Which CNG micro-SUV should you trust with your money — the Hyundai Exter or the Tata Punch?
This is the question many buyers ask when they start comparing these two popular compact SUVs.
In this blog, you’ll get a simple and clear explanation of how both models perform in real life. I’ll break down which one feels stronger, which one offers better safety, and which one truly delivers more value for your money, especially if you’re planning to buy the factory-fitted CNG version.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a confident, practical answer — so you can choose the SUV that fits your needs without confusion.
Crash tests and structural strength
When it comes to raw structure and crash proofing, I give clear weight to independent proof. The Tata Punch has that proof. It scored top marks in Global NCAP voluntary testing and has strong results in subsequent Bharat/NCAP programs. That tells us Tata built a stable, reinforced bodyshell using high strength steel and a proven safety architecture (ALFA). For buyers who want verified crash performance, Punch is the safer bet.
The Hyundai Exter comes with impressive safety hardware on paper — six airbags standard, ESC, ABS+EBD and other assists across many trims. But as of Nov 26, 2025, Exter has not had a public Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP result. That means we don’t yet have independent proof of how its structure behaves in severe crashes. You get lots of safety kit, but not the same validated crash history that Punch has.
Safety equipment: what you actually get
Let’s be practical. If you buy an Exter, you get excellent standard kit: six airbags, ESC, hill‑start assist and tyre pressure/seatbelt reminders across many trims. That equipment level is best‑in‑class for this segment on paper.
The Punch’s safety kit varies by trim and model year. Earlier tested Punch cars had two airbags on base models, but Tata has progressively added more kit. Today higher Punch trims and recent variants (including EV family models) come with six airbags and ESC. The difference is: Punch pairs that kit with independent crash scores.
My take: equipment matters, but it doesn’t replace independent crash validation. If you want both hardware and proven crash structure, check the exact Punch variant and Exter trim at the dealer before you buy.
CNG technicals, packaging and real‑world use
Both cars offer factory CNG options — and that’s where packaging makes a big difference for daily life.
| Spec | Hyundai Exter CNG | Tata Punch iCNG |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (CNG tune) | 1.2 Kappa ~69 hp / 95 Nm | 1.2 Revotron ~73.5 PS / 103 Nm |
| Claimed CNG economy | ~27.1 km/kg (quoted) | Real‑world economy good; slightly lower than Exter quoted |
| Transmission | 5‑speed manual only | 5‑speed manual only |
| Boot (petrol / CNG) | ~391 L (petrol); CNG retains much space | ~319–366 L (petrol); ~210 L with twin CNG tanks |
| Airbags | Six airbags standard across many trims | Varies by trim; higher trims have six airbags |
| NCAP status | No public Global/Bharat NCAP result (as of Nov 26, 2025) | 5‑star Global NCAP / strong Bharat NCAP for Punch family |
| Starting price (ex‑showroom India) | Around ₹6.2–10.5 lakh; CNG mid ₹7 lakh range | Around ₹6.2–10.3 lakh; iCNG ~₹7.10 lakh start |
Two important real‑world points:
- Punch’s clever twin‑tank CNG layout tucks cylinders into the spare‑wheel well area. That saves floor height but eats into boot volume — media tests put Punch iCNG boot around ~210 litres usable.
- Exter’s factory CNG is packaged with less intrusion into the luggage space, so the Exter CNG keeps more of the original boot (and its petrol boot of ~391 L is among the largest in this class).
Performance, ride and everyday value
If you drive in the city most days, both cars will feel peppy enough on petrol. On CNG, both lose some peak power — Exter CNG is quoted at about 69 hp / 95 Nm while Punch iCNG lists ~73.5 PS / 103 Nm. In real life the Punch’s slightly higher torque helps low‑end response, but the twin tanks add weight and reduce luggage convenience.
On ride and ground clearance both are similar. Exter lists ground clearance ~185 mm; Punch is around 187–190 mm depending on spec. That means both handle Indian roads well. If you need a larger boot for weekend bags or regular grocery runs, Exter (petrol or CNG) wins on space. If you prioritise a proven crash structure and strong resale thanks to a visible safety record, Punch leads.
On price and ownership, both brands have strong dealer networks. Tata’s Punch benefits from a wider product family (petrol, iCNG, EV) which helps resale and parts availability in many areas. Hyundai’s service reach is also excellent. For running costs: factory CNG will be cheaper per kilometre than petrol. Hyundai quotes a strong CNG figure (~27.1 km/kg) on the Exter; Punch’s real‑world iCNG economy is close but slightly lower in some tests.
What to check before you buy
Before you decide, I recommend this checklist you can use at the dealer:
- Confirm airbag and ESC fitment on the exact variant you test drive. Don’t assume every trim is the same.
- Check NCAP documentation if crash safety is your priority. Punch has 5‑star proof; Exter did not have a public NCAP result as of Nov 26, 2025.
- Open the boot in the CNG variant. Feel how much luggage space you lose. Punch iCNG commonly shows ~210 L usable; Exter CNG keeps more.
- Test the CNG drive on real roads. Both use 5‑speed manuals and will feel different from petrol in shift and driveability.
- Check local CNG refuelling and service options. This affects long‑term convenience.
Also Read: Bajaj Shakes Up 3-Wheeler Market With New Riki Electric Rickshaw: Features, Range & Launch Details
Final Thoughts
Here’s the short, practical conclusion I use when friends ask me: For proven crash safety and a validated strong structure, choose the Tata Punch. If you want the biggest boot (petrol), factory CNG that keeps more luggage space, and a full safety kit across trims, the Hyundai Exter is an excellent value choice — provided you accept that it lacked a public NCAP score as of Nov 26, 2025.
If you’d like, I can do one of two quick follow‑ups for you: a one‑line recommended pick based on your personal priorities (family safety vs luggage & economy), or a short spec sheet with source links for every figure in the table above. Which would you prefer?
