Tata Punch iCNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Which one to buy?

Hyundai and Tata Motors have been competing fiercely to claim the title of India’s number-one SUV maker. Both companies have introduced value-for-money CNG variants for their popular models, the Punch and the Exter. The Punch has consistently been the best-selling SUV in the Indian market this year, except for a brief period when it was dethroned by the new Maruti Suzuki Swift. Hyundai has also seen success with the Exter, although the Creta continues to lead its sales numbers. Let’s compare the Punch iCNG and the Exter CNG to determine which one offers more value.

Tata Punch iCNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Dimensions

The Punch has a more traditional SUV road presence and is longer and wider than the Exter as its length is 3,827 mm and 1,742 mm in width. Even though the Punch may come across as the taller vehicle, it’s the Exter with a height of 1,631 mm, but Hyundai is also measuring the roof rails.

What is interesting to note is that the Hyundai SUV has a shade longer wheelbase of 2,450 mm, 5 mm more than the Punch. Hyundai hasn’t revealed the boot space of the CNG version but the company is planning to switch to a twin-cylinder CNG tank, which will increase the luggage room. The Punch, on the other hand, uses the twin-cylinder CNG layout and offers a boot space of 210 litres.  

Tata Punch iCNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Features

The Exter comes packed with safety features like six airbags, a tyre pressure monitor, all five seats get three-point seat belts with ISOFIX seat anchors and reverse parking camera and rear sensors and automatic headlights. In terms of convenience features, Hyundai offers an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted controls, two 12 V power sockets, adjustable rear headrests and a fast charger Type-C port in front. 

The Punch is the only vehicle in its segment to receive a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP testing. It achieves a five-star rating for adult occupant protection and four stars for child occupant protection. Even though the Punch is solidly built, the Exter manages to outshine it with more features. The Punch gets twin airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), side head impact protection systems, 3-point belts for all the seats, Brake Sway Control, rear parking sensors and a rear camera. The Punch comes with comfort features like a voice-activated sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, a front armrest, plenty of USB and Type-C ports and a 7-inch infotainment system by Harman with six speakers. 

Tata Punch iCNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Power Specifications

Both the Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter are powered by 1.2-litre engines, but the Punch has a 3-cylinder engine while the Exter features a 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with CNG. The Punch delivers an output of 72.5 bhp and 103 Nm in CNG mode and is the only vehicle that can start directly in CNG mode. It also has an automatic switch function between petrol and CNG modes when fuel is low. The Exter, on the other hand, has a lower output of 68 bhp and 95.2 Nm of torque. Both vehicles come with a 5-speed manual transmission. Hyundai offers the Exter CNG in two variants starting from Rs 8.43 lakh, while the Punch is available in five trims starting from Rs 7.23 lakh, ex-showroom.