Maruti Celerio vs Tata Punch: Which Offers Better Value?

If you’re looking for a new compact offering, these are the two freshest choices to pick from

Maruti has rejuvenated the compact hatchback space with the launch of the second-gen Celerio. It looks sportier than before, and its cabin design seems to have caught up with the competition. However, there has been another recent arrival in the compact space, the Tata Punch, which operates a segment above the Celerio. But given that some of their prices do overlap, let’s see which of these two new compact offerings present better value:

Dimensions

The Punch micro SUV is a lot bigger than the Celerio hatchback in terms of exterior measurement. However, the difference in wheelbase is just 10mm in the favour of the Punch. And it’s almost neck-and-neck in terms of boot capacity as well, with the Punch squeezing in just six more litres of space over the Celerio.

Engine

Both are petrol-only offerings and only get one engine option, for now. The Celerio gets Maruti’s new K10C 1-litre unit that is a lot more fuel efficient than the Punch. On paper, Maruti's hatchback is 19PS and 24Nm down compared to the performance rating of the Tata’s 1.2-litre mill. Both cars are offered with the same transmission options: a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT.

Price Comparison

Note: The Punch also comes with optional feature packs for each variant that offer the reliability associated with factory-fitted equipment, unlike third-party accessories.

Disclaimer: We will only be comparing variants that are priced within Rs 50,000 of each other.

Maruti Celerio Vxi vs Tata Punch Pure

Also read: Maruti Celerio vs Rivals: Price Talk

Features

Verdict: The one-above-base variant of the Maruti Celerio is similarly equipped to the base-spec Tata Punch. But while it gets a split-folding rear seat, rear power windows and electrically adjustable ORVMs, the Punch offers ISOFIX child seat anchorage and also holds a Global NCAP 5-star safety rating. 

If you’d like more performance while losing out on fuel economy and assured safety on paper, you should probably go for the Tata Punch. But if you want the added convenience of rear power windows and electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors, you can consider the Celerio Vxi.

Related: Variant Analysis: Is Tata Punch Pure Entry-Level Variant Worth Going For?

Maruti Celerio Zxi+ vs Tata Punch Adventure

Features

Verdict: The top-spec Zxi+ variant of the Celerio is priced on par with the one-above-base Tata Punch, but offers a lot more conveniences such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, power-folding ORVMs, a height adjustable driver’s seat, fog lamps, push-button start-stop and rear washer/wiper.

So for those reasons, we’d recommend the Celerio Zxi+ over the Punch Adventure. However, the Punch still gets ISOFIX child seat anchorage and packs more performance (and lower fuel economy) over the Celerio on paper. It also gets an audio system with four speakers so it is not as bare-boned as its base variant. If you’d rather have those benefits over the comforts and features offered by the Celerio, then you can go for the Punch Adventure instead.

Also read: Top 7 Differences Between Maruti Celerio And Wagon R Explained

Read More on : Celerio AMT