By Priya Sharma | Published May 9, 2025

India’s sub-4-meter SUV segment is buzzing with competition, and the Tata Punch iCNG and Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo are leading the charge for budget-conscious buyers seeking fuel-efficient, eco-friendly options. Both micro-SUVs offer dual-cylinder CNG setups, near-identical ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency of ~27 km/kg, and premium features like sunroofs, making them ideal for urban commuters in Delhi, families in Bangalore, or small business owners in Pune. Priced between ₹7.23–9.85 lakh (Punch) and ₹7.51–9.38 lakh (Exter, ex-showroom), they cater to India’s growing demand for CNG vehicles amid rising fuel costs (₹75–80/kg CNG in May 2025). Drawing from an in-depth Autocar India YouTube comparison (May 2025), real-world tests, and insights from CarDekho, NDTV, and X sentiment (@autocarindiamag, @91wheels), this blog pits the Tata Punch iCNG against the Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo to determine the better CNG micro-SUV. We’ll explore fuel economy, performance, features, safety, and value across 10 key criteria, tailored for Indian buyers navigating congested city streets or weekend getaways to Lonavala.

Why Compare the Tata Punch iCNG vs Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo?

Imagine zipping through Mumbai’s traffic in a Tata Punch iCNG, its 187 mm ground clearance tackling potholes with ease, or cruising in a Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, its smooth four-cylinder engine sipping CNG at 26.6 km/kg. Both SUVs offer twin-cylinder CNG tanks for better boot space, 5-speed manual transmissions, and premium features like touchscreen infotainment, appealing to young professionals in Hyderabad or families in Chennai. The Punch boasts a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, while the Exter counters with six airbags and a refined drive. With CNG sales up 15% in India (2024–2025, per SIAM), choosing the right CNG micro-SUV is crucial. This comparison, rooted in Autocar India’s real-world tests (city: Mumbai, highway: Navi Mumbai), breaks down why one edges out the other.

Top 10 Criteria to Choose the Better CNG Micro-SUV

1. Real-World Fuel Efficiency: Exter’s Edge in the City

Fuel economy is paramount for CNG buyers, with CNG at ₹75–80/kg in India (May 2025). Autocar India’s test filled both SUVs with 2 kg of CNG, driving them in city (Mumbai) and highway (Navi Mumbai) loops until empty. The Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo achieved 22.8 km/kg in city and 30.3 km/kg on highway, averaging 26.6 km/kg, close to its ARAI-claimed 27.1 km/kg. The Tata Punch iCNG returned 20.7 km/kg in city and 30.5 km/kg on highway, averaging 25.6 km/kg against its 26.99 km/kg ARAI claim.

• Exter Advantage: Its four-cylinder 1.2L engine (69 hp, 95 Nm) and shorter gearing require fewer gear shifts in traffic, boosting city efficiency (e.g., Bangalore’s stop-go roads). Cost per km: ~₹2.83 (22.8 km/kg at ₹75/kg).
• Punch Strength: Lower RPM (3,000 vs. 3,300 at 100 km/h) aids highway efficiency, ideal for Ahmedabad-Vadodara commutes. Cost per km: ~₹2.93 (20.7 km/kg).

Winner: Exter for better city efficiency, critical for urban India.

Score: Exter 8.8/10, Punch 8.5/10.

2. Performance and Drivability: Exter’s Smoother City Drive

CNG SUVs prioritize efficiency over power, but drivability matters in India’s chaotic traffic. The Exter’s 1.2L four-cylinder engine (69 hp, 95 Nm) outperforms the Punch’s 1.2L three-cylinder (73.4 hp, 103 Nm) in refinement, per Autocar India. The Exter sprinted 0–100 km/h in 15.59 seconds, 4.5 seconds quicker than the Punch, with 20–80 km/h and 40–100 km/h rolling accelerations 2–3.5 seconds faster.

• Exter: Buttery-smooth gearbox, light clutch, and shorter gearing make it effortless in Delhi’s traffic. Revs drop to 1,000 RPM without stalling, ideal for creeping in Kolkata.
• Punch: Rougher idle and vibrations from the three-cylinder engine, with a less precise gearbox. It lags in city responsiveness but feels stable at 100 km/h on Pune-Mumbai expressways.

Winner: Exter for superior city drivability and refinement.

Score: Exter 8.7/10, Punch 8.2/10.

3. Ride and Handling: Punch’s Highway Confidence

Ride quality is key for India’s diverse roads, from Chennai’s smooth highways to Patna’s potholed streets. The Punch excels on highways, feeling flat and composed at 100 km/h, per Autocar India. Its 187 mm ground clearance and stiffer suspension handle rough roads better, ideal for rural drives in Uttar Pradesh. The Exter’s softer suspension absorbs city bumps (e.g., Mumbai’s speed breakers) but exhibits vertical movement on highways, reducing confidence.

