Finding a legitimate SUV experience for under Rs 7 lakh (on-road) feels a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack these days. Prices are climbing, but for the savvy buyer, the “Micro-SUV” segment still offers a few gems.
If you’re a young middle-class family looking to trade up from a hatchback without breaking the bank, the battle usually boils down to two titans: the Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter. Specifically, we’re looking at their entry-level avatars—the Punch Smart and the Exter EX.
Performance: Under the Hood
Both vehicles utilize 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engines, but they have slightly different personalities on the road.
| Feature | Tata Punch (Smart) | Hyundai Exter (EX) |
| Engine | 1.2L Revotron Petrol | 1.2L Kappa Petrol |
| Power | 85.4 hp | 82 hp |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Claimed Mileage | 18+ kmpl | 18+ kmpl |
The Tata Punch offers a marginally higher power output, giving it a bit more “oomph” during highway overtakes. However, the Hyundai Exter’s Kappa engine is legendary for its refinement and smooth idling, making it a dream for stop-and-go city traffic.
Features: The “Base Variant” Reality
Gone are the days when base variants were just “metal boxes on wheels.” Both brands have stepped up, though the Punch feels slightly more modern in its latest iteration.
Tata Punch Smart
- Lighting:LED Headlamps (a big plus for night driving).
- Tech:61-inch digital driver information cluster.
- Convenience:Front power windows, central locking, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Hyundai Exter EX
- Lighting:LED Taillamps (sharp aesthetics).
- Tech:Digital driver information cluster and power steering.
- Convenience:Front power windows and central locking.
The Edge: The Punch Smart edges ahead slightly by offering TPMS and LED headlamps at the entry level, features usually reserved for higher trims in this price bracket.
Safety: Peace of Mind
This is where the two SUVs diverge the most. While both manufacturers have committed to better safety standards, the data speaks for itself.
- Standard Kit:Both vehicles come impressively equipped with 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and ABS as standard—even in these base variants.
- The “Star” Factor:The Tata Punch boasts a 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP. This gives it a massive psychological and physical advantage for family-oriented buyers.
- The Hyundai Approach:The Exter counters with a massive list of 26 standard safety features, including speed-sensing door locks and keyless entry, though it has yet to be formally crash-tested by Bharat NCAP.
The Bottom Line: Pricing
The price gap between these two is almost negligible, making the choice about preference rather than pennies.
- Tata Punch Smart:Rs 5.59 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
- Hyundai Exter EX:Rs 5.64 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)
With a difference of just Rs 5,000, both cars comfortably land under the Rs 7 lakh mark on-road, depending on your city’s registration taxes and insurance choices.
Which one should you pick?
- Choose the Hyundai Exterif you value engine refinement, a proven mechanical track record, and a more understated, “sophisticated” city car feel.
- Choose the Tata Punchif safety is your absolute top priority, and you want a vehicle that feels more like a “mini-tank” with slightly more modern tech-bits in the base trim.
