KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Hyundai is all set to launch the Exter with petrol as well as a CNG option
- Tata Motors will also be bringing the iCNG version of Punch soon
- Both upcoming rivals will compete in the micro SUV segment
Hyundai Motors India is all set to launch the Exter in the Indian market soon. The new SUV from Hyundai will majorly rival the Tata Punch in the micro SUV segment. However, it will be offered with both a petrol engine option and a CNG bi-fuel option. This will make the Hyundai Exter the first vehicle in the segment to get a CNG option, and that too from day 1. Though the Tata Punch presently doesn't get any CNG option, Tata has already showcased its iCNG version at the 2023 auto expo. Moreover, after the soon-to-launch Tata Altroz iCNG, Tata is scheduled to launch the Punch iCNG too. It is expected to be launched in the coming few months. As both the CNG-powered micro SUVs are set to arrive soon, here we have compared them based on all the details presently available.
Hyundai Exter CNG Vs Tata Punch iCNG: Powertrain
| Powertrain | Exter CNG (Expected Specs) | Punch iCNG (Expected Specs) |
| Engine | 1.2 L bi-fuel CNG + Petrol Engine (naturally aspirated) | 1.2 L bi-fuel CNG + Petrol Engine (naturally aspirated) |
| Power | 69 PS | 73.5 PS in CNG mode |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 103 Nm in CNG mode |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Tank Capacity | Petrol: 37L & CNG: 60L or 65L | Petrol: 37L & CNG: 60L (30 + 30) |
Hyundai Exter CNG Confirmed Features
| Parametric Front Grille | H-Signature LED DRLs |
| Projector Headlamps | Diamond Cut Alloy wheels |
| Sporty bridge-type roof rails | H-Signature LED taillamps |
| Rear wiper, washer & defogger | Shark fin antenna |
| Reverse sensors with camera | ORVMs with turn indicators |
Hyundai Exter CNG Expected Features
| Bluelink-connected car tech with remote commands & smartwatch integration | H2C (Home to Car) with Alexa & Google Assistant support |
| Sunroof | Air-purifier |
| 6 airbags with ESP, traction control, hill hold, & TPMS | Auto-dimming IRVM |
The above-mentioned features are just expected ones and not confirmed. Moreover, as Hyundai will be offering the Exter CNG in only the S and SX variants, it might miss out on many of these features.
Tata Punch iCNG Expected Features
As Tata is offering the Altroz iCNG in the top-end variant also, we expect the brand to do the same with Tata Punch iCNG. Thus, the Punch CNG is most probable to come with all the top-end features like auto headlamps, auto wipers, iRA-connected car tech, semi-digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, etc. Moreover, we expect Tata to add a few new features to the Punch iCNG as they did with the soon-to-launch Altroz CNG. Here are some of those expected features.
| Smart voice-controlled sunroof | Wireless charger |
| Air purifier | 6 Airbags |
| Xpress Cool | Leather Seats |
Also Read: Hyundai Exter's Confirmed List Of Variants, Colors, Features & Specs
Verdict: Both the CNG-powered micro SUVs are set to arrive soon. However, the biggest difference between the Punch CNG & Exter CNG will be the offered variants. As the Exter CNG is being offered in the lower S & mid-SX variants, it is expected to miss out on several features. Whereas the Punch CNG is expected to get all the features as it is expected to also come in the top-end creative variant.
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