Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki, two of the leading automakers in India, have launched their respective CNG SUVs in the market. The Tata Punch CNG and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG are both based on their petrol counterparts and come with factory-fitted CNG kits that offer better performance, efficiency and safety. But which one of these CNG SUVs is better suited for your needs? Let’s compare New Tata Punch CNG vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG on various parameters such as engine, mileage, price, interior features, exterior look and safety features.
Contents
Punch CNG vs Fronx CNG Engine
The Tata Punch CNG and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG are both powered by 1.2-litre petrol engines that can run on both petrol and CNG modes. However, there are some differences in the power and torque outputs of these engines. Also Punch Comes With 3 Cylinders and Fronx Comes with 4 Cylinder Option.
The Tata Punch CNG produces 84 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque in petrol mode, while in CNG mode, the power output drops to 72 bhp and the torque output drops to 103 Nm. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission only.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG produces 90 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque in petrol mode, while in CNG mode, the power output drops to 77.5 bhp and the torque output drops to 98.5 Nm. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG has a slight edge over the Tata Punch CNG in terms of power and torque figures, as well as transmission options.
Punch CNG vs Fronx CNG Mileage
The Tata Punch CNG claims to offer a mileage of 28 km/kg in CNG mode and 18 km/l in petrol mode. The CNG tank capacity is 60 litres (30 litres x 2 cylinders) and the petrol tank capacity is 44 litres. This gives the Punch CNG a total driving range of over 900 km.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG claims to offer a mileage of 26.5 km/kg in CNG mode and 21.5 km/l in petrol mode with the manual gearbox, and 20 km/l in petrol mode with the automatic gearbox. The CNG tank capacity is 55 litres (water equivalent) and the petrol tank capacity is 37 litres. This gives the Fronx CNG a total driving range of over 800 km.
The Tata Punch CNG has a clear advantage over the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG in terms of mileage and driving range, as it offers better fuel efficiency and larger fuel tank capacities.
New Tata Punch CNG vs Fronx CNG Price
The Tata Punch CNG is priced from Rs. 7.10 lakh to Rs. 9.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The prices are about Rs. 1 lakh higher than the corresponding petrol variants of the Punch.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG is priced from Rs. 8.42 lakh to Rs. 10.59 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The prices are about Rs. 1.5 lakh higher than the corresponding petrol variants of the Fronx.
The price difference between the two CNG SUVs ranges from Rs. 1.32 lakh to Rs. 0.91 lakh, depending on the variants.
The Tata Punch CNG is more affordable than the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG across all variants, making it a more value-for-money proposition.
Interior features
The Tata Punch CNG and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG come with similar interior features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, manual AC, power windows, and a digital instrument cluster. However, there are some differences in the higher variants of these SUVs.
The Tata Punch Accomplished CNG, which is the top variant of the Punch CNG, comes with additional features such as:
- A voice-enabled electric sunroof
- A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- Steering mounted controls
- USB C type charger
- Front seat armrest
- One-touch up driver window
- Reverse parking camera with dynamic guidelines
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx Alpha AT/CNG, which is the top variant of the Fronx CNG, comes with additional features such as:
- LED projector headlamps
- LED DRLs
- LED tail lamps
- Chrome door handles
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Push-button start/stop
- Cruise control
- Smartplay Studio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Automatic climate control
- Rear defogger
- Rear wiper and washer
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG has a slight edge over the Tata Punch CNG in terms of interior features, as it offers some premium features such as LED lighting, cruise control and push-button start/stop.
Exterior look
The Tata Punch CNG and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG have different exterior designs that appeal to different tastes. The Tata Punch CNG has a more rugged and muscular look, with a NexWave grille, striking front fascia, roof rails, wheel arch cladding, and 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG has a more sleek and elegant look, with a chrome grille, sweptback headlamps, fog lamps, and 15-inch alloy wheels.
The exterior look of the two CNG SUVs is a matter of personal preference, as both have their own charm and appeal.
Safety features
The Tata Punch CNG and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG come with standard safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, seat belt reminder, high-speed alert system, and immobilizer. However, there are some differences in the additional safety features of these SUVs.
Tata Punch CNG
The Tata Punch CNG comes with some unique safety features that make it stand out from other CNG cars in India. Some of these features are:
- Twin-cylinder technology: The Punch CNG gets twin cylinders of 30-litres each located below the luggage ensures large boot space similar to the ICE SUVs.
- Direct start in CNG mode: The Punch CNG can start directly in CNG mode without using petrol as an ignition source.
- Auto switch function: The Punch CNG can automatically switch between petrol and CNG modes depending on the availability of fuel and driving conditions.
