Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter - Price, Features, Engine And More

The SUV market in India is so deep that new niches of SUVs have surfaced with time. One such category is the micro-SUV. In this segment, while the Tata Punch has continued to be the best-selling SUV for a long time, other players including Hyundai too are betting high to attract more customers. The Hyundai Exter has been one such product that has impressed buyers with its refined and feature-rich package. If you’re confused between both of these SUVs, make sure to read our in-depth Tata Punch Vs Hyundai Exter comparison to make a more informed decision.

But before we begin, do not forget to join CLUTCH, the official CARS24 auto community to be a part of interesting auto discussions, updates, and more - Click Here To Join.

Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter: Design & Dimensions

The design of both of these SUVs is completely different while none of them is huge in dimensions. A simple fact check shows that it is the Punch that is wider and longer than the Exter. In terms of design language, the Punch looks more proportionate and muscular with bold body lines and an overall mini-SUV feel. The Exter, on the other side, is a mix of a hatchback and an SUV. Its differently-styled rear design is yet to be completely accepted by Indian consumers. However, it offers a spacious cabin for the rear passengers due to its taller design.

Check This Out: Top Maruti Suzuki Brezza Pros And Cons - Should You Buy It?

Engine, Gearbox, & Performance

Both of these micro-SUVs come equipped with decently capable petrol and CNG engine options. As the micro-SUV segment is mainly aimed at city consumers, both of the cars are powered by naturally aspirated engines. However, it is the Exter which is more refined out of the two and comes with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder engine sourced from Grand i10 Nios. This engine generates 82bhp of peak power and 113.8Nm of maximum torque. Hyundai offers a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox options with this engine.

Tata Punch, on the other hand, gets a more powerful 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. This engine makes a peak power output of 86.63bhp and a peak torque of 115Nm. Tata also offers an identical combo of a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT transmission options with it. 

Related: Modified Mahindra XUV3X0 Sports Edition Render You Should Not Miss!

Performance-wise, both of these models are identical. However, if you want a refined car to drive, the Exter makes a strong case for itself because of its 4-pot engine. Also, it is more fuel-efficient as it gives an ARAI-claimed fuel economy of 19.2 kmpl against the 18.8 kmpl of Tata Punch.

Moreover, both of these cars come with the option of a CNG powertrain. The Hyundai Exter CNG makes a peak power of 68bhp and 95.2Nm of peak torque. Meanwhile, the Tata Punch CNG makes a peak power of 72bhp and a peak torque of 103Nm. Both the cars are only offered with a manual gearbox with CNG powertrains.

Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter Price Difference 

Interestingly, the starting price of both the cars is similar, i.e. Rs 6.13 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variants. However, the top-spec AMT version of Exter costs Rs 10.23 lakh (ex-showroom) while the Punch AMT top-spec costs Rs 10.20 lakh (ex-showroom).

Check This Out: Is Mitsubishi Pajero Coming Back To India? What We Know So Far!

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Tata Punch has been on sale longer than the Exter. In fact, it is the best-selling model in this price bracket and remains in the top 10 selling cars monthly list of India. Why? It is because of its overall value-for-money package. The 5-star crash test rating and a solid feature-packed cabin are loved by the customers. Moreover, its driving dynamics are sorted for highway drives as well. However, its 3-cylinder engine is not very powerful and it is made for modest driving only. 

On the other side, Exter is a more refined car. Its engine is silent and more refined to drive while the cabin too is more comfortable and spacious for 4 occupants. The added boot space is also a boon for family buyers. Hyundai’s widespread service network and cheap maintenance are an additional factor for buying Exter. In the end, it's all about your choice. Both cars offer solid bang for the buck and both come from big brands with trusted customers and support.