Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Dual duel – Introduction

Two years in the past, we pit the petrol-automatic variations of the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch towards one another. Then, the Exter had the higher hand due to its smoother and extra refined powertrain. At present, we revisit this rivalry, however with a twist: each sub-compact SUVs are right here of their CNG avatars. Whereas they share a number of traits, like a dual-cylinder CNG setup, a claimed effectivity of 27km/kg and premium options, together with a sunroof, this time, the highlight is on their real-world effectivity.

Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG inside and ergonomics 

Let’s start with the Punch. It’s simple to know why this Tata is among the many nation’s bestselling vehicles. The fundamentals are performed proper – its high-riding stance, wide-opening doorways and simple ingress make it particularly pleasant for aged passengers. The excessive seating place provides a commanding view of the street, and the seen bonnet edges additional assist drivers really feel in management. The driving expertise is enhanced by mild steering, gear shifts which might be simple to execute (although not as exact because the Exter’s) and a clutch that doesn’t require a lot effort. Additional, particular person entrance armrests improve long-distance driving consolation, and a surprisingly spectacular audio system provides to its attraction.

There’s rather a lot that the Hyundai Exter CNG and the Tata Punch CNG have in widespread.

Switching over to the Hyundai, it’s clear why it continues to earn reward for its user-friendliness. Each management, from the gearbox to the steering, feels lighter and extra polished – good for city use. Whereas its seating place isn’t as excessive because the Punch’s, outward visibility stays wonderful, thanks partly to its decrease window line. The match, end and total cabin high quality are marginally higher than the Tata, however the darkish, monotone theme doesn’t really feel as inviting, and the seats depart a bit to be desired. They really feel a bit too compact and don’t provide the identical stage of help because the Punch’s.

Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG engine and efficiency 

The Punch’s engine efficiency has by no means been its robust level, and in its CNG avatar, it feels much more sluggish. Whereas it could actually preserve tempo with city site visitors, it begins to wrestle when requested for extra. The Punch’s actual power lies in its composure at freeway speeds; it feels steady and reassuring, which is one thing it does noticeably higher than the Exter.

On the transfer, the Exter feels extraordinarily refined. The 4-cylinder engine is quieter and extra wanting to rev, and its total smoothness is difficult to disregard. Due to shorter gearing and good engine calibration, you hardly ever have to shift gears. It pulls cleanly from as little as 1,000rpm, making it splendid for stop-and-go site visitors. In our acceleration assessments, the Exter Hy-CNG Duo sprinted from 0 to 100kph in 14.85 seconds, a full 3 seconds faster than the Punch iCNG. Furthermore, the Exter is considerably faster than the Tata when accelerating from 20 to 80kph within the third gear and 40 to 100kph within the fourth.

The Exter’s shorter gearing improves drivability however hampers freeway effectivity to an extent.

On the freeway, although, the Exter doesn’t really feel as composed because the Punch. There may be noticeably extra vertical motion over undulations. Additionally, its engine spins 300rpm larger than the Punch’s, at 3,300rpm, whereas cruising at 100kph within the prime gear. This additionally explains why its freeway effectivity is barely decrease at 30.3km/kg in our check, whereas the Punch iCNG’s is 31km/kg. Nonetheless, the Hyundai returned 22.8km/kg within the metropolis due to its higher drivability, a lot larger than Tata’s 20.7km/kg. Each vehicles delivered a powerful total common, near their claimed 27km/kg determine.

Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG gas effectivity 

To find out their precise gas effectivity, we devised a easy check. We first ran each vehicles till their CNG tanks have been fully empty. After that, we refilled roughly 2 kg of gasoline in every car and drove them round in real-world situations throughout the metropolis till they ran out of CNG. Then, we repeated the process and ran them on the freeway. Since filling the very same amount of gasoline in every automotive is sort of inconceivable, we’ve calculated their effectivity primarily based on the precise distance lined divided by the gasoline amount.

Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG options and security 

For the report, the Tata Punch featured right here is the Journey + mid variant, whereas the Hyundai Exter is in its top-end SX trim. That stated, to maintain this comparability honest, we’re evaluating each vehicles primarily based on their respective top-spec variations. Curiously, Tata provides a broader unfold of variants with the Punch iCNG. Its entry-level trims are extra reasonably priced than Hyundai’s CNG choices, although its larger trims are pricier than the Exter.

Punch iCNG will get a spare tyre, whereas the Exter solely will get a tyre restore package.

Relating to options, the Punch iCNG impresses with additions like cruise management and a big 10.25-inch touchscreen, which the Hyundai misses. However the Exter hits again with key security options similar to six airbags, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, hill-start help and electrically folding mirrors, all of that are absent within the Punch.

Each vehicles use twin CNG cylinders mounted beneath the boot flooring, which naturally compromises cargo house in comparison with their petrol-only counterparts. That stated, the Punch’s boot feels a bit extra usable, particularly if each vehicles’ parcel cabinets are eliminated. Furthermore, Tata supplies a full-size spare tyre, whereas the Exter makes do with only a tyre restore package.

Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG verdict 

To sum issues up, the Tata Punch iCNG is a compelling possibility for consumers on the lookout for a cheap, compact and sensible freeway cruiser. Its robust construct, elevated seating and nice audio system add loads of attraction. The place it falls quick is in outright efficiency and the absence of key security options like hill-start help, tyre-pressure monitoring and extra airbags. The Hyundai Exter, however, is the smoother, extra refined and easier-to-drive possibility within the metropolis. It delivers higher gas effectivity, provides extra security options, and nonetheless manages to undercut the Punch on worth – regardless of packing in additional tools total. It could not lead the gross sales charts simply but, nevertheless it’s the Exter that feels just like the better-rounded product, and for that purpose, it’s the winner on this comparability.

Additionally See:

Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG video evaluate