- Enhanced safety: The Punch CNG gets a micro-switch to keep the car switched off at the time of refuelling and an intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system (iTPMS). It also gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control (CSC), electronic stability program (ESP), hill hold control (HHC), traction control system (TCS), brake disc wiping (BDW), rollover mitigation (ROM), hydraulic brake assist (HBA), and reverse parking camera with dynamic guidelines.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG comes with some standard safety features that are common in most Maruti cars. Some of these features are:
- Dual interdependent ECUs: The Fronx CNG gets dual interdependent ECUs that ensure consistent performance across all terrains.
- Intelligent Injection System: The Fronx CNG gets an intelligent injection system that optimizes the air-fuel mixture for better combustion and lower emissions.
- Leak-proof design: The Fronx CNG gets a leak-proof design that prevents any gas leakage from the CNG kit.
- Standard safety: The Fronx CNG gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, seat belt reminder, high-speed alert system, immobilizer, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear defogger, rear wiper and washer.
The Tata Punch CNG has a clear advantage over the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG in terms of safety features, as it offers some innovative and segment-first features that enhance the performance, efficiency and safety of the CNG SUV.
Also Read This: Tata Punch Pure CNG vs Accomplished CNG Variant
Tata Punch CNG vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG Full Comparison
| Parameter | Tata Punch CNG | Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L 3-cylinder (Petrol/CNG) | 1.2L 3-cylinder (Petrol/CNG) |
| Power (Petrol mode) | 84 bhp | 90 bhp |
| Power (CNG mode) | 72 bhp | 77.5 bhp |
| Torque (Petrol mode) | 113 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque (CNG mode) | 103 Nm | 98.5 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| Mileage (CNG mode) | 28 km/kg | 26.5 km/kg |
| Mileage (Petrol mode) | 18 km/l | 21.5 km/l (manual) / 20 km/l (auto) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (CNG) | CNG: 60 liters (30 liters x 2) | CNG: 55 liters (water equivalent) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (Petrol) | Petrol: 44 liters | Petrol: 37 liters |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | Rs. 7.10 lakh to Rs. 9.68 lakh | Rs. 8.42 lakh to Rs. 10.59 lakh |
| Interior Features | Dual airbags, ABS, rear sensors, | Dual airbags, ABS, rear sensors, |
| manual AC, power windows, etc. | manual AC, power windows, etc. | |
| Additional features in top variant: | Additional features in top variant: | |
| – Electric sunroof | – LED projector headlamps | |
| – 7-inch touchscreen infotainment | – LED DRLs | |
| with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | – LED tail lamps | |
| – 7-inch digital instrument cluster | – Chrome door handles | |
| – Steering mounted controls | – Leather-wrapped steering wheel | |
| – USB C type charger | – Push-button start/stop | |
| – Front seat armrest | – Cruise control | |
| – One-touch up driver window | – Smartplay Studio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | |
| – Reverse parking camera with dynamic guidelines | – Automatic climate control | |
| – Rear defogger | ||
| – Rear wiper and washer | ||
| Exterior Look | Rugged and muscular with NexWave grille, front fascia, roof rails, wheel arch cladding, and 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels | Sleek and elegant with chrome grille, sweptback headlamps, fog lamps, and 15-inch alloy wheels |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS, rear sensors, seat belt reminder, high-speed alert, immobilizer | Dual airbags, ABS, rear sensors, seat belt reminder, high-speed alert, immobilizer, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear defogger, rear wiper and washer |
| Additional safety features: | Additional safety features: | |
| – Twin-cylinder technology | – Dual interdependent ECUs | |
| – Direct start in CNG mode | – Intelligent Injection System | |
| – Auto switch function | – Leak-proof design | |
| – Micro-switch for refueling safety |
Verdict
The Tata Punch CNG and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG are both good options for buyers who are looking for a CNG SUV that offers better performance, efficiency and safety than conventional petrol or diesel SUVs. However, there are some differences between the two that can influence your decision.
The Tata Punch CNG is more affordable, more fuel-efficient, more spacious and safer than the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG. It also offers a sunroof, touchscreen and alloy wheels in its top variant. It is suitable for buyers who are looking for a value-for-money proposition that does not compromise on any aspect.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG is more powerful, more feature-rich and more refined than the Tata Punch CNG. It also offers an automatic transmission option in its top variant. It is suitable for buyers who are looking for a premium proposition that offers some extra comfort and convenience features.
If you are on a tight budget and want to get the most out of your money, then you can go for the Tata Punch CNG. If you are willing to spend a little more and want to enjoy some additional features and options, then you can go for the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG.
