Comparing Hyundai i20 and Tata Punch: Ideal Variant in Rs 7-8 Lakh Range for First-time Buyers
If you are a new driver buying your first car, but are confused about which are the best, or top cars for first-time buyers in India, then let us help you decide which option to choose. We look at the Hyundai i20 and Tata Punch, and find out which of their variants will be the best for you.
In this first-time car buyers’ guide, we will share
- What a first-time buyer should look for in a car
- Hyundai i20 vs Tata Punch – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
So, are these affordable cars for first-time buyers in India? And which variant of these models is the right car for a first-time car buyer? Let’s find out.
What a First-time Car Buyer Looks for
This is what a first-time buyer should look for in a car:
- Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
- Affordability – The car should be well within budget and affordable.
- Fuel efficiency – The car should have good fuel efficiency, thereby reducing its running cost.
- Ease of driving – The car should be easy to drive, with features that help in driving and offer convenience for new drivers
First-time car buyers prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability when choosing their first vehicle. They seek a car that offers a comfortable driving experience, modern features, and ample space for passengers and cargo.
Safety features such as airbags, ABS, and parking sensors are also important considerations. Additionally, first-time buyers often prefer cars with low maintenance costs and a good resale value.
Why Hyundai i20 and Tata Punch are Popular
The Hyundai i20 and Tata Punch are popular choices among first-time car buyers due to their combination of affordability, features, and performance. Both cars offer a range of variants to suit different budgets and preferences.
The Hyundai i20 is known for its stylish design, premium interiors, and advanced safety features. It offers a comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and efficient engines. The i20’s touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, and automatic climate control add to its appeal.
The Tata Punch is a subcompact SUV that offers a spacious and practical interior, along with a rugged and stylish exterior. Its high ground clearance, excellent visibility, and easy maneuverability make it well-suited for city driving. The Punch’s efficient engine, comfortable ride, and modern features make it an attractive option for first-time buyers.
Hyundai i20 and Tata Punch Variants Shortlist in Rs 7-8 Lakh Range
For Hyundai i20, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Era | ₹7,04,000 |
| Magna | ₹7,75,000 |
For Tata Punch, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Camo Adventure | ₹7,00,000 |
| Adventure AMT | ₹7,50,000 |
| Adventure AMT Rhythm | ₹7,85,000 |
| Camo Adventure AMT Rhythm | ₹7,95,000 |
Hyundai i20 Era
The base variant offers essential features like power steering, front power windows, and a USB port at an affordable price. Its efficient engine and comfortable ride make it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers. You can also read our comparison of the i20 with Kia Sonet 2024 for first-time car buyers.
Hyundai i20 Magna
This variant adds features such as automatic ORVMs, steering-mounted controls, and rear parking sensors. The Magna strikes a balance between affordability and features, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the i20 with Tata Tigor.
Tata Punch Camo Adventure
The Camo Adventure variant offers a rugged look with its camouflage-inspired exterior. It comes with features like power steering, rear parking sensors, and follow-me-home headlights, making it a good choice for buyers looking for a stylish and practical car. We have also compared the Punch with i20 for style-conscious buyers.
Tata Punch Adventure AMT
This variant combines the features of the Adventure trim with the convenience of an AMT gearbox. The AMT ensures a smooth and effortless driving experience, making it ideal for city driving and traffic conditions.
Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm
The Adventure AMT Rhythm variant adds a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and a Harman audio system to the features of the Adventure AMT, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Tata Punch Camo Adventure AMT Rhythm
This top-spec variant combines the rugged look of the Camo Adventure with the convenience of the AMT gearbox and the premium features of the Rhythm trim, offering the best of both worlds for first-time buyers.
Our Pick
After careful consideration, we recommend the Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm as the best variant for first-time car buyers. The Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm offers a compelling package of features, performance, and value.
The Adventure AMT Rhythm variant comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and a Harman audio system, which enhance the driving experience. Its high ground clearance, excellent visibility, and easy maneuverability make it well-suited for city driving.
The Punch’s 1.2-liter petrol engine delivers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. With a claimed mileage of 18.8 kmpl, the Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm helps keep running costs low, which is a significant advantage for first-time buyers.
Moreover, the Punch’s spacious interiors, comfortable seats, and ample boot space make it practical for daily use. The AMT gearbox ensures a smooth and effortless driving experience, making it ideal for city driving and traffic conditions.
In terms of safety, the Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors, providing peace of mind to first-time buyers.
Considering its combination of features, performance, fuel efficiency, and value for money, the Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm emerges as the best choice for first-time car buyers.
The Top 3 Choices
- Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm
- Hyundai i20 Magna
- Tata Punch Camo Adventure AMT Rhythm
| Feature | Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm | i20 Magna | Punch Camo Adventure AMT Rhythm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen type | LCD | N/A | LCD |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | No | No |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm tops our list for its excellent blend of features, performance, and affordability. Its spacious interiors, high ground clearance, and modern amenities make it an ideal choice for first-time buyers.
- The i20 Magna secures the second spot for its premium features, comfortable ride, and stylish design. It offers a balance of affordability and features, making it an attractive option for those willing to stretch their budget slightly.
- The Punch Camo Adventure AMT Rhythm takes the third position for its rugged look, convenience, and premium features. It appeals to first-time buyers who want a car that stands out from the crowd while offering a smooth driving experience.
These variants offer the most attractive packages for first-time car buyers. They strike the right balance between affordability, features, performance, and value, making them excellent choices for those stepping into car ownership for the first time.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to ourBuying Advice section.