Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch: A Comparison of Their Variants Under Rs 8 Lakh for Budget-conscious Buyers

What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the micro SUVs Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch to see what attracts budget-conscious buyers to them.

In this article, we will discuss

• What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
• Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
• How to pick the right car for you

These two models are among affordable car options in the micro SUV segment in India. But which of these is the best budget micro SUV? Read on.

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What a Budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car

A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:

• Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
• Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
• Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
• Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
• Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates

A budget-conscious buyer primarily seeks value for money. They prioritize fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and essential safety features. Reliable performance without compromising on basic comforts and conveniences, such as power steering or windows, is a must. 

While they might be willing to compromise on some advanced features, key attributes like mileage, number of airbags, and overall cost effectiveness take precedence. A car that delivers a balanced blend of these elements without breaking the bank is an ideal choice.

Why Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch are Popular

Both Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch have earned reputations as economical yet robust vehicles, making them popular among budget-conscious buyers. 

The Hyundai Exter offers an impressive array of safety features, especially considering its price bracket. With up to six airbags, Hyundai ensures the safety of its passengers isn’t compromised.

On the other hand, Tata Punch, a product of the trusted Indian brand Tata, emphasizes both safety and fuel efficiency. Its mileage figures, especially in city conditions, are competitive, making it a favorable choice for daily commuters. 

Additionally, its design and the introduction of variants like the Camo series cater to buyers who don’t want to compromise entirely on aesthetics, even on a budget.

In essence, both cars have managed to strike a balance between essential features and cost, ensuring that budget-conscious buyers don’t have to compromise on safety, efficiency, or style.

Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch Variants Shortlist in Rs 7-8 Lakh Range

For Tata Punch, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 4 September 2023
Camo Accomplished	₹780,000
Adventure AMT Rhythm	₹785,000
Camo Adventure AMT Rhythm	₹795,000

For Hyundai Exter, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 4 September 2023
S	₹727,000
S AMT	₹797,000
SX	₹800,000

Tata Punch Camo Accomplished

Priced at INR 780,000, this variant provides a good balance of safety with 2 airbags, appreciable city mileage of 20.09 kmpl, and essentials like power steering, power windows, and LCD touchscreen. 

It encapsulates what budget-conscious buyers primarily look for – value for money. You can also read our comparison of the Punch with Citroen C3 for first-time car buyers.

Hyundai Exter S

The Hyundai Exter S, priced at INR 727,000, is the cheapest variant on the list. It offers an edge in safety with six airbags. With a city mileage of 19.4 kmpl, it’s slightly more efficient than some higher-priced models. 

Moreover, features like an 8-inch LCD touchscreen enhance the driving experience. We also have our comparison of the Exter and Punch for tech-savvy buyers.

Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm

At INR 785,000, this variant is slightly pricier than the Camo Accomplished but offers an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), which is excellent for city driving and offers a comparable mileage. If you’re safety-conscious, you can check out this comparison of the Punch and Exter.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch for Budget-conscious buyers

The Hyundai Exter S emerges as the best choice for budget-conscious buyers. Priced at a competitive INR 727,000, it provides unparalleled safety with six airbags, a crucial factor for any buyer. Its city mileage of 19.4 kmpl ensures efficient fuel consumption. 

Essential features like power steering, front power windows, an 8-inch LCD touchscreen, and rear parking sensors enhance its value proposition. Moreover, the inclusion of rear AC vents offers added comfort, a feature often missing in budget variants. 

In essence, Hyundai Exter S presents a well-rounded package that fits your wallet and offers more than its price suggests.

The 3 Choices Ranked

1. Hyundai Exter S
2. Tata Punch Camo Accomplished
3. Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm

Attributes	Hyundai Exter S	Tata Punch Camo Accomplished	Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags	6	2	2
City Mileage (kmpl)	19.4	20.09	18.8
Engine Type	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol
Overall Mileage (kmpl)	19.4	20.09	18.8
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Front	Yes	Yes	Yes
Touchscreen type	LCD	LCD	LCD

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Hyundai Exter S offers exceptional value, especially considering the six airbags and rear AC vents. 
• Tata Punch Camo Accomplished, with the best city mileage, is ideal for urban commuters.
• The Adventure AMT Rhythm is for those prioritizing ease of driving with an automatic transmission. 

These three variants encapsulate the essence of what budget-conscious buyers seek: safety, efficiency, and essential conveniences, all wrapped up in an economical package. They are cars that will easily fit within your budget while offering value for your money.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

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