New Maruti Dzire vs Tata Punch – What To Buy?

After the launch of the new Maruti Dzire, the comparison with similarly priced vehicles is warranted

In this post, I shall compare the freshly launched new Maruti Dzire with the mighty popular Tata Punch. I understand that these two belong to two different categories. However, there is a huge price overlap between the two. That makes things really interesting. Apart from that, both cars are 5-star safety rated at the NCAP tests. That is another critical factor which could make things really confusing for potential car buyers. That is why it makes sense to analyze the two popular products in terms of specs, prices, features, safety, design and dimensions to ensure that we are able to make an informed decision based on our requirements.

New Maruti Dzire vs Tata Punch – Price

Let us commence with the most compelling reason, the price. The new Dzire sells between Rs 6.79 lakh for the base LXi manual and Rs 10.14 lakh for the ZXi AGS, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Tata Punch retails between Rs 6.13 lakh and Rs 10.15 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the prices of the two vehicles are as closely matched as possible. There isn’t much to choose from in this aspect.

New Maruti Dzire vs Tata Punch – Design and Dimensions

Next up, let us discuss how these two vehicles look. The new Maruti Dzire features a brand-new styling which makes it completely different from either the current-gen Swift or the outgoing Dzire. At the front, we get to witness sleek LED headlamp clusters with integrated LED DRLs. These lights are joined by a piano black panel which sits atop the colossal black front grille with horizontal elements. On the extreme edges of the sporty bumper, we see an elegant housing for the fog lamp. The side profile is dominated by cool 15-inch alloy wheels and a chrome belt underneath the window frames. The tail section comprises of a shark fin antenna, an integrated spoiler on the boot, and arrow-inspired LED taillamps connected via a thick chrome bar.

On the other hand, the Tata Punch carries the typically butch micro SUV stance which a lot of people love. In fact, that lends it an imposing road presence. The front fascia incorporates a modern-looking sleek LED DRLs section on the bonnet connected by a chrome belt. In fact, the main headlamp cluster is located on the extreme edges of the bumper with fog lamps just underneath them. In the centre, it gets a rugged black section which offers a sporty appearance. On the sides, there are pronounced wheel arches which house elegant alloy wheels, black side pillars and roof rails. The tail section boasts a roof-mounted spoiler, tri-arrow LED taillamps, a contoured bootlid and a sturdy bumper. Both these cars have their unique identities. In terms of the dimensions, the Dzire is definitely the longer of the two and has a marginally longer wheelbase.

New Maruti Dzire vs Tata Punch – Specs and Mileage

This is where the two vehicles differ quite a bit. The new Maruti Dzire comes with the same engine as the new Swift. This means that it has a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E naturally aspirated petrol mill good for 82 PS and 112 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT automatic transmission. The mileage figures are an impressive 24.8 kmpl with the manual version and 25.75 kmpl with the automatic. There will also be a CNG version of this engine which will generate 70 PS and 102 Nm of peak power and torque. The mileage will be an impressive 33.73 km/kg. Hence, people with varying degrees of needs will be catered to.

On the other hand, the Tata Punch is also available with petrol and CNG mills. There is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine which outputs a decent 88 PS / 115 Nm in the petrol guise and 73 PS / 103 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively, in the bi-fuel (petrol + CNG) version. One can choose between either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. The mileage figures for the AMT, and MT in petrol trims are 20.09 km/l and 18.8 km/l, respectively. However, this rises up to 26.99 km/kg in the CNG avatar. Therefore, both these cars are comparable in terms of the powertrains. However, the Dzire has a clear edge in the mileage section, which a lot of people will get inclined towards.

Interior, Features and Safety

The next factor of comparison is the tech and convenience on offer on both these cars. Note that new-age car buyers want all the bells and whistles in their vehicles. We know that the latest cars have become moving gadgets. Hence, carmakers equip them with cutting-edge tech and safety amenities. Firstly, let us glance at the kind of functionalities the 5-star Global NCAP safety-rated new Maruti Dzire offers:

• Onboard Voice Assistant via “Hi Suzuki”
• Over-the-Air (OTA) System Upgrades Using Smartphones
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Auto AC
• 7-inch Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Pro
• Electric Sunroof (first-in-segment)
• 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
• 360-degree Camera (first-in-segment)

Similarly, even the Tata Punch boasts a full 5-star safety rating at the Global NCAP and its top in-cabin convenience features are:

• 10.25-inch Infotainment System by Harman
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• iRA Connected Car Tech
• Leatherette Ventilated Seats
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Air Purifier
• Cooled Glovebox
• Wireless Phone Charging
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Automatic Climate Control
• Voice Commands
• Height Adjustable Front Seats
• 8-Speaker Audio System
• 360-degree Camera
• 6 Airbags
• Blind View Monitor
• Front Parking Sensors
• Auto-Dimming IRVM
• Steering Mounted Controls
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs

My View

Both these are immensely capable products and are bound to be huge success stories. In fact, they are already are. They offer the latest tech, convenience, safety and connectivity features to pamper their customers. Also, in terms of the powertrains, they are equally diverse. However, I believe your final decision will be influenced by your preference toward a certain body type. That is where these two differ totally. If you want the driving dynamics associated with a sedan, the new Maruti Dzire should be your pick. However, if a butch SUV is what you are after, the Tata Punch will suit your needs better. I would advise our readers to visit their nearest dealerships and experience the two in the flesh. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these compelling propositions.

Also Read: 2024 Maruti Dzire Copperico Edition Revealed – All You Need To Know