Intro

The Tata Punch facelift vs Hyundai Exter is the ultimate micro-SUV dilemma of late 2025: do you choose the Exter’s proven reliability today or wait for a tech-rich Punch with updated features? This comparison breaks down the reasons why that timing and price window matters.

What buyers will notice first

• Entry pricing: Both nameplates start near ₹6 lakh ex-showroom, so on-road math is manageable for first-time SUV buyers in big cities and Tier-2 cities.
• Engines that make sense: Punch facelift is expected to continue with a 1.2L petrol (~88 PS/115 Nm), while Exter’s 1.2L makes 81.8 bhp/113.8 Nm and gets factory CNG for lower running costs.
• Fuel economy: Exter has certified 19.2-19.4 km/l figures; Punch facelift numbers are pending, but the familiar 1.2L is tuned for city efficiency.

Cabin tech and feel

Tata’s refresh is expected to bring a larger 10.25-inch screen, a cleaner digital cluster and ventilated seats and air purifier – quality-of-life upgrades that make daily commutes feel newer without upsizing segments. That’s the appeal if a 2025 purchase can wait. Hyundai has an electric sunroof, dual dashcam, paddle shifters on AMT and straightforward ergonomics, so mid trims already feel complete for first-time owners.

On the road

While both cars are powered by 1.2L engines, the Punch’s 3-cylinder NA petrol with 5-speed MT/AMT is the easygoing city car. It’s a sensible choice for urban speeds but can feel a bit strained on the highway. The Exter, on the other hand, uses a 4-cylinder engine, which delivers a slightly smoother, more refined feel.

Safety that’s meaningful

Expect higher trims of the Punch facelift to add six airbags, ESC, a 360-degree camera, and TPMS – exactly the kind of upgrades this segment is moving toward, and a logical complement to its 5‑star Global NCAP result. The Exter also offers six airbags as standard, but its safety has not yet been independently verified by an agency like Global NCAP.

Price, availability and the call to make

Punch facelift prices will start at around ₹6 lakh with a mid-to-late 2025 launch; Exter is already on sale in the ₹6-10.5 lakh band so immediate buyers will go for Hyundai while planners might wait for Tata’s updated kit.

Also read

Tata Punch Facelift Spied With New Design, Big Screen & Premium Features

Closing note

If buying this season, Exter’s economy and kit is hard to beat; if timing is flexible, Punch facelift’s tech and safety upgrades are worth the wait. Either way, this segment has serious value.

FAQs

Which is more fuel‑efficient?
Exter carries certified 19.2–19.4 km/l figures today; Punch facelift figures aren’t official yet, though the 1.2L layout is frugal in city use.

When is the Punch facelift due?
Reporting points to 2025, with timelines from mid‑year to late‑year; official confirmation is pending.