Nissan Magnite One-Below-Top Variant Vs Tata Punch Top-spec Variant: Go Big Or Small For The Same Money?

Nissan recently launched the facelifted version of the Magnite subcompact SUV and gave it minor exterior as well as interior changes, while launching it at a very attractive price. Its price range puts it in contention with some of the micro SUVs and hatchbacks and in this article, we will be comparing it with the Tata Punch micro SUV. 

The Punch’s top-spec variant undercuts the top-spec Magnite’s price by a fair margin, so we have decided to compare the micro SUV’s top-spec Creative+ S variant with the Magnite’s one-below-top Tekna variant. 

Price

To keep things fair we have compared the prices of the non-turbo Magnite Tekna with that of the Punch. To take a detailed look at the Tekna variant’s pricing and specifications, head over to this story. 

The Tekna variant of the Magnite is around Rs 75,000 more affordable than the top-spec Punch. A point to consider is that the Punch Creative+ S comes with a sunroof (not offered with the Magnite), so if you eliminate the sunroof option you can save around Rs 50,000 with the Punch. This reduces the price gap between the two cars from around Rs 75,000 to Rs 25,000. 

Dimensions 

As seen in the table above, the Magnite is longer as well as wider. It also boasts a 55 mm longer wheelbase which means it has more space inside the cabin. The Punch stands taller and offers a slightly larger boot space. Keeping numbers aside, the Magnite is the one with a better road presence and looks like the bigger car on the road. 

Features

There are additional features offered on both sides, but it is the Magnite’s equipment list which has the more necessary features. It has the better safety kit with 6 airbags as standard, and a list of additional convenience features including a 360-degree camera, air purifier, a fully-digital driver’s display, and LED headlamps. 

The Punch on the other side, gets the more fancy and feel-good amenities such as sunroof, larger infotainment screen, auto fold ORVMs and a wireless phone charger. 

Powertrain

• The Punch gets the larger NA petrol engine 

• The Tata SUV’s engine also makes more power and torque 

• Both come with 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT options 

Do note that the Magnite also comes with a more potent 1-litre turbo-petrol engine option which churns out 100 PS and 160 Nm. With that engine, you also get the option of a smoother CVT gearbox alongside the standard 5-speed manual. This turbo-petrol engine can be had with the Tekna variant, for a premium of Rs 1.25 lakh with the manual transmission.

Verdict 

Both Magnite and Punch are cars to consider if you are in the market looking for a well-equipped small SUV at Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). At a similar price, both these cars have a lot of different things to offer and it all comes down to the car that caters to your needs and requirements. 

The Magnite offers a better road presence and space inside the cabin, while the Punch is more compact and city-friendly. Their features-list is comparable, but by offering 6 airbags as standard, and more usable day-to-day features, it is the Nissan SUV which takes the point. The Magnite’s NA engine is not as punchy as that of the Punch and the lack of power will surely be felt, especially on the highways. To take care of that you do get a more powerful Magnite but you will have to shell out more money to get that. 

So overall, it is the Magnite’s Tekna variant  which offers the slightly better overall package and that too at a lower price. However, the Punch can be considered if you want a feature-rich experience, a more powerful NA petrol engine and don’t mind compromising on space inside the cabin.