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Nowadays, the most perplexing question that new car buyers have to answer is whether to opt for a compact SUV or a hatchback. But when you have to choose between the TATA Punch and the TATA Tiago, each of which are brilliant in their own right, there’s little to no chance of going wrong. These cars might cater to different lifestyles, but both are budget-friendly, loaded with segment-first features and carry the baton of TATA Motors’ safety-first legacy.
If you’re one to prioritise taller and more muscular cars that offer decent ride comfort, the bold and rugged TATA Punch is bound to grab your attention. With its SUV-inspired design, 187mm ground clearance, and commanding stance, the TATA Punch feels like a mini-SUV built to excel on both city roads and highways.
The TATA Tiago, on the other hand, follows a neater and more compact design that makes it a perfect fit for city driving. It’s classy, sporty where it should be, and fits into cramped parking lots of metro cities with much ease and comfort.
| Feature | TATA Punch | TATA Tiago |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3827 mm | 3765 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 187 mm | 170 mm |
| Boot Space | 366 litres | 242 litres |
Enter any of these two TATA cars, and you will be greeted with quality materials, ergonomic layouts, and a user-friendly infotainment system. But this is where the similarity ends.
The TATA Punch is positioned in an upright elevated SUV seating. The increased ground clearance translates to improved road visibility. The cabin feels airier, and the extra boot capacity means it can handle airport runs or road trips without any problems.
Although the TATA Tiago is smaller, it doesn’t compromise on comfort. It has height-adjustable driver seats, good padded cushion upholstery, and solid TATA build quality that feels like a cocoon for city travel
7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Digital instrument clusters
Flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls
Premium sound systems (Harman-tuned)
Both these TATA cars have the same 1.2L Revotron engine running under the hood, but the difference is in the way they perform on the road.
TATA Punch has a more powerful low-end pull, although it shares the same engine, it is tuned and set in traction orientation. The compact-SUV style provides you with a more grounded feeling on bumpy roads, and the AMT variant even has Traction Pro Mode, which keeps the car planted on hilly or wet terrains.
The TATA Tiago is a feisty hatchback that performs wonders in city traffic. It is light-footed, nimble, and perfectly apt for first-time drivers. It is small in size, which makes U-turns and tight parking easy.
Manual Transmission (MT) – Both
AMT – Both
CNG Variant – Available for both, with minimal power drop
| Driving Condition | TATA Punch | TATA Tiago |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol (MT) | 20.09 km/l | 19–20 km/l |
| Petrol (AMT) | 18.8 km/l | 19 km/l |
| CNG | 26.99 km/kg | 26.49 - 28.06 km/kg |
Safety is an assurance when buying TATA cars. Both cars are equipped with ultra-reinforced platforms and structural integrity that’s the hallmark of all cars by TATA Motors.
Global NCAP has awarded the TATA Punch a 5-star safety rating for adult occupants, which makes it the safest SUV in India below the price of ₹10 lakh.
The TATA Tiago is not far behind. It has a 4-star safety rating for adult protection, which is better than most competitors in the hatchback category.
Dual front airbags
ABS with EBD
Rear parking sensors
Corner Stability Control
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – Top variants
ISOFIX child seat anchors
7” touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Digital instrument cluster
Harman sound system
Steering-mounted controls
Cooled glovebox
Auto-fold ORVMs
Follow-me-home headlamps
The TATA Punch also comes with a few extra features in its top-of-the-line Creative and Accomplished trims:
Auto headlamps & rain-sensing wipers
LED DRLs
Cruise control
Rear camera with dynamic guidelines
The TATA Tiago is a no-brainer if you are a first-time car owner looking for an easy-to-drive city hatchback. It is small, efficient and filled with features that make daily commutes easy.
Choose the TATA Tiago if:
You want a value-for-money hatchback.
Your drives are mostly in the city.
You prioritise mileage and ease of use.
You need a dependable ride with low upkeep.
Both the TATA Punch and TATA Tiago are among the top-selling TATA cars in India. Here’s a head-to-head to help make that decision easier:
| Feature | TATA Tiago | TATA Punch |
|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Hatchback | Micro SUV |
| Safety Rating (GNCAP) | 4 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 187 mm |
| Mileage (Petrol) | 19 - 20 km/l | 18.8 - 20.9 km/l |
| Boot Space | 242L | 366L |
| Price Ex-showroom (estimate) | ₹5 – ₹8.90 lakh | ₹6 – ₹10.32 lakh |
| Road Presence | Compact | Bold, SUV-like |
| Best For | City Drivers, First-Time Buyers | Small Families, Rough Road Users |
Go for the TATA Tiago if you’re looking for an affordable and dependable daily-use city car. On the other hand, if you want SUV-like ruggedness, enhanced safety, and the capability of going to places beyond roads, the TATA Punch makes a stronger case. Either way, both are top-selling TATA cars that are engineered for the diverse Indian roads.
The TATA Punch is rated 5-star in GNCAP safety ratings, and the TATA Tiago has a strong 4-star rating. Both of the models are among the safest TATA cars, yet the Punch takes the advantage in this category.
Yes, the TATA Tiago is steady at high speeds and also performs well in highway runs. But on longer journeys and bumpy roads, the TATA Punch has an advantage because of its higher ground clearance.
Both are mostly similar, but the TATA Tiago is a bit more fuel-efficient, particularly in the CNG version. It is perfect for those who are prioritising daily running costs.
Although it technically is a micro SUV, the TATA Punch is designed to look like an SUV, and has the same ride height and ruggedness. It definitely makes you feel that you are in an SUV, given its size.
If you have a limited budget and want a no-fuss compact car, the TATA Tiago is a great choice. However, in case you can stretch your budget and desire a more adventurous, multifunctional car, the TATA Punch stands tall.
