Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter: Comparison for Indian Roads

Engine & Performance

Tata Punch comes with a 1.2L, 3-cylinder petrol engine (88PS/115Nm) and is known for robust low-end torque, making it very responsive in city stop-and-go traffic. The engine may feel a bit coarse compared to Hyundai’s four-cylinder.
Hyundai Exter is powered by a 1.2L, 4-cylinder petrol engine (83PS/113.8Nm), delivering more refinement and smoother performance, especially suited for urban commuting and highways. Despite slightly lower on-paper power, Exter proves quicker in real-world acceleration and braking tests—reaching 0-100kmph faster than Punch and stopping sooner in both 100-0 and 80-0kmph tests

Ride Quality & Handling

Tata Punch: Features a stiffer suspension setup, offering better high-speed stability and sharper handling on highways and curvy roads. The ride can feel firm and bumpy over bad city surfaces, but it is more robust for handling rough and uneven Indian roads. Higher ground clearance (187mm) gives it a slight edge for tackling potholes and rough roads
Hyundai Exter: Has a softer suspension, offering a much plusher and more comfortable ride in urban settings. However, it may feel floaty at higher speeds or on highways, especially over undulating surfaces. Ground clearance is slightly lower (185mm), but still ample for most Indian road conditions

Features & Interior

Exter stands out with tech and comfort features: six standard airbags, wireless charging, dash camera, rear AC vents, a larger and slicker 8-inch touchscreen, all-around camera, and a digital instrument cluster. Entry-level safety and convenience features are superior in the Exter.
Punch gets dual airbags, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, an excellent sound system, 16-inch wheels (vs. Exter’s 15-inch), and a brake-locking differential (Traction Pro), which boosts traction in tricky situations. The interior is robust and spacious, known for its tough build.

Safety

Tata Punch has secured a Global NCAP 5-star safety rating, making it one of the safest small cars in India. It also features a strong build and good crash protection
Hyundai Exter comes with more standard safety features (six airbags, ESP, hill hold), but is yet to receive an official NCAP crash rating in India as of July 2025.

Mileage & Fuel Efficiency

Exter: 19.2–19.4kmpl (Petrol), up to 27.1km/kg (CNG)
Punch: Up to 20.09kmpl (Petrol), 26.99km/kg (CNG)
Both are quite efficient, but Exter’s CNG variant is marginally more frugal

Price (Petrol, ex-showroom)

Punch: ₹6.20–10.15 lakh
Exter: ₹6.21–10.43 lakh
Very close in pricing, with minor differences across variants

Quick Table Comparison

Aspect	Tata Punch	Hyundai Exter
Engine	1.2L, 3-cyl, 88PS, 115Nm	1.2L, 4-cyl, 83PS, 113.8Nm
Transmission	5-speed Manual/AMT	5-speed Manual/AMT
Safety	Dual airbags, ABS, 5-star NCAP	6 airbags, ESP, more tech, no NCAP rating
Ride/Handling	Firm, stable, fun, better for rough roads	Plush, soft, best for urban, less highway poise
Features	Basic tech, robust, excellent sound	Advanced, tech-packed, modern cabin
Ground Clearance	187mm	185mm
Mileage	Up to 20.09kmpl (26.99km/kg CNG)	19.4kmpl (27.1km/kg CNG)
Price range	₹6.20–10.15 lakh	₹6.21–10.43 lakh
Distinct Edge	Build, safety, handling, ruggedness	Comfort, tech, safety kit, urban plushness

Which Suits Indian Roads Best?

Choose Tata Punch if you value a tougher, safer build, better handling on rough/broken roads, and don’t mind a slightly firmer ride.
Opt for Hyundai Exter if you prioritize a more refined, comfortable urban experience, want the latest features, and value quicker acceleration and braking along with more airbags.

Both serve the compact SUV segment very well, but Punch excels at ruggedness & safety, while Exter wins at tech & urban comfort.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, mileage figures and feature lists cited in this article are based on publicly available information as of July 2025 and may change without notice. Always confirm the latest details with authorised dealers or the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, technical or legal advice. Neither the author nor this website assumes any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Mileage Disclaimer: All mileage figures mentioned in this article, including ARAI-certified and real-world fuel efficiency numbers, are indicative and may vary significantly based on actual driving conditions, rider weight, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, traffic patterns, riding style, fuel quality, weather conditions, and individual vehicle variations. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) test figures are obtained under controlled laboratory conditions and may not reflect real-world performance. Actual mileage typically ranges 10-30% lower than ARAI figures depending on usage patterns. Urban city riding generally delivers lower mileage compared to highway cruising at optimal speeds. Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, quality fuel, and smooth riding techniques can help achieve better fuel efficiency. The mileage figures quoted from user reviews and owner reports represent individual experiences and should not be considered as guaranteed performance standards. Always test ride with a helmet and evaluate real-world performance before making a purchase decision.

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