I am planning to buy the Tata Punch facelift automatic CNG variant, but I am very confused between the available variants. My key requirements are cruise control and a 360-degree camera in the automatic CNG version. Could you please advise which variant I should choose?

Autocar India

•1h

For your 110km commute, an electric car only makes sense if you can charge it at home overnight. In your budget, the Tata Punch EV with the 40kWh battery pack is a good pick and should deliver a real-world range of over 250km. This means you will likely need to charge it every two days. With the optional 7.2kW wallbox charger, you should be able to charge from 10% to 100% in around six hours.However, if home charging is not an option, then a diesel or CNG car makes more sense. Among the available options, the new Punch CNG and the Hyundai Venue diesel stand out. The top-of-the-line Punch CNG Accomplished + S with the AMT is within your budget and comes well equipped, along with a usable boot thanks to the twin CNG tanks.If you prefer diesel power, then the HX5 variant of the Venue diesel is within your budget. While it is not as well-equipped as the Punch, it is the physically larger vehicle with a roomier interior, and the diesel engine offers much better performance. However, if you want an automatic, you will need to stretch your budget to around Rs 14 lakh.Test drive all of these vehicles before making your final decision.

Hyundai Venue

Tata Punch

Tata Punch EV

Autocar India

•1d

For your needs, either the Tata Punch or the Maruti Suzuki Ignis would be a good option. The Tata Punch sits at a comfortable height, and its doors open up to almost 90 degrees, which makes ingress and egress easier. The seating position is also not too tall, so it should feel comfortable even for someone with knee issues.If you want something that feels more spacious, especially in the rear seat, then the Ignis ticks all the boxes as well. Its 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine is smoother, more responsive and nicer to drive too.To buy these cars brand new, even the base variants will be slightly above ₹6 lakh on-road. If you are okay with stretching the budget a little, you can go ahead with a new car. Also, you can consider used versions of higher variants within your budget.

Tata Punch

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Autocar India

•1d

The new Tata Punch is a solid choice in the Rs 8 lakh budget; however, it is quite narrow, which means seating three in the back seat can be a bit tight. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is better in this regard, with a slightly wider and more comfortable rear seat, but do visit both showrooms and experience them yourself. Both cars are comparable in terms of performance and efficiency, but the Baleno’s four-cylinder engine is more refined than the Punch’s three-cylinder unit.Apart from the different body style and slightly raised suspension, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is essentially the same as the Baleno. Therefore, the main reason to upgrade to the Fronx is if you need the higher ground clearance or want the turbo-petrol engine, which is not available on the Baleno.Regarding the Tata Nexon, to get a reasonably well-equipped variant, you will need to stretch your budget to around Rs 10 lakh and opt for the Pure Plus petrol variant. For the additional money, you get an SUV body style, a roomier cabin with a better rear seat than the aforementioned options, and a turbo-petrol engine with much stronger performance. If it isn’t too much of a financial burden, it is worth stretching to get the Nexon. But if you want to stick to your budget, the Baleno remains a good choice.

Tata Punch

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Tata Nexon