India’s #1
New Car Buying Platform
For those looking to buy something both stylish, practical, and performance-oriented, in the growing compact SUV segment, two clear standouts are the 2024 Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter. Both seem to target the same audience, have a cost starting from around Rs. 6 lakh, and compete against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Nissan Magnite.
Tata Punch stands as a ruggedly designed car with great spaces inside, while Hyundai Exter bases itself solely on sheer focus on modern aesthetics and advanced tech features. The Punch offers more variants and focuses on ruggedness, while Exter focuses on style and tech-savvy options. This comparison would let you choose which of these compact SUVs suits you better.
Comparison |
Tata Punch |
Hyundai Exter |
Engine |
1.2-litre petrol, CNG |
1.2-litre petrol, CNG |
Power |
85.80bhp, 72.49bhp |
81.80bhp, 67.72bhp |
Torque |
115Nm, 103Nm |
113.8Nm, 95.2Nm |
Transmission |
5-speed manual or AMT |
5-speed manual or AMT |
Length |
3827mm |
3815mm |
Width |
1742mm |
1710mm |
Height |
1615mm |
1613mm |
Wheelbase |
2445mm |
2450mm |
Ground Clearance |
187mm |
185mm |
Boot Space |
366-litre |
391-litre |
The Tata Punch is available in two engine options. A 1.2-litre petrol that churns out 85.80bhp and 115Nm of torque. The other option consists of a CNG variant that gives out 72.49bhp and 103Nm of torque. It is mated with both a 5-speed manual as well as an AMT transmission. Its length is measured at 3827mm, width at 1742mm, and height at 1615mm, with a wheelbase of 2445mm and a healthy clearance from the ground of 187mm. Moreover, the boot space of the car has been calculated to be 366-litres.
The Hyundai Exter is compared to a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, which produces 81.80bhp of power and 113.8Nm torque. For the CNG variant, outputs are brought down to 67.72bhp and 95.2Nm of torque, and this model is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Exter measures 3815mm in length, 1710mm in width, and 1631mm in height, along with an almost similar wheelbase of 2450mm. Its boot space comes out to 391-litres, which makes it one of the roomiest in the class.
Also Read: Tata Curvv Creative Vs Nexon Creative - Which One To Buy?
The Tata Punch flaunts a boxy and strong design, which can be told from the raised bonnet, split headlamp setup with LED DRLs, projector headlamps, roof rails, squared-off wheel arches, and black plastic claddings that add to it as a thing of rugged appeal. There is a sculpted tailgate and stylish LED taillights at the rear, adding to its overall muscular stance.
The Hyundai Exter has more of a modern tall-boy hatchback look but with features from an SUV. It is inspired by Hyundai's global design language and features a clamshell bonnet, black-finished parametric grille, and H-pattern LED daytime running lamps. Even though it does have some SUV touchpoints, like roof rails and flared wheel arches, the rear design is more or less that of hatchbacks with signature H-shaped taillights.
Inside Tata Punch, you will find a well-designed cabin that follows a dual-tone black and white theme. It offers a 10.24-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support compatibility, and even supports climatic control and cruise control for comfort. The interior is sufficient to offer room space in the head, shoulder, and leg with sufficient width.
And then, of course, there's the Hyundai Exter, offering an all-black interior for a premium feel, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a fully digital instrument console, and wireless charging. Higher variants introduce semi-leatherette upholstery on seats and an electric sunroof to the package while designing the dashboard in a patterned effect, boosting its cosmetics.
Safety is paramount for most buyers. The Tata Punch comes armed with all the features that matter for safety, such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, rearview cameras, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. That should sufficiently bolster its safety credentials enough to make it family-friendly.
The Hyundai Exter takes safety to a different level with six airbags, ESC, and hill assist control. It comes fitted with a reverse parking camera and sensors in mid- and top variants. Three-point seatbelts for all seats are standard in mid and top variants, while additional safety features can be opted for by the buyer in lower variants, thereby providing an unparalleled level of security.
Comparison |
Tata Punch |
Hyundai Exter |
Price (ex-showroom) |
Rs. 6.13 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh |
Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 10.43 lakh |
Rivals |
Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS |
Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Citroen C3 |
The starting price of the new Punch SUV from Tata Motors is Rs. 6.13 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs. 10 lakh, ex-showroom. This new Punch SUV now includes a total of 10 variants. Tata Punch has to face some popular models like Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS.
However, the Hyundai Exter is available starting at Rs. 6 lakh for the base EX variant with a petrol-manual variant, while the top SX (O) Connect Knight edition goes up to Rs 10.43 lakh. The CNG variants start from Rs 8.50 lakh for the S CNG trim and go up to Rs 9.38 lakh for the SX CNG Knight variant. The Exter rivals head-on with Tata Punch, among others, such as Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Citroen C3.
After a deep comparison of the 2024 Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, both prove to have their shining sides. The Tata Punch wears its rugged exterior with pride, boasts its huge interior space, and contains all the safety essentials needed by any family and adventure-seeker. Conversely, the Hyundai Exter boasts a futuristic appeal, premium interiors, and good advanced tech features for style-conscious and connectivity-seeking enthusiasts.
However, ultimately, it depends on individual choice. If you are looking for a very strong SUV and a spacious family vehicle, Tata Punch would be the best for you. However, if you want an advanced and techy, urban goal-oriented car, then your best bet would be the Hyundai Exter. Again, both cars are great, and your lifestyle and needs determine the best one for you.
Also Read: Tata Punch Vs Maruti Suzuki Swift - Detailed Comparison