Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Two of India’s most popular compact SUVs battle it out in CNG form, promising exceptional fuel economy and family-friendly features at competitive prices.
The CNG compact SUV segment has become a proper battleground these days. With petrol prices touching the sky and everyone talking about going green, both Tata and Hyundai have thrown their hats in the ring with dual-fuel options that promise to keep your wallet happy while delivering that SUV feel we Indians absolutely love.
Design and Dimensions
Let’s be honest – the Tata Punch looks like it means business. That chunky, no-nonsense design with its 187mm ground clearance makes it look like a proper mini-SUV that could tackle a pothole-ridden Mumbai street or a weekend trip to Lonavala with equal confidence. At 3,827mm, it’s not exactly massive, but it carries itself with the swagger of something much bigger.
The Hyundai Exter, on the other hand, is like that well-dressed colleague who always looks put-together. It’s got those flowing lines and fancy LED bits that make it look more expensive than it actually is. Sure, it’s a tad smaller at 3,815mm, but Hyundai’s designers have worked their magic to make it feel spacious inside. The 2,450mm wheelbase isn’t just a number on paper – you’ll actually feel it when you’re sitting in the back seat.
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Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Punch and you’ll find yourself in familiar Tata territory. Everything’s where you’d expect it to be, buttons feel solid enough, and there’s a refreshing lack of unnecessary complications. It’s like your favorite pair of jeans – comfortable, reliable, and gets the job done without making a fuss. The space inside will surprise you, though the plastics remind you that this isn’t a luxury car.
Now, the Exter’s cabin is where Hyundai shows off a bit. They’ve clearly spent time thinking about how things feel when you touch them. That automatic climate control isn’t just a fancy feature – it’s genuinely useful during those scorching Delhi summers. The rear AC vents are a godsend if you’ve got kids who complain about being hot every five minutes. The seats hug you just right, and the whole setup feels like Hyundai actually cares about your daily commute comfort.
Engine Performance and Efficiency
Here’s where the rubber meets the road, literally. The Punch’s 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine might sound small on paper, but it’s got character. With 72bhp and 103Nm in CNG mode, it feels peppy enough around town. What really impressed me during my test drives was the real-world mileage – consistently hitting 27-28 km/kg, which is better than what Tata claims. That’s proper value for money right there.
The Exter’s four-cylinder 1.2-liter unit is the smoother operator of the two. At 67.72bhp, it’s slightly less powerful, but you’d hardly notice in daily driving. The claimed 27.1 km/kg efficiency is impressive, though real-world figures vary quite a bit – I’ve seen anything from 22.8 km/kg in stop-go traffic to over 30 km/kg on highway cruises.
Both engines need a bit of patience when you’re trying to overtake that slow-moving truck on the highway, but for city driving and weekend getaways, they’re more than adequate.
Features and Technology
This is where the Exter really flexes its muscles. Hyundai has loaded it up with goodies that make daily life easier. That touchscreen infotainment system actually works without frustrating you, the automatic climate control means you’re not constantly fiddling with knobs, and yes, they’ve even managed to squeeze in a sunroof in the top variant. It’s like they’ve thought of everything your family might actually use.
The Punch keeps things simpler, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The touchscreen does what it’s supposed to do, you get your basic connectivity features, and everything works reliably. But here’s where Tata deserves serious credit – their iCNG twin-cylinder setup is genuinely clever. Unlike other CNG cars where you lose half your boot space, the Punch actually lets you carry luggage for a proper family trip.
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Safety Credentials
Safety is where the Punch throws down the gauntlet with its five-star Global NCAP rating. That’s not just a marketing gimmick – it’s genuine peace of mind when you’re driving with your family. The standard dual airbags, ABS, and other safety tech mean Tata has taken this seriously.
The Exter counters with six airbags as standard, which is pretty generous for this segment. While it hasn’t been crash-tested by Global NCAP yet, Hyundai’s track record gives you confidence that they haven’t cut corners on safety.
CNG Technology Comparison
| Feature | Tata Punch CNG | Hyundai Exter CNG |
|---|---|---|
| Tank Configuration | Twin cylinder (iCNG) | Dual cylinder (Hy-CNG Duo) |
| Boot Space Impact | Minimal | Moderate |
| Direct CNG Start | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Efficiency | 26.99 km/kg | 27.1 km/kg |
| Real-world Mileage | 27-28 km/kg | 26.6 km/kg |
Price and Value Proposition
Money talks, and the Punch starts the conversation at ₹7.30 lakh for the basic Pure variant. That’s proper entry-level pricing that won’t give you sleepless nights about EMIs. The range tops out around ₹10.17 lakh, which is still reasonable territory for most middle-class families.
The Exter asks for ₹7.50 lakh to get you started, and while that’s ₹20,000 more than the Punch, you’re getting noticeably more kit for your money. The top-end SX Tech at ₹9.53 lakh is actually quite reasonable considering everything you get.
Verdict
Look, both these cars are solid choices, but they’re aimed at slightly different buyers. If you’re the practical type who wants maximum bang for your buck, proven safety, and doesn’t mind keeping things simple, the Punch is your friend. That five-star safety rating and consistently good real-world mileage make it a sensible choice that won’t let you down.
But if you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit for a more refined experience, better features, and that feeling of driving something that feels more premium, the Exter makes a compelling case. It’s the kind of car that makes your daily commute a little more pleasant.
At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong with either. The Punch is the sensible choice that delivers on its promises, while the Exter is the slightly indulgent option that makes you feel good about your purchase decision. Both represent the sweet spot in India’s growing appetite for CNG compact SUVs.