5 Things The Hyundai Exter Gets Over Its Immediate Rival, The Tata Punch

UPDATE: Hyundai India has launched the Exter SUV from Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Hyundai India’s next big launch for the Indian market is the Exter. It’s a micro SUV that will slot below the Venue in the carmaker’s lineup and will go all guns blazing against the Tata Punch. The Exter is slated for an India launch on July 10 and the Korean marque has given us a fair idea of what the SUV will pack thanks to plenty of teases and multiple reveals. 

So without further ado, here are 5 things the Hyundai Exter will get over the Tata Punch:

More Standard Safety Kit

The biggest talking point of the Exter is its standard safety kit across the entire lineup, which includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill start assist and rear parking sensors. 

In contrast, the Tata Punch gets just the basics, such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. However, despite the fewer safety kit, the Punch has passed the Global NCAP safety test with a full five-star rating. The Exter is yet to be crash tested. 

The Feature You All Love

Another talking point that could sway buyers towards the Exter is its single-pane sunroof. Yes, it’s a feature we Indians love to have in our cars. But do note that Tata displayed the Punch CNG with a sunroof at Auto Expo 2023 and we expect it to be introduced real soon.

Wireless Phone Charger 

The Hyundai Exter gets wireless phone charging, useful if your phone has this tech. But this feature would have been even more useful if the infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something which we can only confirm closer to its unveiling. Its system is the same as Grand i10 Nios, which gets wired smartphone connectivity. 

CNG Kit From Day One 

The Hyundai Exter will get the Grand i10 Nios’ 83PS 1.2-litre petrol engine, paired with a 5-speed manual and an optional 5-speed AMT. This engine will be offered with a CNG kit, paired with the manual ‘box, right from day one. However, Tata is preparing the Punch CNG, expected to launch soon, which gets the carmaker’s twin-cylinder technology that will have even better practicality than the Exter. 

Factory-fit Dash Camera

A dashcam is basically like a CCTV, recording your journey or even when you’re parked for an added safety layer. In case of an unfortunate event like a theft or an accident, you’d have a recorded proof to show to the officials. The Exter gets a dash cam not only for the front windshield, but for the rear as well. Very useful indeed! 

These are 5 things the Hyundai Exter gets over the Tata Punch. We suspect Hyundai’s micro SUV could have a starting price of around Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom). And apart from the Punch, it will lock horns with the Maruti Suzuki Ignis as well as select variants of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.