The sub-4-metre compact SUV segment in India has become a fiercely competitive space, with manufacturers vying to deliver the perfect blend of design, performance, and practicality. Among the top contenders are the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter. The Tata Punch, known for its rugged SUV styling and exceptional safety credentials, has been a game-changer for Tata Motors, becoming its best-selling car in the Indian market. On the other hand, Hyundai’s Exter enters the fray with modern features and a fresh take on compact SUVs. Let’s delve deeper to see which one deserves your attention.

Performance: Refinement vs Robustness

When it comes to performance, the Hyundai Exter’s 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine immediately stands out. It’s smooth, refined, and offers linear power delivery, making it an excellent choice for urban commutes and highway drives. The 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) complements the engine’s characteristics well, providing relatively seamless shifts thanks to Hyundai’s use of electrical actuators. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the paddle shifters, which add a level of engagement and control.

The Tata Punch’s 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine is also powerful. The Punch offers robust low-end torque and impressive responsiveness, making it feel more spirited in stop-and-go traffic. Its AMT, however, is more tuned for efficiency than performance.

Ride and Handling: Comfort vs Confidence

Tata has aced the ride-and-handling balance with the Punch. Its stiffer suspension setup ensures it remains planted and confident even at high speeds. This makes it ideal for highways and sharp cornering, where its handling shines. That said, this stiffness can translate to a slightly firm ride at lower speeds, especially on uneven city roads.

The Exter’s suspension, in contrast, is tuned for comfort. It absorbs road imperfections with ease, offering a plush ride quality in urban settings. However, on highways, the softer setup results in some pitching and bobbing. While both vehicles perform well in tackling light trails, the Punch’s additional ground clearance (187 mm vs. the Exter’s 185 mm) gives it a slight edge for adventurous outings.

Exterior Design: Rugged Elegance vs Snazzy Modernity

Both the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch boast distinctive SUV styling, but their design philosophies differ. The Exter takes cues from Hyundai’s contemporary design language, featuring H-patterned DRLs, multi-dimensional panels, and snazzy details that grab attention. Despite being based on the Grand i10 Nios platform, the Exter establishes its own identity with its elevated stance and chunky body cladding.

The Tata Punch, on the other hand, embodies rugged elegance. Its bold front fascia, reminiscent of the larger Harrier, and clean bodywork exude a timeless SUV charm. The larger 16-inch alloy wheels (compared to the Exter’s 15-inch ones) add to its muscular stance. Furthermore, the Punch’s Global NCAP 5-star safety rating speaks volumes about its build quality, giving it an edge for safety-conscious buyers.

Interior and Comfort: Vibrancy vs Premium Fit

Step inside the Tata Punch, and you’re greeted by a vibrant cabin with thoughtful design elements. Its layered dashboard features body-colored accents around the air vents, adding a cheerful vibe. The high-set seats ensure a commanding view of the road, while the wide-opening doors make ingress and egress effortless, particularly for elderly passengers. In its latest update, Tata has introduced Land Rover-inspired armrests for enhanced comfort.

In comparison, the Hyundai Exter’s cabin leans towards premium minimalism. The fit-and-finish of the materials sets a benchmark in this segment. While the all-black interior may feel a bit sombre, Hyundai has cleverly added a sunroof to brighten the space. The ergonomics are spot-on, and the seats, though slightly lower-set, offer excellent comfort for long drives. Rear AC vents and a spacious back seat further enhance passenger convenience, although a rear armrest is notably absent.

Features: Packed to Impress

Both SUVs come well-equipped with features like automatic climate control, reverse cameras, cruise control, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility. However, there are some differences worth noting:

Tata Punch:

• Larger 16-inch alloy wheels
• Harman sound system with excellent audio quality
• Rain-sensing wipers and auto headlamps
• Traction Pro feature for added off-road capability

Hyundai Exter:

• Six airbags and ESP as standard
• Larger 8-inch touchscreen with a slicker interface
• Dash Cam with dual cameras
• Wireless charging and rear AC vents

While the Exter edges ahead in tech features, the Punch’s focus on safety and utility, such as the brake locking differential, resonates with buyers looking for a dependable, practical SUV.

Verdict: Tata Punch Shines with Character

The Hyundai Exter offers a modern, feature-rich package that appeals to urban buyers seeking refinement and sophistication. Its smooth engine, better acceleration, and high-quality interiors make it a compelling choice.

However, the Tata Punch stands tall with its SUV-inspired design, superior safety credentials, and confidence-inspiring drive dynamics. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement of robust reliability and Indian ingenuity. Its elevated seating and user-friendly ingress-egress make it particularly suited for families and elderly passengers. While it may not match the Exter’s feature list, the Punch’s personality and practicality give it an undeniable charm.

For those in Rajasthan—whether a Tata showroom in Alwar or a Tata showroom in Behror—you can experience the Tata Punch at Classic Motors. With competitive prices, versatile variants, and a host of impressive features, the Punch might just be the ideal compact SUV for your needs. Visit Classic Motors today and take a test drive to discover why the Tata Punch continues to punch above its weight in the competitive SUV market.