Tata Punch vs Citroen C3 top turbo trims: Specs, features compared

Launched in 2021, the Tata Punch long missed out on a turbo-petrol option, a gap the carmaker finally addressed with the 2026 facelift. That update now puts it on even footing with models such as the Citroen C3, which has offered a turbo-petrol engine since its 2022 launch. Read on to see how the Tata and Citroen offerings compare on paper in terms of specifications and features, with our focus squarely on their top trims. Notably, Citroen designates the C3’s higher trims with an ‘X’ suffix.

Tata Punch vs Citroen C3 top turbo trims: Specs

Automatic gearbox exclusive to C3X

Punch Accomplished+ S turbo vs C3X Shine turbo: Specs
SUV	Punch	C3X
Trim	Accomplished+ S	Shine
Engine	3 cyls, 1.2-litre	3 cyls, 1.2-litre
Power	120hp at 5500rpm	110hp at 5500rpm
Torque	170Nm at 1750-4000rpm	190Nm (MT)/205Nm (AT) at 1750rpm
Gearbox	6-speed manual	6-speed manual/6-speed torque-converter automatic
0-100kph (brand claimed)	11.1 seconds	Under 10 seconds

With a peak output of 120hp, the Punch holds a slim 10hp advantage over the Citroen C3X. The latter counters with a healthier torque – 20Nm (MT)/35Nm (AT) more, quicker off-the-line performance and the added convenience of an automatic gearbox option, which the Punch doesn’t offer. It’s also worth noting that despite being Citroen’s entry-level offering in India, the C3 still gets a proper torque-converter automatic gearbox. Interestingly, both cars begin delivering their peak power and torque at similar rpm.

Tata Punch vs Citroen C3 top turbo trims: Features

C3X misses out on several features

Punch Accomplished+ S turbo vs C3X Shine turbo: Exterior
SUV	Punch	C3X
Trim	Accomplished+ S	Shine
Headlights	LED	LED projector
Alloy wheels	16-inch	15-inch
Sunroof	Single-pane	No
Automatic headlights	Yes	No
Connected LED tail-lights	Yes	No
Fog lamps	LED	LED
Rain-sensing front wiper	Yes	No
Rear wiper and washer	Yes	Yes

Despite getting significant feature updates in August 2025, the C3 still lacks several exterior features, including a sunroof and automatic headlights. The Punch, on the other hand, was already well equipped, and its mid-cycle update has only strengthened that position.

Punch Accomplished+ S turbo vs C3X Shine turbo: Interior
Keyless entry	Yes	Yes
Push button start/stop	Yes	Yes
Steering-mounted controls	Yes	Yes
Cruise control	Yes	Yes
Drive modes	Eco and City	No
Driver’s display	Digital, 7-inch	Digital, 7-inch
Touchscreen	10.25-inch	10.25-inch
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto	Wireless	Wireless
Speakers	8 (includes 4 tweeters)	4
Electronically adjustable ORVMs	Yes	Yes
Auto-folding ORVMs	Yes	Yes
Auto-dimming IRVM	Yes	Yes
USB charging ports	1 Type C (front), 1 Type C (rear)	1 Type A (front), 2 Type C (rear)
Wireless charger	Yes	Yes
Automatic climate control	Yes	Yes
Height-adjustable driver’s seat	Manual	Manual
Power window operation	1 touch up/down (driver side)	One-touch down (all 4)
Rear AC vents	Yes	No
Rear centre armrest	Yes	No
60:40 split rear seats	No	No
Rear adjustable headrests	Yes	No

The gap continues on the inside as well. The Citroen C3X misses out on several practical interior features, including drive modes, rear AC vents, a centre armrest and adjustable rear headrests. Niceties such as a wireless charger, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch driver’s display, automatic climate control, cruise control and a height-adjustable driver’s seat are offered on both cars.

Punch Accomplished+ S turbo vs C3X Shine turbo: Safety
Airbags	6	6
360-degree camera	Yes	Optional extra
Hill-hold assist	Yes	Automatic trim only
Tyre-pressure monitoring system	Yes	Yes
Brakes (front/rear)	Disc/drum	Disc/drum
3-point seatbelts for all passengers	Yes	Yes
ABS with EBD	Yes	Yes

Safety is one area where the gap between the two is smaller. On the Citroen C3X, however, the 360-degree camera is an optional extra priced at Rs 25,000, and hill-hold assist is available only on the Shine turbo automatic trim.

Tata Punch vs Citroen C3 top turbo trims: Prices and verdict

C3X more affordable by up to Rs 1.06 lakh

Punch Accomplished+ S turbo vs C3X Shine turbo: Prices (ex-showroom)
SUV	Punch	C3X
Trim	Accomplished+ S	Shine
Manual (in Rs lakh)	9.8	8.74*
Automatic (in Rs lakh)	Not available	9.32**

*Dark edition costs Rs 3,000 more.

**Dark edition costs Rs 13,000 more.

Of the two, our pick is the Citroen C3X Shine turbo. It does miss out on some features compared to the Tata Punch Accomplished+ S trim, but most of these are not deal-breakers in everyday use. That, in turn, is what allows Citroen to price it far more aggressively. The C3X turbo manual costs a whopping Rs 1.06 lakh less than the Punch equivalent, and even the C3X turbo automatic undercuts the same by Rs 48,000. Even if you add the Rs 25,000 for the optional 360-degree camera on the C3X, both its variants remain relatively more affordable.

For the enthusiasts, the C3X has another ace up its sleeve: a brand-claimed sub-10-second 0-100kph sprint time. The C3X's performance also feels more spirited than the Punch despite having 10hp less. And while both cars have a nice ride and handling balance, the C3X is decidedly comfier. Overall, the C3X is more sorted mechanically and makes for a better package with much better value than the Punch.

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/vzF1gMd