India’s automobile market has always been a competitive and burgeoning domain with different brands vying for the top spot. Among the most coveted and competitive segments is the compact car sector, which recently saw Maruti Swift and Tata Punch making significant strides in August 2023.
Market Performance:
Maruti Swift continued its legacy as the leading car in terms of sales with 18,653 units sold in August 2023. However, despite its popularity, Maruti Swift has been a subject of safety concerns. In the Global NCAP crash test, Swift managed to secure only a 1-star rating, a point of contention for many potential buyers especially when considering the price range of INR 5.99 lakh to 9.03 lakh (ex-showroom).
Rising Competitor: Tata Punch
On the other hand, Tata Punch, post its launch, has been gaining traction among Indian consumers due to its superior build quality and mileage. Priced between INR 6 lakh to 9.52 lakh (ex-showroom), Tata Punch is not only giving a stiff competition to the hatchbacks in its segment but also stands as a strong contender against the Maruti Swift with its 5-star safety rating, a feature hard to find at this price point in the market.
Tata Punch houses a 1.2-liter petrol engine that generates 88 BHP power and 115 NM torque. The available 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic gearbox, along with recently launched CNG option with twin-cylinder technology, adds to its appeal. The mileage offered is 20.09 kmpl for petrol and 26.99 km/kg for CNG variant.
Feature-packed Competitor
Tata Punch is not just about safety and efficiency; it also comes loaded with features. The car boasts a 7-inch touchscreen display, semi-digital instrument panel, auto air conditioning, automatic headlights, connected car technology, and cruise control among others. On the safety front, it offers dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear defoggers, rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, and ISOFIX anchors.
Important Information Table
| Features | Maruti Swift | Tata Punch |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range (ex-showroom) | INR 5.99 lakh to 9.03 lakh | INR 6 lakh to 9.52 lakh |
| Safety Rating (Global NCAP) | 1-star | 5-star |
| Engine | Petrol | 1.2 Liter Petrol / CNG |
| Power and Torque | Not Specified | 88 BHP and 115 NM |
| Gearbox | Manual / Automatic | 5-Speed Manual / Automatic |
| Mileage | Not Specified | 20.09 kmpl (Petrol) / 26.99 km/kg (CNG) |
| Key Features | Not Specified | 7-inch Touchscreen, Auto AC, Automatic Headlights, Connected Car Tech, Cruise Control |
| Sales (August 2023) | 18,653 units | Not Specified |
With both cars offering a diverse range of features, the choice between Maruti Swift and Tata Punch will likely come down to individual preferences, notably around safety, price, and fuel efficiency.