, the car is driven at 64 km/h into a deformable barrier with a 40% overlap.

• Result: The Punch Facelift’s body shell was rated as “Stable”, capable of withstanding further loadings.
• Protection: The head and neck protection for both the driver and passenger were rated as Good. The chest protection was rated as Adequate to Good, ensuring that vital organs remain protected during a high-speed frontal crash.
• Knees: The footwell area remained stable, and the knee protection was rated Good, proving that the dashboard structures do not pose a risk to the occupants’ lower limbs.

Side Movable Deformable Barrier Test

This simulates a T-bone collision where another vehicle strikes the side of the car at 50 km/h.

• Result: The Punch scored a perfect 16.00 out of 16.00 in this category.
• Protection: The head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis protection were all rated as Good. This is a testament to the robust door structures and the effectiveness of the side and curtain airbags.

Side Pole Impact Test

In this severe test, the car is propelled sideways into a rigid pole at 29 km/h, simulating a slide into a tree or lamppost.

• Result: Thanks to the curtain airbags (now standard), the Punch passed this test with high marks, ensuring critical head protection.

Child Occupant Protection (COP) Analysis

For families, the Child Occupant Protection score is often more critical than the adult score. The Tata Punch Facelift scored a massive 45.00 out of 49.00, making it one of the safest environments for children.

Dynamic Crash Test Performance

BNCAP uses 18-month-old and 3-year-old child dummies placed in ISOFIX child seats to measure impact forces.

• 18-Month-Old: Placed in a rearward-facing child seat, the dummy received Good protection for the head and chest, preventing whiplash and impact injuries.
• 3-Year-Old: Placed in a forward-facing child seat, the protection levels were also rated highly, minimizing forward movement and head excursion.

CRS Installation & Vehicle Assessment

• ISOFIX: The Punch comes with standard ISOFIX anchorages in the rear outboard seats, making the installation of Child Restraint Systems (CRS) easy and secure.
• Airbag Disabling: The vehicle allows for the manual disabling of the front passenger airbag if a rear-facing child seat needs to be placed there (though rear seats are always recommended), and the status is clearly displayed to the driver.

Standard Safety Features: The “6 Airbag” Standard

One of the primary reasons for the improved safety score in the 2026 Facelift is the democratization of safety features. Tata Motors has not reserved safety for the top-end models; they have made it accessible to everyone.

Standard Safety Kit (Base Variant Onwards):

1. 6 Airbags: Driver, Passenger, Side (Front), and Curtain airbags are now standard across all “Personas” (Variants).
2. Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Prevents skidding and loss of control during sudden maneuvers or on slippery roads.
3. ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution ensures stable braking distances.
4. ISOFIX Anchorages: Standardized mounting points for child seats.
5. 3-Point Seatbelts for All Seats: No more lap belts for the middle passenger; everyone gets a safer 3-point belt.
6. Seatbelt Reminders: Standard for all seats (front and rear), ensuring compliance.
7. Rear Parking Sensors: To prevent low-speed bumps.

Comparison: Tata Punch Facelift vs. Rivals

The micro-SUV segment is fiercely competitive, but how does the Punch compare on safety?

Car Model	Safety Rating	Airbags (Standard)	Body Shell Integrity
Tata Punch Facelift	5-Star (BNCAP)	6	Stable
Hyundai Exter	Not Yet Rated*	6	Unrated
Maruti Ignis	1-Star (GNCAP)	2	Unstable
Citroen C3	0-Star (GNCAP)	2	Unstable

Note: While the Hyundai Exter has 6 airbags, it has not yet been crash-tested by Bharat NCAP. The Tata Punch remains the only certified 5-star car in this specific segment.

2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Beyond Safety (Specs & Features)

While safety is the highlight, the 2026 Facelift brings a host of other upgrades that make it a compelling buy.

Engine Specifications

The facelift introduces new powertrain options to cater to a wider audience.

Engine Option	Power	Torque	Transmission
1.2L Revotron Petrol	88 PS	115 Nm	5-MT / 5-AMT
1.2L i-CNG	73.5 PS	103 Nm	5-MT / 5-AMT
1.2L Turbo Petrol	120 PS	170 Nm	6-MT

The addition of the Turbo Petrol engine answers the call for more performance, while the CNG AMT (a segment-first) offers unmatched city convenience with low running costs.

Key Feature Upgrades

• 10.25-inch Infotainment: A massive upgrade from the old 7-inch screen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• 10.25-inch Digital Cluster: Navigation maps can now be displayed directly in the driver’s line of sight.
• 360-Degree Camera: With Blind View Monitor, making parking in tight spots effortless.
• Ventilated Front Seats: A premium feature usually found in segments above, keeping occupants cool in Indian summers.
• Wireless Charger: Added convenience for modern smartphone users.
• Voice-Assisted Sunroof: Now available in more variants.

Price & Value Proposition

With the Tata Punch Facelift starting at approximately ₹ 6.12 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) and going up to ₹ 10.20 Lakh for the top-end Turbo variants, the value proposition is immense.

You are not just paying for a car; you are paying for:

1. Peace of Mind: Knowing your family is in a 5-star rated shell.
2. Performance: With the new Turbo options.
3. Technology: With best-in-class screens and cameras.

In a market where buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of “Safe Cars for India,” the Tata Punch Facelift stands tall as a beacon of reliability.

Conclusion: The Safest Micro-SUV in India

The Tata Punch Facelift Bharat NCAP Rating of 5 Stars is not surprising, but it is reassuring. It proves that Tata Motors is consistent in its engineering standards. Achieving a score of 31.46/32 in Adult Protection is a remarkable engineering feat for a car of this footprint.

For the Indian consumer, the choice is clear. If safety is your priority, there is currently no better option in the sub-₹10 Lakh segment than the Tata Punch. It combines the toughness of an SUV, the agility of a hatchback, and the safety of a luxury car into one attractive package.

Whether you choose the frugal CNG, the reliable Petrol, or the punchy Turbo, you are driving home in a vehicle that has proven it can protect you when it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Bharat NCAP safety rating of the Tata Punch Facelift?

The Tata Punch Facelift has secured a 5-Star Safety Rating in Bharat NCAP (BNCAP), scoring 31.46/32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 45/49 for Child Occupant Protection.

2. Is the Tata Punch Facelift safer than the old Punch?

Both versions are 5-star rated (Old: Global NCAP, New: Bharat NCAP). However, the Facelift is considered safer because it includes 6 Airbags, ESP, and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers as standard across all variants, which were not standard on the base models of the previous version.

3. Does the base model of Tata Punch Facelift have 6 airbags?

Yes, Tata Motors has standardized safety, meaning even the base Smart variant of the Tata Punch Facelift comes equipped with 6 Airbags.

4. How much did the Tata Punch score in Child Safety?

The Tata Punch Facelift scored an impressive 45.00 out of 49.00 points in the Child Occupant Protection (COP) category, earning it a 5-star rating for child safety as well.

5. What standard safety features does the Tata Punch Facelift offer?

Standard safety features include 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ISOFIX child seat mounts, Rear Parking Sensors, and Seatbelt Reminders for all seats.

Disclaimer: Safety ratings are based on the specific variants tested by Bharat NCAP. Always wear seatbelts and follow traffic rules for maximum safety.