Tata Punch Creative VS Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta

Cars in India have become a style statement that many associates with whether the person is successful or not. That is the ugly truth, but it is what it is. Hence the automotive market in the country is among the largest in the world. That said, among the best-selling cars in the market are the ones that cost less than Rs. 10 Lakhs (ex-showroom). Micro SUVs, compact SUVs and hatchbacks are the best buys at that price. Hence, let us look at the two cars that are in this price range and how they compete with each other. The Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Baleno. To keep the comparison fair and square, we take the Creating and Zeta trims of the respective cars. These are the variants that are the closes when it comes to price. Now without further ado, let’s dive straight in.

Dimensions | Punch and Baleno

Well, there is no straight comparison in both vehicles as one belongs to the micro SUV segment, and the other is a part of the hatchback segment. Nevertheless, dimensions do tell the bright story of the interior space.

Well, Tata Punch justifies its segment as in all the aspects its falls short in dimensions. Well, of course, except for the height. Which is something that is not a major factor when it comes to interior space. Nonetheless, in all the other aspects, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno trumps its competition. In addition, the wheelbase and the width of the hatchback aid in a more than adequate roomy cabin.

+1 Baleno

Engine and Transmission | Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Tata is still playing catch up in cars running on petrol engines when it comes to the powertrain and the drivetrain. This is because Tata, in its cars, offers a 3-cylinder petrol engine. And this 3-cylinder engine is not refined and is a generator of vibrations (Like a typical 3-cylinder engine). On the contrary, Maruti Suzuki or rather Suzuki, is among the carmakers that manufactures more refined and efficient petrol engines.

On paper, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is up on power but not by much. Also, the torque figures are similar in both vehicles. But the Tata Punch offers the peak torque at a lower rpm. Where the Maruti shines is in terms of mileage. No doubt! Punch returns 18.8kmpl, whereas Baleno is capable of returning 22.9kmpl. This allows the vehicle to have a higher tank range than Tata. Now, as power and torque are similar, the tank range and mileage give another point to Baleno.

+1 Baleno

Safety Features and Creature Comforts | Punch and Baleno

Both carmakers were known to only offer essential features on their vehicles until now. Maruti Suzuki has now developed itself as a carmaker offering over-the-top creature comforts and, most importantly, safety features. So, first, look at what both vehicles offer regarding safety.

Safety Features
	Tata Punch	Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Number of Airbags	2	6
Emergency Brake Light Function
ISOFIX mounts
Parking Sensors
Reversing Camera
Hill Hold Control + Hill Descent Control
Crash Test Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Not Tested Yet

Again, it is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno that overtakes the Punch when it comes to safety and features on paper. Baleno comes with 6 airbags in its Zeta variant. Whereas Tata punch, even in its top-end trim, comes with 2 airbags. Also, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno comes with hill hold control with AMT transmission.

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Creature Comforts
	Tata Punch	Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Infotainment System	7 – inches	7-inches
Apple Carplay and Andriod Auto	Wired	Wireless
Speakers	6	6
Rear AC Vents
Automatic Climate Control
IRVM	Manual	Manual
Steering Adjustment	Tilt	Tilt + Telescopic
Powered Seat Adjustment	8-Way	8-way
Cruise Control
Cooled Glovebox
Rear Washer+Wiper
Rear Defogger
Electrically foldable & adjustable ORVMs
Auto Folding ORVMs
Auto headlamps
Puddle Lamps
Projector Headlights	Halogen	LED
Connected Car Features

After a detailed analysis, both the vehicles in this category are neck and neck. Some creature comforts are available in Tata Punch and are not a part of Baleno’s brochure. Whereas there are some features that Maruti Suzuki Baleno offers, Punch lacks them. Ultimately, it depends on which feature is a must for you. Hence it is a tie when it comes to creature comforts.

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Verdict and Price

The prices mentioned below are the ex-showroom prices as of the article’s publishing date.

When it boils down to the price, it is the Baleno that is cheaper, considering the respective transmission. And for the price, this time around, Maruti Suzuki Baleno just makes more sense.

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So, in the comment section below, let us know which vehicle you would go for and why.