5 cars to consider instead of the Tata Punch

Tata played a huge gamble when it launched the Punch in the dead micro-SUV segment. But the gamble has worked like a treat with the Punch raking in around 12k to 14 sales per month. But what if are looking for something different? What are other alternatives in this segment? So, we are doing a list of alternatives to the Punch. Just to clarify, the Punch is a great package overall and we are just giving some alternatives in this price range. Currently, the Punch starts from Rs 7.12 lakh and goes to Rs 12.05 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). So we will be recommending cars over Punch only in this price range. So let’s talk about 5 cars to buy instead of the Tata Punch. 

Hyundai Exter

The most obvious car on the list is the Hyundai Exter. The Exter directly rivals the Tata Punch in this segment. In the same price range, you can get the top variant of Exter. The Exter comes with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine capable of producing 82bhp and 114Nm of torque. There is also a CNG option capable of producing 68bhp and 95.2Nm of torque. Feature-wise, the Exter comes with connected car technology, an 8-inch infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, an electric sunroof and wireless phone charging. The overall price of Exter ranges from Rs 7.13 lakh and goes to Rs 12.08 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). 

Cars to buy instead of Tata Punch – Maruti Baleno

Yes, the Baleno is not the safest car around, but barring that it has everything covered. So, if you can overlook safety, the Baleno is a good option. It comes with a tried and tested 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine capable of producing 88bhp and 113Nm torque. There is also a CNG option capable of producing 76bhp and 98.5Nm torque. What about the features? With last year’s update, the Baleno is now loaded with features like a 9-inch infotainment system, UV-cut glass, a heads-up display, an ARKAMYs sound system, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, 6 speakers and more. Pricing-wise, the Baleno starts from Rs 7.69 lakh and goes to Rs 11.41 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). 

Honda Amaze

We know, you may be thinking, what is a sedan doing here? But the Amaze is quite an all-rounder in this aspect. In Rs 12 lakh, you can get the top model of Amaze with a CVT gearbox. The Amaze comes with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine capable of producing 88bhp and 110Nm of torque. Also, safety is covered as the Amaze has a 4-star rating in the older protocols of GNCAP. Feature-wise, the Amaze comes with a 7-inch infotainment system, automatic headlamps, steering-mounted audio controls, a wireless charger, cruise control, automatic climate control and more. Pricing-wise, the Amaze starts from Rs 8.37 lakh and goes to Rs 11.57 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). 

Tiago EV

If you are looking for an EV option in this price range, then Tiago EV is your go-to option. In Rs 12 lakhs, you can easily get the top variant of the Tiago EV. The Tiago EV comes with two battery pack options, a 19.2kWh  and a bigger 24kWh battery pack. The 19.2kWh battery pack is paired with a 60bhp motor that generates 105Nm of peak torque. This combination gives it a claimed range of 250km. 

The 24kWh battery pack on the other hand comes with a 73bhp motor that generates 114Nm of torque. Also, the bigger battery gives it an improved claimed range of 315km. Charging-wise, it takes 3hrs 36min with the 7.2kW AC home charger. While the DC fast charger option is also available to charge the battery from 0 to 80% in 57 minutes. Feature-wise, the Tiago EV comes with a 7-inch infotainment system, an 8-speaker Harman sound system, and automatic climate control. Tata Tiago EV pricing starts from Rs 9.19 lakh and goes to Rs 12.78 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). 

Cars to buy instead of Tata Punch – Nissan Magnite

In this price range, the Magnite is quite a value-for-money option. It is an overall package as you get features, a bigger car and more power compared to the Punch. It also comes with a 4-star safety rating in the older protocols of GNCAP. In Rs 12 lakhs, you can get the XV premium with the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine or you can get the XV turbo with the 1.0-litre turbo petrol. So it boils down to personal choice if you want a better engine or more features. Both engines come with manual and automatic gearboxes. Feature-wise, you get a digital instrument cluster, 360-degree, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, 8.0-inch infotainment etc. Pricing-wise, the Magnite starts from Rs 7.38 lakh and goes to Rs 13.22 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). 

Also read:

2024 Tata Punch – What new things to expect?

Journey of Tata Punch – From H2X to HBX to India’s favourite Micro SUV!

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