• Punch: Light steering and high seating enhance control on Jaipur’s highways. Better for long drives to Goa.
• Exter: Low-speed ride suits urban commutes in Hyderabad, but less stable at high speeds.

Winner: Punch for highway stability and rough-road capability.

Score: Punch 8.6/10, Exter 8.3/10.

4. Interior Comfort and Ergonomics: Punch’s Practicality

Both SUVs offer spacious cabins for their size, but comfort differs. The Punch provides a commanding driving position with 90°-opening doors, easing entry for elderly passengers in Coimbatore. Its individual front armrests and supportive seats enhance long-drive comfort (e.g., Delhi-Agra). The Exter’s lower seats feel less supportive for larger frames, and its all-black cabin appears drab, per Autocar India.

• Punch: High seating, better bolstering, and tri-arrow dashboard create a vibrant cabin. Easier ingress/egress for families in Lucknow.
• Exter: Lower window line improves visibility, but small seats and monotone interior feel less premium in top trims.

Winner: Punch for ergonomic seating and accessibility.

Score: Punch 8.5/10, Exter 8.2/10.

5. Features and Equipment: Exter’s Premium Edge

Both SUVs pack premium features, but the Exter SX outshines the Punch Accomplished Plus. The Exter offers six airbags, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill-start assist, and electrically folding mirrors, missing on the Punch. The Punch counters with cruise control and a 10.25-inch touchscreen (vs. Exter’s 8-inch), per Autocar India.

• Exter: Sunroof, wireless charging, auto climate control, and dashcam point appeal to tech-savvy buyers in Bangalore.
• Punch: Larger touchscreen and ** Harman audio** suit music lovers, but lacks ESP and side airbags.

Winner: Exter for richer safety and convenience features.

Score: Exter 8.9/10, Punch 8.4/10.

6. Safety: Punch’s Proven Crash Rating

Safety is critical in India, where road accidents claim ~1.5 lakh lives annually (MoRTH, 2024). The Punch boasts a 5-star GNCAP rating (adult: 5, child: 4), with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors standard. The Exter offers six airbags, ESP, hill-start assist, and TPMS but lacks a GNCAP test, though Hyundai claims a strengthened structure over the Grand i10 Nios (2-star GNCAP).

• Punch: Proven 5-star safety reassures families in Kanpur. ISOFIX standard.
• Exter: More airbags and advanced aids (e.g., ESP) suit safety-conscious buyers in Gurgaon, but untested.

Winner: Punch for verified crash safety.

Score: Punch 8.8/10, Exter 8.5/10.

7. Boot Space and Practicality: Punch’s Slight Advantage

CNG tanks reduce boot space, but twin-cylinder setups help. The Punch’s 366-litre boot (with parcel shelf removed) feels more voluminous than the Exter’s 391-litre boot, per Autocar India. The Punch includes a full-size spare wheel, while the Exter uses a tire repair kit, a drawback for rural drives in Rajasthan.

• Punch: Dual 30L CNG tanks under the floor maximize space for weekend trips to Munnar.
• Exter: 55L single-tank option (cheaper by ₹7,000) eats boot space, but twin-tank Duo is comparable.

Winner: Punch for spare wheel and practical boot.

Score: Punch 8.4/10, Exter 8.2/10.

8. Pricing and Variants: Punch’s Wider Range

The Punch iCNG ranges from ₹7.23–9.85 lakh, with six variants (Pure to Creative Plus), offering affordability at the base. The Exter Hy-CNG Duo spans ₹8.50–9.38 lakh (S, SX, SX Knight), with a single-cylinder option at ₹7.51 lakh. The Exter SX is ₹47,000 cheaper than the Punch Accomplished Plus, per Autocar India.

• Punch: Lower entry price suits budget buyers in Patna; top trims pricier.
• Exter: Competitive mid-spec pricing and feature-rich SX appeal to value-seekers in Surat.

Winner: Exter for better value in mid-to-top trims.

Score: Exter 8.6/10, Punch 8.3/10.

9. Design and Road Presence: Punch’s Bold Appeal

The Punch’s mini-Harrier styling, with split headlamps, LED taillights, and muscular haunches, gives it stronger road presence, popular among Indian buyers (14,500 units sold, August 2023, per @volklub). The Exter’s flat bonnet and H-shaped DRLs look modern but polarize with a busy rear, per CarandBike.

• Punch: 185 mm clearance and 16-inch alloys suit India’s rough roads in Bihar.
• Exter: Taller profile but under-tyred 15-inch wheels feel less imposing.

Winner: Punch for bolder, crowd-pleasing design.

