The highly-popular Punch is Tata’s most affordable SUV in India, which comes almost in the price range of premium hatchbacks. In fact, its range-topping Creative variant is around Rs 6,000 more expensive than the Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s highly-valued Zeta variant. So, which of these two will offer the most bang for your money? Let’s find out.
Here’s specs, price and features based comparison between the Tata Punch Creative variant and the Maruti Baleno Zeta.
Specifications Comparison
| Tata Punch | Maruti Baleno | |
| Engine | 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol | 1.2-litre DualJet DualVVT naturally aspirated petrol with mild-hybrid tech |
| No of Cylinders | 3 | 4 |
| Max Power | 86PS | 90PS |
| Max Torque | 113Nm | 113Nm |
| Gearbox Options | 5-speed MT / AMT | 5-speed MT/ AMT |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency | 18.97 kmpl (MT), 18.82kmpl (AMT) | 22.35kmpl (MT), 22.94kmpl (AMT) |
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno gets a more sophisticated & powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine than the Tata Punch. It is super refined and offers exceptional fuel efficiency. In fact, its AMT is also better tuned than the Punch. It is quick enough to downshift and runs smoothly most of the time.
Dimensions Comparison
| Tata Punch | Maruti Baleno | |
| Length | 3,827mm | 3,990mm |
| Width | 1,742mm | 1,745mm |
| Height | 1,615mm | 1,500mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,445mm | 2,520mm |
| Ground Clearance | 187mm | ≈ 170mm |
| Boot Space | 366-liters (as per ISO V215) / 319 liters (as per ISO 210) | 318 litres (VDA method) |
| Kerb Weight | 1000 – 1,035kg | 920-955kg (MT), 935-960kg (AMT) |
| Tyre Size | 185/70 R15; 195/60 R16 (depending on the variant) | 185/65 R15; 195/55 R16 (depending on the variant) |
Save for the height, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is bigger than the Tata Punch. And it’s no secret that the Japanese are experts at scooping out space, and Baleno is no exception.
Price and Features Comparison
| Tata Punch Creative | Maruti Baleno Zeta | |
| Price (Ex-Showroom Delhi) | Rs 8,31,900 (MT), Rs 8,91,900 (AMT) Rs 10,000 extra for dual-tone paint option and Rs 30,000 extra for iRA connected car package | Rs 8,26,000 (MT), Rs 8,76,000 (AMT) |
Key Features:
| Common | Automatic projector headlamps with follow-me function, 16-inch alloy wheels, turn-indicators on ORVM, LED tail lamps, day/night IRVM, auto AC, height adjustable driver’s seat, power adjustable ORVMs, rear wiper & washer, rear defogger, tilt adjustable steering, push-button start, 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, steering mounted controls, 6-speakers, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rearview camera, ISOFIX anchors. |
| Exclusive in Punch Creative | LED DRLs, fog lamps, cruise control, 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, puddle lamps, and rear armrest. |
| Exclusive in Baleno Zeta | LED headlamps, chrome plated door handles, tailgate chrome garnish, connected car tech with remote control functionality, smartwatch & Alexa compatibility, OTA updates support, rear AC vents, rear fast charging USB ports (both type A & C), auto-fold function for ORVMs, tilt & telescopic steering, front centre armrest, front footwell lamp, side & curtain airbags (6 airbags), ESP with hill hold assist (AMT only), |
Verdict: Despite being more affordable than the Tata Punch Creative, the Baleno’s mid-spec Zeta variant is better equipped in terms of comfort, aesthetics, and safety. In addition, it has a premium look and comes with a highly refined & more fuel-efficient petrol engine. Maruti Suzuki’s reliability is another plus for the hatch. However, the only point where the Tata Punch has a lead is its crash test rating. The micro-SUV had secured a 5-star safety rating from GNCAP, while the Baleno is yet to undergo this test. However, it is worth noting that the Baleno Zeta trim comes with a total of 6 airbags, whereas the Punch only gets two.
Considering all the above factors, you should opt for Baleno’s second-from-the-top Zeta trim rather than the Tata Punch’s top-spec Creative variant.
