All Diesel SUVs Below ₹30 Lakh in India – 2025 Guide

Compare Hyundai Exter CNG & Tata Punch CNG! Find your budget king with our in-depth look at features, safety, performance & price.

The micro-SUV segment has seen a surge in popularity, and with rising fuel costs, CNG variants are the flavor of the season. Enter the Hyundai Exter CNG and the Tata Punch CNG – two fierce contenders vying for the title of “budget king.” Both offer factory-fitted CNG kits with ingenious twin-tank setups, promising usable boot space, a significant leap forward from older single-cylinder models. But when it comes to the nitty-gritty of features, practicality, and safety, which one truly delivers a knockout blow? Let’s break it down.

The Price Tag: A Rs 20,000 Difference

First things first, let’s talk about the entry point. The Hyundai Exter CNG comes in at an ex-showroom price of Rs 7.50 lakh. Tata Motors counters with the Punch Pure, priced at a slightly more attractive Rs 7.20 lakh. That’s a Rs 20,000 difference right off the bat, which for budget-conscious buyers, is certainly something to consider. But is that all there is to it?

Dimensions: A Game of Millimeters

These micro-SUVs are designed for urban agility, and their dimensions reflect that. While the Exter might appear taller, the Punch actually boasts a greater width and overall height. The Exter’s wheelbase is a mere 5mm longer, a difference you’d barely notice. Both, thankfully, come with those clever dual CNG tanks, ensuring you don’t completely sacrifice boot space – a common woe with older CNG cars. While the exact boot space for the Exter CNG isn’t officially listed, the Punch CNG offers a respectable 210 liters.

Features: Where the ”Extras” count

Focusing on the entry-level variants, the feature list can make or break a deal. Both SUVs sport halogen headlights, but the Exter takes a slight lead with LED tail lamps. Inside, you’ll find similar fabric upholstery, front power windows, and adjustable headrests. However, the Exter goes a step further by offering a height adjustment function for the driver’s seat – a welcome comfort for drivers of varying heights. Both get a semi-digital instrument cluster and a manual air conditioner for basic functionality. The Punch, however, offers tilt steering and those incredibly convenient 90-degree opening doors, making ingress and egress a breeze.

When it comes to safety, Hyundai clearly prioritizes it, offering six airbags as standard in the Exter. The Punch, in its entry-level trim, comes with a dual airbag setup, though an update might be on the horizon. Interestingly, the Punch does feature Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which is missing from the entry-level Exter. Beyond these differences, both are well-equipped with ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and 3-point seatbelts, among other safety essentials

Engine Specs: Power Play

Under the hood, both the Exter CNG and Punch CNG house 1.2-liter petrol engines, but with a key difference. The Exter runs on a 4-cylinder powerplant, while the Punch utilizes a 3-cylinder unit. In terms of raw power, the Punch CNG edges out the Exter, churning out 72.4 bhp at 6000 rpm and 103 Nm of torque at 3250 rpm. The Exter CNG, on the other hand, delivers 68 bhp at 6000 rpm and 95.2 Nm at 4000 rpm. Both are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. While the Punch might have slightly more grunt on paper, the Exter’s 4-cylinder engine is often associated with smoother refinement.

The Verdict: Who is the Real Budget King?

The Tata Punch Pure CNG is undeniably the more affordable option by Rs 20,000, and it offers practical features like tilt steering and those wide-opening doors that can be a real boon. Its slightly higher power output might also appeal to some.

The Hyundai Exter CNG EX, despite being slightly pricier, sweetens the deal with standard six airbags, LED tail lamps, and driver’s seat height adjustment – features that significantly enhance comfort and safety. Its 4-cylinder engine promises a more refined driving experience.

If absolute budget is your primary concern, the Tata Punch CNG might just be your king. However, if you can stretch your budget slightly, the Hyundai Exter CNG offers a compelling package with its superior safety features and a touch more convenience, making it a strong contender for overall value. The “budget king” title, in this case, might just be shared, depending on what truly reigns supreme in your decision-making process.