A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Punch starts ZAR 25,000 cheaperEXTER from ZAR 269,900 · Punch from ZAR 244,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Maximum Power
5 kW
65 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
114 Nm
115 Nm @ 3250 rpm
Engine Size
1197 cc
1199 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
16.9 km/l
17.86 km/l
Ground Clearance
185 mm
187 mm
Boot / Load Bay
391 l
366 l
Airbags
6
2
Kerb Weight
999 kg
1059 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5
5 years / 125,000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
EXTER has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Punch remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Punch
+12 pts
Efficiency
Punch
+2 pts
Safety
EXTER
+40 pts
Practicality
EXTER
+4 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
EXTER
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Punch
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
EXTER
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Punch
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2025
Generation
Current South African EXTER listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
First-generation South African-market Tata Punch compact five-door SUV
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Introduced with Tata Passenger Vehicles' South African return in 2025; no South African facelift has been announced
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Compact SUV
SUV
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
Active
Segment
SUV
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
999 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger Car
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Length
3815 mm
3827 mm
Width
1710 mm
1742 mm
Height
1631 mm
1615 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2445 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
185 mm
187 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
35 l
Boot/Cargo Space
391 l
366 l
Kerb Weight
999 kg
1059 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
159 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
-
1483 kg
Payload Capacity
-
424 kg
Towing Capacity
-
0 kg
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
-
5.0 m
Front Headroom
-
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
-
940 mm
Front Legroom
-
870 mm
Rear Legroom
-
890 mm
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Independent, Lower Wishbone, Mcpherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Semi-independent Twist Beam with Coil Spring and Shock Absorber
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Not Available
FATC
Power Windows
Not Available
Front Rear
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
AC Type
Not Available
FATC
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
4
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Cloth
-
Steering Mounted Controls
Multifunction
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
exter
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
flagship
-
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1197 cc
1199 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
3
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
12
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
11.3:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
77 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
85.8 mm
Maximum Power
5 kW
65 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
114 Nm
115 Nm @ 3250 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
5-Speed AMT
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, City
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
5 kW/tonne
61.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
114.1 Nm/tonne
108.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Gearbox
AMT
5-Speed AMT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
4.64
Number of Gears
5
5
Transmission Type
Automated Manual
Automated Manual Transmission
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Automated dry single-plate clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gear Shift Type
AMT
Automated manual gear selector
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Available
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
AMT
AMT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
5
5
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Claimed Mileage
16.9 km/l
17.86 km/l
City Mileage
13.6 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.9 km/l
16.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
35 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
BS VI Phase 2
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
16.9 km/l
17.86 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
37 l
35
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Airbags
6
2
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Through PEPS
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Airbag
6
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Through PEPS
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
6
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Lights
Halogen with automatic function
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Seat Material
Cloth
Tri Arrow Design Fabric Seat
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear USB Ports
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather-wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual adjustable
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual slide and recline
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EXTER grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Cloth
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Tri Arrow Design Fabric Seat
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Infotainment System
SYNC
Floating 10.5" Infotainment System
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Connectivity
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
4" Digital Cluster
USB Ports
Standard
Front A and Fast C type USB
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Connectivity
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Connectivity
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
10.5-inch
Audio Controls On Steering
Multifunction
-
Rear Usb
Standard
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
10.5-inch
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
Standard
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
10.5-inch
Spec
EXTER
Punch
LED Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
H-signature LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
With Cornering Lamps
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
3
Orcus White with Black Roof, Tornado Blue with White Roof, Calypso Red with White Roof, Daytona Grey with Black Roof, Tropical Mist with Black Roof
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
H-signature LED
Standard
Led Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
Not Available
Auto Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
-
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
-
Daytime Running Lights
H-signature LED
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlamp Levelling
Halogen with automatic function
-
Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Not Available
Headlight Type
Halogen with automatic function
Not Available
Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Approach Angle
Not Available
20.3 deg
Departure Angle
Not Available
37.6 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
370 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
22.2 deg
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Tyre Size
Not Available
195/70 R16
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Steel spare wheel, 185/70 R15
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
16-inch
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Manual handbrake
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Multifunction
-
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
2 years / 30,000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
2 years / 30,000 km
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
2 years / 30,000 km
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Warranty Years
5
5 years / 125,000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 years / 125,000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
5 years / 125,000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
5 years / 125,000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
EXTER
Punch
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
132 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
Punch
Ownership Role
Flagship
New passenger vehicle
Price Zar
334900 ZAR
339900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Recommended retail price
Starting Price
334900
339900
Starting Price Zar
334900
339900
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
EXTER leads by 8 points
EXTER has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Punch remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
EXTER
Performance
19/100
Efficiency
66/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
65/100
Ownership
65/100
Punch
Performance
31/100
Efficiency
68/100
Safety
44/100
Practicality
61/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Hyundai EXTER
leads the catalogue index with 58 pts
vs 50 pts for Punch
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, EXTER leads. However, Punch may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This EXTER and Punch comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: EXTER 19 vs Punch 31.
Efficiency index: EXTER 66 vs Punch 68.
Safety-equipment index: EXTER 84 vs Punch 44.
Practicality index: EXTER 65 vs Punch 61.
Ownership-cover index: EXTER 65 vs Punch not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
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