Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter: Compared In 10 Images

Hyundai has just launched the Exter Micro SUV in India. Its pricing puts it bang in the range of the Tata Punch’s prices, and all things considered, everything points towards a similar package for both, i.e. footprint of a hatchback but with the looks and appeal of an SUV. The Exter’s main aim is to dethrone the Punch to take the top spot in its segment. So without further ado, here’s a comparison in images of the two micro SUVs:

Design

Both SUVs follow a butch design language with a high and upright stance that works in conjunction with the flared-out elements. Both sport a split headlight setup, but the front of the Exter looks slightly boxier, thanks to squared-out DRL housing with H-motif DRLs and a skid plate.

In profile, the Exter immediately stands out with its prominent cuts and creases, which give the fenders a rather aggressive flare in comparison to the subtle dilation around the wheel arches of the Punch. The Punch’s rear door handles have been integrated within its C-pillar, while the Exter’s handles are at the usual spot. Both get snazzy-looking alloy wheels and look stumpy, giving them a nice SUV-like vibe.

At the rear, the Exter tail lights are rather orthodox with a squarish contour and the H-shaped signature within it, while the Punch’s tail lamps stretch onto the quarter panel, giving it a unique look. Tata has also incorporated a star-shaped motif within the tail lamps, giving it an even more intricate design. Even though the overall design of the Punch’s rear is chunky enough, the Exter manages to up the ante, courtesy of the heavy silver skid plate. 

Design is always subjective and the desirability changes from person to person. So you tell us which car’s design you like in the comments below. 

Cabin

The cabin layout of both the micro SUVs is rather simple and makes the interiors a pleasant place to be in. The Punch’s design is clean and unobstructed, with its touchscreen system floating above the central AC vents. 

The Exter’s cabin, on the other hand, is a carbon copy of the Grand i10 Nios and gets a stylish garnish inlay on the passenger side of the dash, giving substance to its design. Both the micro SUVs get a three-spoke steering wheel with mounted buttons for accessing various entertainment functions. 

While the Exter follows an all-black theme, Hyundai has kept things lively with a bunch of contrasting insert options available, which include Silver, Light Sage, and Cosmic Blue hues. For the Punch, Tata offers a host of editions which bring new themes to the micro SUV’s cabin. 

Where the Exter inches ahead is in terms of the features on offer. The Korean micro SUV gets a digitised instrument cluster, a bigger eight-inch infotainment system, and even a sunroof on its roof. The latter is absent from the Punch, and the Tata also packs a smaller 7-inch screen and a semi-digital driver’s display, however, the former is a coloured unit. .

Both offer a similar safety kit to a certain extent, but the Hyundai Exter is the one who creeps ahead on this front as it offers six airbags as standard! The Punch, on the other hand, is only available with dual airbags, even in its top-spec guise. Although, it does boast a 5-star rating given by the Global NCAP whereas the Exter is yet to be tested.

Also Read: Hyundai Exter SX CNG: All Details Of The Mid-spec Variant In 7 Images

Head over here if you want to know what features the Exter packs over the Tata Punch. 

Powertrain

Both the Exter and Punch are equipped with a single 1.2-litre NA petrol engine option. The Exter’s unit has an output of 83PS/114Nm, while the Punch’s powertrain belts out 86PS/113Nm. Both are available with a 5-speed MT or AMT gearbox. 

However, the Exter’s AMT option gets a paddle shifter – something that the Punch misses out on. Also missing from the Punch is a CNG option, but is likely to be launched in the coming days as a test mule was spotted testing recently. 

Price

This is probably the only parameter where there is very little to set the two apart. Tata retails the Punch between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 9.51 lakh, while the prices for the Exter range between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 9.99 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). Yeah, as we said – very little between the two in terms of pricing. 

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