Tata Returns to SA

Next-gen Tata Tiago revealed ahead of May 28 launch - Team-BHP​

Tata Motors has released a short video of the next-generation Tiago, revealing the exterior design of both the ICE and EV versions.

The car will be launched on May 28.
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The new-gen Tiago gets completely reworked styling but retains its overall proportions. The car has a slim front fascia in gloss black, with full-LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs on either side. The front bumper has also been reworked and houses a large, trapezoidal grille.

In the rear, the Tiago features connected LED taillights, a redesigned bumper, a roof spoiler and a shark fin antenna. The car has black ORVMs with integrated turn indicators and new two-tone alloy wheels.

Tata has yet to reveal the interior of the new-gen Tiago. However, the car is expected to receive several new features, including a 360-degree camera, a larger touchscreen infotainment system and a revised digital instrument cluster.

The next-gen Tiago is expected to be mechanically unchanged. It will carry forward the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. It will also be available with a CNG option.
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Test figures: Tata Punch

We’ve strapped our test equipment to the Tata Punch to see how the compact crossover fares in the acceleration and braking stakes.

Introduced to SA in September 2025 as part of the Tata brand’s re-entry into the local passenger-car market, the Punch debuted alongside the Tiago hatchback, Curvv coupe-styled crossover/SUV and the Harrier SUV, which we evaluated for a road test in 2025. Now, we’ve put the Punch, in Adventure+ S spec, through its paces to see how it fares on our test strip.

Across the range, the Punch, which is one of the compact SUVs in SA available for under R300k, is powered by an atmospheric 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine producing 65 kW and 115 N.m. The naturally aspirated unit is available with the choice of two transmission options: a five-speed manual – the latter equipped to the test car – or automated manual (AMT) with the same number of cogs.

Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure+ S acceleration times

On our test strip, the 1 045 kg (tested) Punch 1.2 Adventure+ S completed the 0-100 km/h sprint in 15.49 seconds. In the overtaking acceleration stakes, the Punch sprinted between the 60-80, 80-100 and 100-120 km/h increments in 4.25, 4.76 and 6.17 seconds, respectively.

Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure+ S specifications
Model tested: Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure+ S
Price:R269 900
Powertrain: 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, petrol
Transmission: five-speed manual
Driven wheels: front
Power: 65 kW
Torque: 115 N.m
0-100 km/h: 15.49 seconds (tested)
Top speed: n/a
Fuel consumption: 5.3 L/100 km (claimed)

www.carmag.co.za

Test figures: Tata Punch

We've strapped our test equipment to the Tata Punch to see how the compact crossover fares in the acceleration and braking stakes...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za

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Tata Punch (2026) Review

FAST FACTS

Model Tested: 2026 Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure+ S manual
Price: R269 900
Engine: 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated 3-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
Power / Torque: 65 kW/115 Nm
Claimed fuel consumption: 5.3 L/100 km
0-100kph: 14.0 seconds (estimated)

Tata Punch 1.2 Price & After-sales support

The Punch is sold with a 5-year/125 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.

Punch 1.2 Adventure MT R244 900
Punch 1.2 Adventure+ S MT R269 900
Punch 1.2 Adventure+ S Auto R288 900
Punch 1.2 Accomplished+ Auto R309 900
Punch 1.2 Creative+ Auto R339 900

Verdict

The Tata Punch is one of those vehicles which delivers an anonymous driving experience. Over its 7-day stay with us, we simply got in and drove, and nearly every tester came away with minimal negative feedback. It does what’s expected of it without any fuss, which is exactly what you’d wish for from an entry-level affordable crossover.

If you have concerns about the performance, it may be worth waiting for the updated Punch, which is due to make landfall before the end of 2026. That will be sold with a turbocharged version of this powertrain making 88 kW and 170 Nm, but understand that a more powerful engine will certainly increase the price and impact the value proposition.


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Refreshed Tata Tiago confirmed for South Africa

The facelifted Tata Tiago has been revealed and the Indian brand’s local distributor has confirmed plans to launch this refreshed hatchback in SA in 2027…

- Refreshed Tiago unveiled in India
- Due to arrive in Mzansi in H1 2027
- Updates appear largely cosmetic

Meet the facelifted Tata Tiago. The refreshed version of the Mumbai-based brand’s budget hatchback has just been revealed in India, but we already know it’s planned to reach South Africa in the opening half of 2027.

Yes, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the facelifted Tiago is scheduled to launch in Mzansi in the “first half of next year [2027]”, adding that “more information about exact dates will be shared in due course”.

It’s worth keeping in mind the Tiago has been around in India since 2016, making it a decade old. This model benefitted from a significant refresh in 2020, before being handed more subtle updates in early 2025 (ahead of its arrival in SA, when the brand returned in September last year). Therefore, in effect, this is the hatchback’s 2nd major facelift.

So, what do we know about the updated budget car? Well, the Tiago gains fresh front-end styling, including an updated headlamp design, a new (slimmer) grille and a thoroughly revised front bumper. Round back, the changes are perhaps even more significant, with the redesigned taillamps now connected by a lightbar. The rear-bumper design has been overhauled, too.

 
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