Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Compact SUV Duel in 2025

The sub-compact SUV segment in India has always been a hotbed of competition, with buyers looking for stylish, efficient, and feature-rich vehicles at an accessible price point. Two years ago, the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter clashed in their petrol-automatic avatars, with the Exter gaining an edge due to its refined powertrain. Now, the competition takes on a new dimension as both return in their CNG variants.

With rising fuel prices and growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives, CNG-powered vehicles have become an attractive option. Both the Tata Punch iCNG and Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo promise fuel efficiency figures close to 27 km/kg, along with premium features like a sunroof. But the real question is: which one delivers better performance, comfort, and value in real-world conditions?

Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Interior and Ergonomics

Tata Punch iCNG

The Tata Punch remains a top-selling model in its segment, and its popularity is easy to understand. The SUV gets the basics right, with a high stance, wide-opening doors, and convenient ingress and egress that especially benefit elderly passengers. The elevated seating position gives drivers a commanding view of the road, while the visible bonnet edges inspire confidence.

Inside, the Punch offers practical ergonomics. The light steering and user-friendly gear shifts make driving less tiring, though the precision is slightly behind the Exter. The clutch is light and easy to operate, making it suitable for city traffic. Tata has also equipped the Punch with individual front armrests for added comfort on long drives and a surprisingly powerful audio system that enhances cabin appeal.

Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo

The Hyundai Exter, on the other hand, feels distinctly urban-focused. Its controls, from steering to gearbox, feel lighter and more refined, offering ease of use in congested city conditions. Though its seating position is lower than the Punch, outward visibility remains excellent due to its low window line.

Cabin quality is one of Hyundai’s strong suits, and the Exter is no exception. Fit and finish levels feel slightly superior to the Punch, though its dark monotone interior theme is less inviting. The seats also feel narrower and less supportive compared to Tata’s. However, the Exter’s overall ease of use and premium feel are hard to overlook.

Quick Summary

Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Engine and Performance

Tata Punch iCNG

The Punch has never been a performance leader, and the CNG variant emphasizes this limitation. While it handles urban commutes adequately, acceleration feels sluggish when pushed harder. However, where the Punch excels is stability. At highway speeds, it feels planted and composed, offering a sense of security that the Exter lacks.

Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo

The Exter’s strength lies in refinement and responsiveness. Its 4-cylinder engine runs quieter than Tata’s 3-cylinder unit and revs more smoothly. Shorter gearing ensures strong low-end pull, making it perfect for stop-and-go traffic. During performance tests, the Exter achieved 0-100 km/h in 14.85 seconds, nearly three seconds quicker than the Punch. In gear acceleration is also better, proving its drivability advantage.

On highways, however, the Exter does not feel as composed. Vertical movement is more noticeable over bumps, and at 100 km/h, the engine spins 300 rpm higher than the Punch, which impacts long-distance efficiency.

Performance and Efficiency Comparison

Both cars came close to their claimed figure of 27 km/kg overall. The Punch has better highway efficiency, while the Exter is more efficient in the city.

Features and Safety

Tata Punch iCNG

The Tata Punch offers a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, auto climate control, rear AC vents, projector headlamps, and a sunroof. A full-size spare tyre is another practical advantage.

Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo

Hyundai balances the feature list with six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, hill-start assist, electrically folding mirrors, and a well-calibrated safety package. It also offers a sunroof and wireless connectivity, though its touchscreen is smaller at 8 inches. Boot space is limited due to dual CNG cylinders, though the Punch is only marginally better.

Feature Comparison

Verdict

Both the Tata Punch iCNG and Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo bring unique strengths to the table. The Punch shines as a stable, practical highway cruiser with an excellent driving position, a robust audio system, and a slightly more usable boot. It also offers a broader spread of variants, with some trims priced more affordably than Hyundai’s.

The Exter, however, emerges as the better-rounded product. It delivers superior refinement, better in-gear performance, and higher city efficiency. Its safety package, with six airbags and advanced features, gives it a strong edge over Tata. Even with more equipment, the Exter manages to undercut the Punch on pricing, making it a more compelling value proposition.

Winner: Hyundai Exter CNG

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which car offers better city mileage, Tata Punch CNG or Hyundai Exter CNG?

The Hyundai Exter CNG performs better in the city, delivering 22.8 km/kg compared to the Punch’s 20.7 km/kg.

Q2. Which car has more safety features?

The Hyundai Exter CNG is better equipped, offering six airbags, hill-start assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system, while the Tata Punch CNG offers only two airbags and misses out on some key safety aids.

Q3. Which SUV is better for highway driving?

The Tata Punch CNG feels more stable and composed on highways, making it a better long-distance cruiser.

Q4. Which is more value for money?

The Hyundai Exter CNG offers more features, better performance, and higher safety at a competitive price, making it the more value-packed choice.

Q5. Do both models come with a sunroof?

Yes, both Tata Punch CNG and Hyundai Exter CNG offer a sunroof in their higher variants.