Score: Punch 8.7/10, Exter 8.3/10.

10. Ownership Costs: Exter’s Lower Maintenance

CNG maintenance (₹8,000–10,000/year) and fuel costs (~₹2.83–2.93/km) dominate ownership. The Exter SX has lower maintenance (₹18,000/5 years vs. Punch’s ₹20,000, per V3Cars) and better city efficiency, saving ~₹9,000 over 50,000 km (₹75/kg CNG). The Punch offers lower base variant costs and Tata’s 700+ service centres, vs. Hyundai’s 600+.

• Exter: Lower TCO (fuel + maintenance) for urban drivers in Noida.
• Punch: Cheaper entry and wider service network for rural buyers in Odisha.

Winner: Exter for lower long-term costs.

Score: Exter 8.5/10, Punch 8.3/10.

Comparison Table: Tata Punch iCNG vs Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo

Data from Autocar India, CarDekho, NDTV, V3Cars. Prices as of May 2025.

Drawbacks to Consider

• Tata Punch iCNG:
  • Rougher engine with vibrations in city traffic.
  • Lacks six airbags, ESP, and TPMS, critical for Gurgaon families.
  • Pricier top variants reduce value vs. Exter SX.
  • Less precise gearbox hampers city driving.
• Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo:
  • No spare wheel in twin-cylinder variants, risky for rural drives in Jharkhand.
  • Smaller seats lack support for long trips to Ooty.
  • Polarizing rear design may deter style-conscious buyers in Mumbai.
  • Highway instability at 100 km/h, per Autocar India.

Buying Tips for Indian Buyers

• Choose Exter SX for Value: ₹8.97 lakh offers six airbags, sunroof, and 22.8 km/kg city efficiency, ideal for Bangalore commuters.
• Opt for Punch Pure CNG for Budget: ₹7.23 lakh suits first-time buyers in Patna needing 5-star safety.
• Test Drive Both: Assess Exter’s refinement in city traffic (e.g., Delhi) and Punch’s stability on highways (e.g., Ahmedabad).
• Budget Ownership Costs: Plan ₹8,000–10,000/year for CNG maintenance and ₹40,000/year for fuel (15,000 km, 22 km/kg, ₹80/kg).
• Check Service Reach: Tata’s 700+ centres vs. Hyundai’s 600+; verify proximity in rural areas like Odisha.
• Compare CNG Availability: Ensure CNG pumps are accessible (e.g., 1,200+ in Delhi-NCR vs. 500+ in Tamil Nadu, per IOC, 2025).

Who Should Buy Which CNG Micro-SUV?

• Tata Punch iCNG:
  • Highway Commuters: Drivers on Pune-Mumbai routes needing stability and 30.5 km/kg.
  • Budget Buyers: Small business owners in Kanpur prioritizing ₹7.23 lakh entry price.
  • Safety-Focused Families: Lucknow buyers valuing 5-star GNCAP and spare wheel.
• Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo:
  • City Dwellers: Professionals in Bangalore craving 22.8 km/kg and smooth gearbox.
  • Feature Seekers: Chennai families wanting six airbags, sunroof, and TPMS.
  • Value Hunters: Surat buyers seeking lower TCO and mid-spec value.

Verdict: Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo Wins, But Punch Packs a Punch

The Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo emerges as the better CNG micro-SUV for most Indian buyers, thanks to its superior city efficiency (22.8 km/kg), smoother four-cylinder engine, richer features (six airbags, TPMS), and lower mid-spec pricing (₹8.97 lakh SX). Its refined drivability and urban-friendly ride make it ideal for congested cities like Delhi or Bangalore, where CNG costs (₹2.83/km) save ~50% vs. petrol (₹5.50/km at ₹110/L). Autocar India rates it 8.7/10, and X posts (@autocarindiamag) praise its “well-rounded package.”

However, the Tata Punch iCNG is a strong contender for highway drivers (30.5 km/kg), budget buyers (₹7.23 lakh), and safety-conscious families, with its 5-star GNCAP rating and practical boot (spare wheel). Its bolder design and 14,500 monthly sales (August 2023, per @volklub) reflect strong market appeal. Rated 8.5/10, it’s perfect for rural drives in Bihar or long hauls to Goa.

Final Choice: Pick the Exter for city commuting, features, and value; choose the Punch for safety, highway cruising, or budget. Test drive both to decide, as preferences vary. Pre-book now via Tata or Hyundai dealers, with deliveries ongoing in May 2025.

Share your pick in the comments! Visit CarDekho or Autocar India for deals.

Sources: Autocar India YouTube (Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter CNG Comparison), CarDekho, NDTV, V3Cars, 91Wheels, X posts by @autocarindiamag, @volklub, @91wheels.