Eco-friendly, affordable cars are ruling the current industry, and it’s time to acquire one that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Let’s have a showdown between these two entry-level CNG SUVs: the Hyundai Exter EX Hy-CNG Duo and the Tata Punch Pure iCNG. These cars are built for city cruising, saving fuel, and keeping things practical.
But which one’s the real deal? - Let’s break it down for you.
Price Check: Who’s Easier on the Wallet?
The Hyundai Exter EX Hy-CNG Duo rolls in at ₹7.50 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Tata Punch Pure iCNG is a bit lighter on your bank account at ₹7.30 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s just a ₹20,000 difference! Seems small, right?
But for budget hunters, every penny counts. The Tata gives you a cheaper start, but does that mean it skimps on the good stuff? Hold tight—we’ll dig into that soon.
Power Play: Engines and Performance
Under the hood, both these SUVs pack a 1.2-litre engine, but they’ve got their vibes. The Hyundai Exter has got a 4-cylinder setup, pumping out 68 bhp and 95 Nm of torque when running on CNG. Too smooth and steady.
On the flip side, the Tata Punch flexes a 3-cylinder engine with a bit more muscle: 72 bhp and 103 Nm of torque. That extra kick could mean peppier drives through traffic.
Both come with a 5-speed manual gearbox—no fancy automatics here, just good ol’ stick-shift fun. The Tata’s got a cool trick up its sleeve too—it can start straight on CNG, unlike most cars that need a petrol nudge first. If you’re all about quick getaways, the Punch might edge ahead.
Mileage Matters: How Far Can You Go?
Fuel efficiency is the name of the game with CNG, right? The Hyundai Exter claims a solid 27.1 km/kg, while the Tata Punch is super close at 26.99 km/kg. That’s a tiny 0.11 km/kg gap—barely noticeable unless you’re counting every meter.
Both use a slick dual-cylinder CNG setup (two 30-litre tanks), so you’re not sacrificing boot space like with old-school single-tank models.
Real-world numbers might shift based on how you drive, but these two are neck-and-neck for sipping fuel.
Space Race: Room to Stretch
Size-wise, these SUVs are compact but clever. The Tata Punch is longer (3,827 mm) and wider (1,742 mm), giving it a beefier road presence. The Hyundai Exter fights back with more height (1,631 mm, including roof rails) and a slightly longer wheelbase (2,450 mm vs Tata’s 2,445 mm).
What does that mean? The Exter might feel a tad roomier inside, especially for headroom and legroom in the back.
Boot space? Both rock the dual-cylinder design, so you’ve got usable luggage room—around 200-210 liters—way better than those bulky single-tank CNG cars. Whether it’s groceries or weekend gear, these two won’t leave you hanging.
Feature Frenzy: What’s in the Kit?
The Hyundai Exter EX comes loaded with safety goodies: 6 airbags, seatbelt reminders, speed alerts, and rear parking sensors. It’s basic but solid for the price. You won’t get fancy infotainment or AC vents in the back, though—those come in higher trims.
The Tata Punch Pure, meanwhile, keeps it simple too. It’s got dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, a rear parking camera, and tilt steering for comfier drives.
Like the Exter, it skips the flashy screens and extras to keep costs low. Both are bare-bones, but they get the job done for daily rides.
Safety bonus? The Punch has a 5-star Global NCAP rating for adults (from its petrol version), while the Exter’s still untested. If crash protection’s your vibe, Tata’s got bragging rights here.
Looks and Vibes: Style Points
The Tata Punch screams rugged SUV energy—tall stance, chunky lines, and a bold grille. It’s the tougher-looking twin. The Hyundai Exter goes for a boxy, modern vibe with sleek LED DRLs and a quirky charm. Which one’s cooler? Totally up to your taste! Both turn heads in their way, and those roof rails on the Exter add a little adventure flair.
The Final Countdown: Which One’s Your Pick?
So, here’s the scoop in numbers:
Price: Tata Punch wins by ₹20,000 (₹7.30 lakh vs ₹7.50 lakh).
Power: Tata takes it with 72 bhp and 103 Nm vs Hyundai’s 68 bhp and 95 Nm.
Mileage: Hyundai edges ahead by 0.11 km/kg (27.1 vs 26.99).
Safety: Tata’s 5-star rating vs Hyundai’s untested but 6-airbag flex.
Space: Exter’s taller and roomier; Punch is longer and wider.
If you’re chasing maximum power and proven safety, the Tata Punch Pure iCNG is your ride. It’s cheaper, punchier, and has that crash-test cred. But if smoothness, mileage, and airbags are your jam, the Hyundai Exter EX Hy-CNG Duo steps up—especially if that extra ₹20,000 doesn’t faze you.
Overall, both these CNG SUVs are good options under ₹8 lakh that can be considered. The Tata Punch Pure iCNG brings raw power and a lower price tag, while the Hyundai Exter EX Hy-CNG Duo offers refinement and extra safety perks. Test-drive them, feel the vibe, and pick what fits your life. Whether it’s Tata’s toughness or Hyundai’s polish, you’re getting a sweet deal either way.
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