Spec comparison: New Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch vs Citroen C3

Hyundai has launched the much-anticipated Exter in India with prices starting at Rs 5.99 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom), which is exactly the same starting price of its direct rival, the Tata Punch, whereas the Citroen C3 is marginally costlier. While the prices of these offerings could be similar but they can be distinguished with several key aspects, such as engine options, features, safety equipment, and dimensions. Here, we compare all three cars to find out which one offers better performance, mileage, features, and safety equipment on paper.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch vs Citroen C3: Dimensions

In terms of dimensions, the Citroen C3 is the longest among its rivals, and it also has the largest wheelbase. In fact, the Exter is the shortest when it comes to length, while the Punch is marginally longer. Further, the Exter has an extra 5mm wheelbase than the Punch, but is considerably shorter than the C3. The Exter is the tallest, whereas the Punch is the widest in the segment. In terms of boot space, the Hyundai's SUV emerges as the clear winner with a boot space of 391 litres, followed by the Punch and C3.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch vs Citroen C3: Powertrain and mileage

Powering the Hyundai Exter is a 1.2-litre, in-line four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 83PS and 114Nm of torque. Whereas, this unit makes 69PS and 95.2Nm of torque in CNG mode. Hyundai offers a five five-speed manual and five-speed AMT transmission options with the petrol motor, while the CNG version comes mated to only a five-speed gearbox.

Tata's Punch comes powered by a 1.2-litre, in-line three cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol unit that makes 88PS and 115Nm. It is coupled to a five-speed manual and a five-speed AMT.

Last but not least, Citroen C3 gets two engine options. There is a 1.2-litre, in-line three cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol producing 82PS and 115Nm of torque. This motor is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and a 1.2-litre, in-line three cylinder, turbocharged petrol 110PS and 190Nm of torque. However, it comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

In terms of fuel economy, the Exter returns Petrol with manual gearbox returns a fuel efficiency of 19.4kmpl, while the Exter with AMT unit gives out a mileage of 19.2kmpl. On the other hand, Exter CNG with its five-speed manual transmission has a claimed fuel economy of 27.1km/kg. Going forward, the mileage of the Punch petrol manual and AMT is rated at 20.09kmpl and petrol 18.8kmpl, respectively. Whereas, Citroen says that both the 1.2-litre NA petrol and 1.2-litre turbo petrol can return a fuel economy of 19.3kmpl.

The naturally aspirated engine of the Exter, Punch, and C3 offer similar power output at 83PS/114Nm, 88PS/115Nm, and 82PS/115Nm, respectively. On top of that, the C3 also comes with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol motor that makes 110PS and 190Nm of torque. Having said that, Exter is the only vehicle among three to offer a CNG powertrain option. When it comes to fuel efficiency, Tata Punch petrol manual promises a mileage of 20.09kmpl, followed by the Exter and C3. Since the C3 does not have an option of automatic transmission, the Exter AMT has the highest mileage of 19.2kmpl, while the fuel economy of the Punch AMT is rated at 18.8kmpl.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch vs Citroen C3: Prices

Prices of the Hyundai Exter Petrol 1.2 MT range between Rs 5,99,900 and Rs 9,31,990 (introductory, ex-showroom), while the prices of the Exter Petrol 1.2 AMT start from Rs 7,96,980 (introductory, ex-showroom). Also on offer is the Hyundai Exter CNG 1.2 MT, which is priced at Rs 8,23,990 onwards (introductory, ex-showroom). Whereas, Tata Punch Petrol 1.2 MT prices start at Rs 5,99,900 and go up to Rs 8,91,900 (ex-showroom). On the other hand, the prices of the Punch Petrol 1.2 AMT range between Rs 7,49,900 and Rs 9,51,900 (ex-showroom). The base-spec Citroen C3 1.2 NA petrol costs Rs 6.16 (ex-showroom), while the top-spec C3 has a price tag of Rs 8.92 lakh (ex-showroom).

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