Coming to the Indian Car Segment, there is a sudden rise in demand for Micro SUVs, and two key players stand in this segment the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter. Both these compact SUVs are essentially urban road cars, with some bit of road excursions thrown in for icing on the cake, offering style, features, and practicalities. So which one has the edge when a Punch vs Exter comparison is made? Let's dig into the micro SUV battle concerning features.
Design and Styling
From the design perspective, Punch vs Exter spells contrasting identities. The Tata Punch is all about bold, upright design with squared wheel arches, thick cladding, and high ground clearance. It looks really much like a tiny off-roader, which makes it attractive for people who prefer a less refined characteristic.
Exter has a sharper and more contemporary styling approach. Clean grille, H-shaped LED DRLs, and a premium finish suggest that it is targeted toward city dwellers who appreciate trendy city fashion. While Punch is all about rugged looks, Exter presents itself as much younger and more future-oriented.
Interior and Comfort
The Punch Cabin has a practical feel, quality materials, and a clean dashboard layout. It has good headroom and legroom, with a semi-digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen.
The Exter, however, goes several steps ahead with its USB connection, 8 inches of infotainment unit, digital instrument panel, wireless charging, and a panoramic sunroof on top trims. In the Punch vs Exter cabin battle, Exter wins hands down when it comes to being tech-heavy and premium, especially for younger users.
Performance and Mileage
Performance is one area where the Punch and Exter go head-to-head. Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 86 PS and 113 Nm of torque, the Punch comes with a choice of either the 5-speed manual or an AMT option. While it is not exactly a performance car, the Punch stresses more on drivability, ride comfort, and light off-road capability. Thanks to the ALFA platform of Tata and the tuned suspension, the Punch wins brownie points when dealing with bad roads and potholes.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Exter also comes with a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine producing 83PS and 113.8 Nm. Similar to the Punch, it also comes with manual and AMT gearbox options, but it does offer a factory-fitted CNG variant, which the Punch doesn't. In city traffic, the Exter's refinement and peppy engine performance make it a practical and comfortable ride, especially for urban users.
Safety and Features
It has always been the strength of Tata, and here the 5-star Global NCAP-rated safety of the Tata Punch helps it take a lead in the Punch vs Exter battle. Standard safety equipment includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX mounts. Certain top variants also provide hill hold control and sway control.
And yet, on the other hand, the Hyundai Exter sets another benchmark for safety with its six airbags on offer as standard, which is quite rare in the micro SUV segment. It is also blessed with the safety enhancements of ESC, rear camera, and TPMS.
Pricing and Variants
When it comes to Punch vs Exter price has to be important. The Tata Punch is slightly on the cheaper side, thus attracting many first-time SUV buyers. It is an excellent option, justifying value for money with tough build quality and a reliable drive.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Exter is one step higher on the price chart, although the layer of cost is all justified by another round of features, an aggressive look, and the CNG badge. So for anyone in need of tech, convenience, and style - that, in fact, means more long-term value.
Conclusion
In the end, the fight is about what you value more between Punch vs Exter. If you are into getting a solid micro SUV that is sturdy and safe, built to life, and endure harsh roads, then the Tata Punch is a great option. On the other hand, if you want to go with a battery-operated tech spectacle filled with features and city-friendly everyday use, it is the Hyundai Exter.
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