Tata Motors has officially launched the anticipated Nexon iCNG. It competes with familiar contenders such as its main rival, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and the Fronx. However, the question arises whether the mid-level Nexon CNG will cannibalize the highly successful Punch CNG. The Nexon CNG is primarily available in four variants: Smart, Pure, Creative, and Fearless. Comparing the top variant of the Punch CNG, the Accomplished + Sunroof, we match it against the Nexon Smart + S CNG.
Tata Nexon CNG vs Tata Punch CNG: Price War
The Nexon CNG’s range starts from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 14.60 lakh, ex-showroom, as compared to the Punch CNG costs from Rs 7.23 lakh to Rs 9.90 lakh, ex-showroom. Based on price, the Punch Accomplished + Sunroof at Rs 9.90 lakh goes against the Nexon Smart + S at Rs 10 lakh, ex-showroom.Â
| Tata Nexon CNG | Price | Tata Punch CNG | Price |
| Smart(O) | Rs 9 lakh | Pure | Rs 7.23 lakh |
| Smart + | Rs 9.70 lakh | Adventure | Rs 7.95 lakh |
| Smart + S | Rs 10 lakh | Adventure Rhythm | Rs 8.30 lakh |
| Pure | Rs 10.70 lakh | Adventure Sunroof | Rs 8.55 lakh |
| Pure S | Rs 11 lakh | Adventure + Sunroof | Rs 9.05 lakh |
| Creative | Rs 11.70 lakh | Accomplished + | Rs 9.40 lakh |
| Creative DT | Rs 11.80 lakh | Accomplished + Sunroof | Rs 9.90 lakh |
| Creative + | Rs 12.20 lakh | ||
| Creative + DT | Rs 12.30 lakh | ||
| Fearless + PS | Rs 14.60 lakh |
Tata Nexon CNG vs Tata Punch CNG: Engine and Dimensions
The Nexon is the first CNG vehicle in India to be powered by a turbo petrol engine. It comes with a 1.2-litre which produces 99 bhp at 5,000 rpm with 177 Nm at 2,000-3,000 rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Punch CNG, on the other hand, gets a conventional 1.2-litre naturally aspirated powertrain with an output of 72.4 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 103 Nm at 3,250 rpm.
| Specifications | Tata Nexon CNG | Tata Punch CNG |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Turbo | 1.2-litre NA |
| Power | 99 bhp at 5000 rpm | 72.4 bhp at 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 170 Nm at 2000-3000 rpm | 103 Nm at 3250 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT | 6-speed MT |
Both are sub-4 metre SUVs, but the micro vehicle, the Punch, is 168 mm shorter in length, 62 mm narrower and merely 5 mm shorter in height. In terms of wheelbase, Nexon is based on 2,498 mm as compared to Punch’s 2,445 mm. Both the SUVs come with a twin CNG tank and have a capacity of 60 litres.
| Dimensions | Tata Nexon CNG | Tata Punch CNG |
| Wheelbase | 2498 mm | 2445 mm |
| Length | 3995 mm | 3827 mm |
| Width | 1804 mm | 1742 mm |
| Height | 1620 mm | 1615 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 208 mm | 187 mm |
| Boot Space | 321 mm | 210 mm |
Tata Nexon CNG vs Tata Punch CNG: Features
The Nexon CNG Smart + S is equipped with LED headlights, DRLs and tail lamp, a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo, a 7-inch Harman touch screen with four spears and wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electrically adjustable ORVMs, auto headlamps, voice-assisted single panel sunroof, rain-sensing wipers and roof rails. The Nexon CNG comes standard with 6 airbags, ISOFIX seats, hill hold control and Electronic Stability Program.
The Punch Accomplished + Sunroof trim gets a sunroof, 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 16-inch alloy wheels, auto folding ORVMs, halogen headlights with LED DRLs and tail lamps, reverse parking camera, auto headlights with puddle lamps, rain sensing wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, a wireless charger, a tyre pressure monitoring system, multiple charging ports and fog lamps. The Punch CNG gets dual airbags, an Electronic Stability Program, a 90-degree door opening and fully automatic climate control.
