The CNG car segment in India is growing rapidly as people are looking for fuel-efficient and affordable cars that are also good for the environment. Among the most popular CNG cars today are the Hyundai Exter CNG and the Tata Punch CNG. Both are compact, stylish, and offer a lot for the price. But if you are planning to buy one of them, the big question is—which one is better for you?
Let’s break it down by comparing both cars in terms of engine, mileage, features, price, and practicality so that you can easily decide which CNG variant is more suitable for your needs.
Engine and Power: Who Offers More Strength?
Hyundai Exter CNG is powered by a 1.2-litre bi-fuel petrol-CNG engine. It offers 69 PS power and 95.2 Nm torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The same engine is seen in other Hyundai models like the Grand i10 Nios and Aura, so it is well tested.
On the other hand, the Tata Punch CNG uses a 1.2-litre Revotron engine. It produces 73.5 PS power and 103 Nm torque, also mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Tata has added its innovative twin-cylinder CNG technology in Punch, which helps in better boot space management and smoother power delivery.
👉 Verdict: Tata Punch CNG has a slight edge in terms of raw power and torque, which could help in better pick-up and load-carrying performance, especially when the car is full.
Mileage Comparison: Which Car Saves More Fuel?
Mileage is the most important factor for CNG car buyers. According to Hyundai, the Exter CNG delivers 27.1 km/kg, which is quite impressive.
Tata Punch CNG, in comparison, offers 26.99 km/kg, just slightly lower than Exter. However, real-world mileage may vary depending on road, driving habits, and traffic conditions.
👉 Verdict: On paper, Hyundai Exter CNG gives slightly better mileage, but the difference is very small. Both offer excellent fuel efficiency for city and highway use.
Features: Which One Feels More Premium?
Hyundai Exter CNG Features
Hyundai is known for packing its cars with premium features, and Exter is no different. Some key features include:
- Smart electric sunroof
- LED DRLs and tail lamps
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 6 airbags (segment best)
- Automatic climate control
- Rear parking camera
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- HAC (Hill Assist Control)
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
All these features give Exter an edge in the features department, especially for those who want a tech-loaded car.
Tata Punch CNG Features
Tata Punch CNG also offers decent features like:
- Projector headlamps
- 7-inch infotainment system
- Manual AC
- Digital instrument cluster
- Power windows
- Dual airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
However, Tata doesn’t offer features like sunroof or 6 airbags in its CNG variant.
👉 Verdict: Hyundai Exter CNG takes the lead with more safety features and premium equipment.
Design and Road Presence: Which One Looks Better?
Design is subjective, but both cars come with a modern and youthful look. Hyundai Exter has a bold front design with H-shaped LED DRLs and a tall SUV-like stance. The blacked-out pillars and dual-tone colours add more style.
Tata Punch, on the other hand, has a boxy and muscular design. The high ground clearance, flat bonnet, and strong shoulder lines give it a tough and rugged SUV appeal.
👉 Verdict: If you like bold, tall designs, Exter is your pick. If you prefer strong and solid SUV styling, Punch might attract you more.
Boot Space and Practicality: Which Car Offers More Room?
This is one area where Tata Punch CNG really shines. Thanks to the twin-cylinder CNG setup under the boot floor, Tata offers 210 litres of usable boot space, even with the CNG kit.
In the case of Hyundai Exter CNG, it uses the traditional single-cylinder layout, which eats up most of the boot space. You may have very limited room for luggage.
👉 Verdict: Tata Punch CNG wins when it comes to boot space and practicality. It’s more travel-friendly for families.
Price Comparison: Which One Gives Better Value?
Hyundai Exter CNG Price (Ex-showroom):
- EX Dual CNG – ₹7.50 lakh
- SX Dual CNG – ₹10.35 lakh
Tata Punch CNG Price (Ex-showroom):
- Starts at ₹7.29 lakh
- Goes up to ₹9.85 lakh
👉 Verdict: Tata Punch CNG is more affordable, especially for the base and mid variants. Hyundai Exter CNG becomes more expensive in its top variants but offers more features.
Safety: Which Car Protects You Better?
Safety is another area where Hyundai has tried to stand out. With 6 airbags offered in some variants, ESC, HAC, and a solid body structure, Exter CNG is designed with safety in mind.
Tata Punch CNG has a 4-star Global NCAP rating (for the petrol version), and while it offers dual airbags and ABS with EBD, it doesn’t match the number of features in Exter.
👉 Verdict: If safety features are your top priority, Hyundai Exter CNG might be a better choice.
Which One to Choose?
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you decide:
| Feature | Hyundai Exter CNG | Tata Punch CNG |
| Engine Power | 69 PS / 95.2 Nm | 73.5 PS / 103 Nm |
| Mileage (km/kg) | 27.1 | 26.99 |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual | 5-speed Manual |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ESC, HAC | 2 Airbags, ABS with EBD |
| Infotainment System | 8-inch Touchscreen | 7-inch Touchscreen |
| Boot Space | Smaller due to CNG kit | 210 litres (twin tanks) |
| Price Range | ₹7.50L – ₹10.35L | ₹7.29L – ₹9.85L |
