CNG cars are gaining popularity and momentum in the Indian automobile market as EVs continue to be expensive
In this post, we are comparing the Maruti Swift CNG and Tata Punch CNG on the basis of prices, specs, features, safety and design. This should help you make an informed decision. CNG vehicles are gaining prominence in our market lately. The reasons are simple – fuel prices continue to rise and the EVs are too expensive. Hence, CNG emerges as a great alternative. Let us delve deep into the details of these two products.
Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Punch CNG – Price
The new Maruti Swift CNG ranges from Rs 8.20 lakh to Rs 9.20 lakh, ex-showroom and is available in three variants – VXi, VXi (O) and ZXi. This gives the buyers enough options to choose from to get what they are looking for. On the other hand, the Tata Punch CNG comes in three major versions – Pure, Adventure and Accomplished. The prices are from Rs 7.23 lakh to Rs 9.85 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the Punch has a lower starting price but the Swift has a lower top price.
| Price (ex-sh.) | Maruti Swift CNG | Tata Punch CNG |
| Base Model | Rs 8.20 lakh | Rs 7.23 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs 9.20 lakh | Rs 9.85 lakh |
Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Punch CNG – Specs
The Maruti Swift CNG comes with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated mill with a bi-fuel option which produces a healthy 69.75 PS and 101.8 Nm of peak. Performing the transmission duties is a 5-speed manual gearbox. The fuel economy is an impressive 32.85 km/kg which is among the highest in the country. That is the major attraction of the Swift CNG. The car offers a fuel tank of 55 litres (water-filling capacity) which ensures enough distance between refills.
On the other hand, the Tata Punch also draws power from a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with a bi-fuel (petrol + CNG) option. This engine belts out a decent 73.5 PS and 103 Nm of peak power and torque. It pairs exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Indian auto giant claims a fuel economy of 26.99 km/kg which is decent. There is a 60-litre tank (water capacity). In this regard, the Swift is clearly the better choice.
One thing to mention about the Tata Punch CNG is the distinct dual-cylinder technology. Tata Motors devised a clever solution to increase the boot capacity in their CNG cars. Until now, carmakers used to put a large cylinder in the trunk of the car. That eats up almost the entire space in the luggage compartment. As a result, car owners are not able to carry a lot of suitcases. However, with the dual-cylinder tech, there are two smaller cylinders which are easily fitted underneath the boot floor. Hence, a large 210-litre cargo capacity is freed.
| Specs | Maruti Swift CNG | Tata Punch CNG |
| Engine | 1.2L Bi-fuel | 1.2L Bi-fuel |
| Power | 69.75 PS | 73.5 PS |
| Torque | 101.8 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Transmission | 5MT | 5MT |
| Mileage | 32.85 km/kg | 26.99 km/kg |
| Tank Capacity | 55L | 60L |
Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Punch CNG – Features
In terms of features, both these cars come equipped with the latest amenities. It is crucial for car companies to have feature-laden models on sale today because the customers are particular about this aspect. Let us start by looking at the main highlights of the new Maruti Swift CNG:
- Onboard Voice Assistant via “Hi Suzuki”
- Over-the-Air (OTA) System Upgrades Using Smartphones
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Auto AC
- Rear AC Vents
- 7-inch Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Pro
- Wireless Charger
- 60:40 Split Rear Seat
- Rear USB Ports
- Rear Wiper & Washer
- Adjustable Rear Seat Headrests
- 6-Speaker Audio System
- Luggage Room Lamp
- Engine Push Start/Stop Button w/ Smart Key
- Alexa Skill Connectivity
- Smartwatch Connectivity
- Rear USB Ports
- Steering-Mounted Audio Control
Similarly, even Tata cars are loaded with the latest amenities to the brim. Let us glance at the main features of the Tata Punch CNG:
- 7-inch Floating Touchscreen Infotainment Display by Harman
- Push Button Start/Stop
- Driver Seat Height Adjustment
- Anti Glare IRVM
- ORVM with Electrical Adjustment
- 6-speaker Audio System
- USB Type A and C
- Front Seat Armrest
- Follow-me-home Headlamps
- Central Remote Locking with Flip Key
- Tilt Adjustable Steering wheel with Controls
- 90-degree Opening Doors
- Rear Flat Floor
Safety
Yet another critical aspect to take into consideration in this age is safety. People are extremely particular about the safety ratings and equipment of their cars. In fact, that is a huge criterion while making the decision of which car to opt for. In this regard, Maruti Suzuki has gone the extra mile with this new 4th-generation Swift with tons of standard safety features. The top highlights include:
- 6 Airbags
- Hill Hold Assist
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Wide Angle Rear Parking Camera
- Seatbelt Reminder with Buzzer
- Day and Night IRVM
- Speed Sensitive Automatic Door Lock
On the other hand, Tata Punch bears the tag of being one of the safest vehicles in the country. It scored a full 5-star rating at the Bharat NCAP. The main safety amenities include:
- 2 Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Brake Sway Control
- Reverse Parking Camera with Sensors
Design and Dimensions Comparison
The Maruti Swift is a popular offering and bears a rather sporty design. At the front, it gets a prominent LED headlamp cluster with integrated LED DRLs and a large radiator grille which differentiates it from the last-gen model. Apart from that, the bonnet is sloping which lends it a unique appearance. On the sides, there are elegant alloy wheels and black side pillars to accentuate the sporty nature. At the rear, the LED taillamps and a rugged bumper complete the overall aesthetics.
On the other hand, the Tata Punch is more of a micro-SUV. It has a split-LED DRLs setup at the front with a chrome belt in between and the main headlamp cluster on the bumper below. In fact, it even gets a fog lamp unit on the bumper with a rugged skid plate. On the sides, the prominent wheel arches, stylish alloy wheels and rugged roof rails elevate the imposing road presence and stance. The rear door handle is placed on the C-pillars. At the rear, it gets LED taillamps with tri-arrow motifs and a rugged bumper and skid place section. All in all, it is quite a sturdy SUV.
| Dimensions | Maruti Swift | Tata Punch CNG |
| Length | 3,860 mm | 3,827 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,742 mm |
| Height | 1,520 mm | 1,615 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,445 mm |
Our View
Choosing between these two can be quite tricky since they have distinct personalities. On one hand, Swift has been a household name in our country since 2005. With this CNG trim, the running costs become immensely enticing. Apart from that, it gets the benefits of being associated with the Maruti Suzuki brand. Also, it is the cheaper of the two in higher trims. On the other hand, if you are looking for a vehicle which looks more like an SUV, has the highest safety standards and a more affordable entry-level trim, you don’t need to look too far away from the Tata Punch. In any case, you can’t go wrong with any of these.
Also Read: Maruti Swift CNG vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG – What To Buy?
