Nilanjan
The Indian car market is witnessing a surge in demand for compact SUVs, which offer the benefits of space, style, and performance in a relatively affordable package. Three of the most anticipated models in this segment are the Hyundai Exter, the Tata Punch, and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. All three are expected to launch in the coming months and compete for the attention of the buyers. But how do they compare in terms of price, features, specifications, and design?
Let’s find out.
Price
The price of a car is one of the most important factors that influence the buying decision of the customers. The Hyundai Exter price is expected to start from Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom). The Tata Punch is available at a starting price of Rs 5.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 9.52 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki is offering the Fronx compact SUV at a starting price of Rs 7.46 lakh, while the higher-spec variant costs Rs 9.52 lakh (ex-showroom)1.
The Tata Punch seems to have an edge over its rivals in terms of pricing, as it offers a range of variants to suit different budgets and preferences. The Hyundai Exter and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx are more or less on par with each other, but the latter may have an advantage in terms of after-sales service and network.
Features
The features of a car reflect its level of comfort, convenience, safety, and technology. The Hyundai Exter is expected to come with features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start, rear parking sensors and camera, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat anchors2.
The Tata Punch is loaded with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman sound system, digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start, rear parking sensors and camera, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, traction control, hill hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors3.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx comes with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Smartplay Studio app connectivity, automatic climate control, remote engine start/stop, idle start/stop system, rear parking sensors and camera, dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist4.
The Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter seem to have more features than the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. However, the Fronx has some unique features like remote engine start/stop and idle start/stop system that may appeal to some customers.
Specifications
The specifications of a car indicate its performance, efficiency, and handling. The Hyundai Exter is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine that produces 82 bhp and 114 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. It also has an option of a CNG variant that delivers 66 bhp and 95 Nm of torque2.
The Tata Punch is powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine that produces 87 bhp and 115 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox3.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is powered by a 1.2-litre Dual Jet petrol engine that produces 89 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It also has an option of a 1.0-litre Turbo Boosterjet petrol engine that produces 99 bhp and 148 Nm of torque4.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has the most powerful engines among the three cars. However, the Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter are not far behind in terms of power output. The fuel efficiency figures of the three cars are yet to be revealed.
Design
The design of a car reflects its personality, appeal, and identity. The Hyundai Exter is based on the Grand i10 Nios platform and has a sporty and stylish look. It has features like LED DRLs, projector headlamps, fog lamps, dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, shark fin antenna, rear spoiler, LED tail lamps, and a blacked-out grille2.
The Tata Punch is based on the ALFA-ARC platform and has a rugged and muscular look. It has features like LED DRLs, projector headlamps, fog lamps, dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, shark fin antenna, rear spoiler, LED tail lamps, and a tri-arrow grille3.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is based on the Baleno platform and has a sleek and elegant look. It has features like LED DRLs, projector headlamps, fog lamps, dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, shark fin antenna, rear spoiler, LED tail lamps, and a chrome grille4.
The design of the three cars is subjective and depends on the personal taste of the customers. However, the Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter have a more distinctive and bold look than the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
The Hyundai Exter, the Tata Punch, and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx are all promising contenders in the compact SUV segment. They offer a good balance of price, features, specifications, and design. However, each car has its own strengths and weaknesses that may appeal to different customers. The Tata Punch is the most affordable and feature-rich car among the three. The Hyundai Exter is the most spacious and stylish car among the three. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is the most powerful and efficient car among the three. Ultimately, the choice of the car depends on the needs, preferences, and budget of the customers.
Conclusion
Here is a comparison table of the three cars:
| Feature | Hyundai Exter | Tata Punch | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 6 lakh – Rs 9 lakh | Rs 5.99 lakh – Rs 9.52 lakh | Rs 7.46 lakh – Rs 9.52 lakh |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Kappa petrol / CNG | 1.2-litre Revotron petrol | 1.2-litre Dual Jet petrol / 1.0-litre Turbo Boosterjet petrol |
| Power | 82 bhp / 66 bhp | 87 bhp | 89 bhp / 99 bhp |
| Torque | 114 Nm / 95 Nm | 115 Nm | 113 Nm / 148 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual / AMT | 5-speed manual / AMT | 5-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| Mileage (ARAI) | NA | NA | NA |
| Boot Space | 391 litres | 366 litres | 308 litres |
| Length | 3815 mm | 3827 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1710 mm | 1742 mm | 1765 mm |
| Height | 1631 mm | 1615 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm | 2445 mm | 2520 mm |
We hope this blog helps you to understand the differences and similarities between the three cars. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading.
