Tata Punch vs Maruti Suzuki Ignis: Key Differences

For starters, let’s talk about the positioning of these two crossover SUVs in their respective portfolios. The Tata Punch sits above the entry-level offering, the Tata Tiago. In contrast, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis sits above the Maruti Suzuki WagonR. Further, in terms of pricing, the Tata Punch is more expensive than the Maruti Ignis. In addition, new-age Tata cars are appealing in terms of exterior and interior designs, features, and build qualities.

Moreover, there are major differences between these cars. the Tata Punch’s great build quality, impressive design characteristics, refined, and long list of features shouldn’t let you complain about the ownership of the Tata Punch. If you want a package, you should pick up the Tata Punch, but if you are a mileage-oriented buyer, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis should be your pick. In addition, Maruti Suzuki cars are known for boasting impressive mileage figures. So, let’s begin weighing these two vehicles and see how the Maruti Ignis squares off with the Tata Punch.  

The Specifications

For starters, let’s talk about the specifications of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis. It is structured on Suzuki’s in-house engineered Heartect platform, which also underpins the third generation of the Maruti Suzuki WagonR and the third generation of the Maruti Suzuki Celerio.

Under the Maruti Suzuki Ignis’s hood, you will get a VVT 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which is tuned to produce 81.80 bhp at 6000 rpm and 113 Nm of peak torque at 4200 rpm.

On the other hand, Tata Motors built the Tata Punch on the Alfa-Arc platform.  The same platform can be found underneath the Tata Altroz. This micro SUV is powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron petrol mill, which is tuned to produce 87 bhp at 115 Nm of peak torque. Other Tata cars are powered by the same engine as the Punch. If you want a punchy engine of the Punch, you should check out the Punch price on autoX.

As of now, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Tata Punch haven’t had CNG variants. But the CNG version of the Tata Punch will enter the market anytime soon. This upcoming car may outperform other CNG-spec cars, especially the Maruti Suzuki Swift or the Celerio. But that will only time will tell. Neither of them has another engine option as of now. However, in terms of transmission, both the direct rivals make their rear wheels spin via a standard five-speed manual gearbox and an optional five-speed AMT. Moreover, as per Tata Motors, the CNG version of the Tata Punch will have a lower engine output of 72 bhp and 103 Nm of peak torque. As seen on other CNG cars, the Tata Punch will most likely get a standard five-speed manual transmission. Stay tuned to autoX for more details on the Tata Punch CNG. Additionally, you can check out the Tata Punch price of the upcoming version. 

As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, the ARAI-certified mileage figures of the Tata Punch range from 18.8 km/l to 20.9 km/l. In parallel, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis has an ARAI-certified mileage of 20.89 km/l. Please note that the mileage figures can vary with local traffic conditions and individuals’ driving styles.

Keeping the engine output of these two cars aside, let’s now discuss about their suspension setups. The Tata Punch has a superior setup to the Maruti Suzuki Ignis. On the Tata Punch, you will get an Independent, Lower Wishbone, McPherson Strut with Coil Spring at the front and a Semi-Independent Twist Beam with Coil Spring and Shock Absorber at the rear. 

On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis has a generic McPherson Strut at the front and Torsion Beam at the rear. Given the Ignis price, especially the top model, the carmaker should have offered better offerings.

These two vehicles, however, are designed by keeping the conditions of Indian roads in mind. If you have driven a Maruti car, they usually have a suspension tuned on the softer side. In contrast, the new-age Tata cars have a well-tuned suspension setup. It’s not soft but it’s not much stiff either. So, if you do a high-speed cornering, the car won’t make you afraid of doing it. It will do the job very well. In addition, it won’t wobble at high speeds either. On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis might be too soft around the corners. That said, the body roll might be strongly felt.

But, all in all, these cars are just fine in their own ways. It is, however, recommended to take a test drive, as personal opinions can vary from person to person. Moreover, you can check out the detailed analysis of this Tata micro SUV by checking out the Punch review on the autoX website.

Further, the suspension setup in these two cars works in tandem with disc-drum brakes. This brake setup is standard across all the variants of these two sub-four-metre crossover SUVs. 

Prices and Variants

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is sold in four broad trims: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha. These trims further make up to 11 variants in total. The Maruti Suzuki Ignis price starts at Rs 5.84 lakh for the base model, the Sigma MT, and goes up to Rs 8.25 lakh for the top model, the Alpha 1.2 AMT Dual Tone.

On the other hand, Tata Motors sells the Punch in five broad trims as well: Smart, Pure Plus, Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative. In addition, the Adventure and Accomplished trims received the new Camo edition. Further, these trims have a total of thirty variants. The starting price of the Tata Punch is Rs 5.59 lakh for the base model, the Accomplished Plus (S), and goes up to Rs 9.79 lakh for the top model, the Kaziranga Edition AMT IRA. All are ex-showroom prices, New Delhi.