New Maruti Dzire CNG vs Tata Punch CNG – Which One To Buy?

In the last few years, CNG has emerged as a popular technology to cater to those car buyers who want the lowest running costs

This post contains a thorough comparison between the new Maruti Dzire CNG and Tata Punch CNG on the basis of design, specs, prices, features and more. Dzire has been all the rage at the moment in our market after becoming the first Maruti Suzuki car to secure a full 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. In addition, its latest 4th-generation model offers new-age design language, tech and convenience features and a brand-new engine. This time around, the largest carmaker in the country has announced that it won’t offer this new Dzire as a commercial vehicle. On the other hand, Tata Punch is among the highest-selling micro SUVs in the country. Here are the details of both these products.

New Maruti Dzire CNG vs Tata Punch CNG – Price

Let us start with the price. We know that India is a price-conscious market. Hence, this becomes the most imperative parameter to compare the two cars. The new Maruti Dzire CNG is available in two variants – VXi and ZXi. These retail for Rs 8.74 lakh and Rs 9.84 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Tata Punch CNG is on offer in many trims with the prices starting at Rs 7.23 lakh and going up to Rs 10.05 lakh, ex-showroom.

New Maruti Dzire CNG vs Tata Punch CNG – Specs and Mileage

The new Maruti Dzire CNG shares its powertrain and transmission options with the latest Swift. This means it gets a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated mill with a bi-fuel option which generates a decent 70 PS and 102 Nm of peak. This engine pairs with a sole 5-speed manual transmission. However, the biggest attraction is the almost unbelievable 33.73 km/kg mileage. These are class-leading numbers. The compact sedan offers a fuel tank of 55 litres (water-filling capacity) which ensures enough distance between refills.

On the other hand, the Tata Punch CNG also draws power from a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with a bi-fuel (petrol + CNG) option which is good for 73.5 PS and 103 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties is a 5-speed manual transmission. In this case, the mileage figures are still an impressive 26.99 km/kg despite it being a micro SUV. Also, the fuel tank capacity is 60 litres, which is higher than the Dzire. I must mention here that Punch CNG gets the dual-cylinder technology which frees up tons of usable space in the boot compartment, unlike many other CNG cars.

New Maruti Dzire CNG vs Tata Punch CNG – Features and Safety

Tech features are one aspect which all new-age car buyers want from their vehicles. In essence, today’s cars have become gadgets on wheels. For starters, let us check out what the latest Maruti Dzire CNG offers:

• 7-inch Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Pro
• Onboard Voice Assistant via “Hi Suzuki”
• Over-the-Air (OTA) System Upgrades Using Smartphones
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Auto AC
• Rear AC Vents
• Wireless Charger
• 60:40 Split Rear Seat
• Rear USB Ports
• Rear Wiper & Washer
• Adjustable Rear Seat Headrests
• 6-Speaker Audio System
• Luggage Room Lamp
• Electronic Stability Control
• 6 Airbags
• Hill Hold Assist
• ABS with EBD
• Electrically Foldable and Adjustable ORVMs
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Engine Push Start/Stop Button w/ Smart Key
• Alexa Skill Connectivity
• Smartwatch Connectivity
• Rear USB Ports
• Steering-Mounted Audio Control

On the other hand, the Tata Punch CNG is also a feature-laden product with the main highlights:

• 7-inch Floating Touchscreen Infotainment Display by Harman
• Push Button Start/Stop
• Driver Seat Height Adjustment
• Anti Glare IRVM
• ORVM with Electrical Adjustment
• 6-speaker Audio System
• USB Type A and C
• Front Seat Armrest
• Follow-me-home Headlamps
• Central Remote Locking with Flip Key
• Tilt Adjustable Steering wheel with Controls
• 90-degree Opening Doors
• Rear Flat Floor
• 2 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Brake Sway Control
• Reverse Parking Camera with Sensors

Design and Dimensions

This is where the two vehicles are very distinct from one another. The Dzire is a compact sedan, whereas the Punch is a micro SUV. The new Maruti Dzire is completely different from the last-gen model. It has become much more premium and upmarket. At the front, we witness the sleek LED headlamp units with integrated LED DRLs which are connected via a gloss black panel with a chrome strip on it. I particularly like the massive grille section with horizontal elements and distinct fog lamps on either side. The bumper bears sporty elements which add to the charm of the sedan. On the sides, the viewers are greeted by elegant dual-tone 15-inch alloy wheels, black side pillars and a chrome surround on the window frames. At the rear, we get to explore a shark fin antenna, a boot lid-mounted integrated spoiler, a tri-arrow pattern for the LED taillamps with a chrome belt in between and a rugged bumper. The new Dzire certainly possesses a modern appearance.

On the other hand, the Tata Punch CNG embodies the traits of a micro SUV perfectly. It has a butch stance with rugged exterior elements. That is something the potential customers truly appreciate. The front section contains a striking outlook with slim LED DRLs on the end of the bonnet connected via a chrome strip which underlines the sleek gloss black grille section. Down below, we see the prominent headlamps on the extreme edges of the bumper with a rugged element in the middle and the fog lamps in the lower section. On the sides, it gets prominent wheel arches with black claddings, black side pillars and elegant alloy wheels. At the rear, there is a roof-mounted spoiler with a high-mount stop lamp, compact LED taillamps and a rugged bumper with reflector lights. It certainly has a road presence of its own.

My View

Before we come to any conclusion, I must mention that both these are immensely capable vehicles in their own regard. On the one hand, we have the highest-selling sedan in the country. It has its own appeal which has been greatly enhanced in its latest avatar due to a full 5-star safety rating at the Global NCAP, new-age design, a fresh and efficient engine and the availability of loads of modern features. Hence, if you are in the market for a practical sedan with a proven past, the new Dzire is the one for you.

However, if you are someone who is inclined towards the latest trend of owning an SUV, the Tata Punch CNG might suit your preferences better. It has an upright stance, a tough demeanour, a full 5-star safety rating, and all the bells and whistles along with loads of practicality. Therefore, it is a matter of preference. I would encourage our readers to experience both these in the flesh and choose the one that calls out to your inner car buyer. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these compelling propositions.

Also Read: New Maruti Dzire Imagined as a Low-Slung Performance Car