Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter – The micro-SUV segment in India is more competitive than ever. If you have a budget between ₹6 Lakh and ₹10 Lakh, you are likely stuck between two titans: the Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter.
Table of Contents
While both cars offer a rugged stance and high seating, they cater to very different types of drivers. In this detailed comparison, we break down their performance, safety, and features to help you make the right choice.
1. Design and Street Presence
- Tata Punch: The Punch follows Tata’s “Impact 2.0” design language. It looks like a baby Harrier with a muscular hood, flared wheel arches, and a tall stance. With 187mm of ground clearance, it handles bad roads like a pro.
- Hyundai Exter: The Exter offers a more futuristic, urban look. Its signature H-shaped LED DRLs and boxy silhouette make it stand out in city traffic. It feels more like a sophisticated “tall-boy” hatchback turned into an SUV.
2. Engine, Performance, and Refinement
Both vehicles use a 1.2-litre petrol engine, but the driving experience is poles apart:
| Feature | Tata Punch | Hyundai Exter |
| Engine Type | 1.2L Revotron (3-Cylinder) | 1.2L Kappa (4-Cylinder) |
| Refinement | Notable vibrations at idle. | Extremely smooth and silent. |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / AMT | 5-Speed Manual / AMT |
| CNG Technology | Innovative Twin-Cylinder (Huge Boot Space) | Duo Cylinder / Single Cylinder |
The Verdict on Power: If you want a smooth, silent city drive, the Exter wins. If you want a rugged engine that feels solid on highways, the Punch is the way to go.
3. Interior and Tech Features
Hyundai has always been the king of features, and the Exter proves it.
- Hyundai Exter Highlights: It comes equipped with a factory-fitted Dashcam (dual camera), an electric sunroof, and a very responsive 8-inch infotainment system.
- Tata Punch Highlights: The standout feature is the 90-degree opening doors, making ingress and egress incredibly easy for elderly passengers. It also features a Harman-tuned sound system which sounds superior to the Exter’s setup.
4. Safety: The Biggest Decider
Safety is where the two brands take different paths:
- Tata Punch: It holds a 5-Star Global NCAP safety rating. Built on the ALFA architecture, it is arguably the toughest car in its segment.
- Hyundai Exter: While it hasn’t been crash-tested by Global NCAP yet, Hyundai provides 6 Airbags as standard across all variants, which is a massive plus for passenger protection.
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5. Fuel Efficiency (Mileage)
In real-world conditions:
- Tata Punch: Expect 15-18 kmpl on highways and around 12-14 kmpl in the city.
- Hyundai Exter: Slightly better efficiency due to the 4-cylinder tuning, offering 16-19 kmpl on highways and 13-15 kmpl in the city.
Final Conclusion: Which one is for you?
Choose the Tata Punch if: Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter
- Safety is your #1 priority (5-star rated).
- You often drive on broken roads or rural areas.
- You want a car that looks like a proper, tough SUV.
Choose the Hyundai Exter if:
- You want a feature-loaded cabin (Sunroof, Dashcam).
- You prefer a smooth, vibration-free driving experience.
- You mostly drive within the city and want better mileage.