Published by: FunCarBox
Author: AP Singh
Last updated: January 2026
Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG
Why Tata Punch Mileage Matters More Than You Think
The Tata Punch is one of India’s most popular compact SUVs, but buyers are increasingly split between petrol and CNG variants. On paper, both look affordable. In reality, the fuel choice alone can change your ownership cost by lakhs of rupees.

Mileage is not just a number:
- It decides monthly fuel bills
- It affects long-term affordability
- It determines which variant actually makes sense for your usage

At FunCarBox, we don’t stop at brochure numbers. We break down:
- ARAI vs real-world mileage
- Cost per km
- Annual and 5-year savings
- Break-even analysis
No fluff. Only logic.
Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG

Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG :-
Tata Punch Powertrain Overview (Context Matters)
Before comparing mileage, you need to understand what you’re comparing.
Engine Basics
- Engine: 1.2-litre Revotron petrol
- Petrol transmission: Manual / AMT
- CNG transmission: Manual only (iCNG)
The engine remains fundamentally the same, but fuel type and tuning change everything about running cost.

Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG :-
Official Mileage Figures (ARAI Certified)
These are the numbers most buyers see first.
| Variant | Fuel Type | Transmission | ARAI Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Punch Petrol | Petrol | Manual | 20.09 km/l |
| Tata Punch Petrol | Petrol | AMT | 18.8 km/l |
| Tata Punch iCNG | CNG | Manual | 26.99 km/kg |
Important:
ARAI figures are measured in controlled lab conditions. Real-world results vary.





Real-World Mileage: What Owners Actually Get
Petrol (Manual & AMT)
- City driving: 16–18 km/l
- Mixed use: 18–19 km/l
- Highway (steady speeds): 19–20 km/l
CNG (Manual)
- City driving: 24–26 km/kg
- Mixed use: 25–27 km/kg
- Highway (steady speeds): 26–28 km/kg
FunCarBox Insight:
CNG mileage stays closer to ARAI figures than petrol because:
- Lower fuel cost encourages relaxed driving
- Engine tuning prioritises efficiency over performance
About This Guide
This in-depth mileage and ownership guide is published by FunCarBox, an independent Indian automotive blog focused on real-world usage, cost transparency, and buyer-first analysis.
All calculations are based on official ARAI ratings, real-world owner data, and conservative fuel price assumptions relevant to Indian driving conditions.
Mileage Comparison Table (Simplified)
| Parameter | Petrol Manual | Petrol AMT | CNG Manual |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARAI Mileage | 20.09 km/l | 18.8 km/l | 26.99 km/kg |
| Real-World Avg | 18.8 km/l | 17.8 km/l | 26.5 km/kg |
| Best Use Case | Balanced | City convenience | High savings |
Fuel Price Assumptions (India – Conservative)
To keep this realistic, we use safe average prices.
| Fuel | Assumed Price |
|---|---|
| Petrol | ₹95 per litre |
| CNG | ₹75 per kg |
Prices vary by city, but the difference in running cost remains consistent.
Cost Per Km: Petrol vs CNG (This Is the Turning Point)
| Fuel Type | Mileage | Fuel Price | Cost per km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 18.8 km/l | ₹95 | ₹5.05/km |
| CNG | 26.5 km/kg | ₹75 | ₹2.83/km |
➡️ CNG is cheaper by ~₹2.22 per km
This single number explains why CNG Punch exists.
Annual Fuel Cost Comparison
10,000 km per year
| Fuel | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Petrol | ₹50,500 |
| CNG | ₹28,300 |
| Savings (CNG) | ₹22,200 |
15,000 km per year (Most Common Usage)
| Fuel | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Petrol | ₹75,750 |
| CNG | ₹42,450 |
| Savings (CNG) | ₹33,300 |
20,000 km per year (High Usage)
| Fuel | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Petrol | ₹1,01,000 |
| CNG | ₹56,600 |
| Savings (CNG) | ₹44,400 |
5-Year Fuel Savings (Big Picture)
| Annual Usage | 5-Year Savings with CNG |
|---|---|
| 10,000 km | ~₹1.1 lakh |
| 15,000 km | ~₹1.65 lakh |
| 20,000 km | ~₹2.2 lakh |
Does CNG Recover the Higher Purchase Price?
Typical Price Difference
- Tata Punch CNG costs ₹90,000 – ₹1.1 lakh more than petrol
Break-Even Period
- 10,000 km/year → ~4–5 years
- 15,000 km/year → ~3 years
- 20,000 km/year → ~2–2.5 years
FunCarBox Verdict:
Below 10,000 km/year → petrol makes more sense
Above 12,000 km/year → CNG becomes financially superior
Performance vs Efficiency Trade-Off
Petrol Advantages
- Better throttle response
- Smoother highway overtakes
- AMT option available
CNG Trade-Offs
- Slight power drop
- Manual only
- Boot space reduced due to cylinder
Mileage gains come at the cost of performance and flexibility.
City vs Highway Usage Reality
| Usage Pattern | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Daily city commute | CNG |
| Mixed city + highway | Petrol |
| Frequent long highways | Petrol |
| High daily running | CNG |
Maintenance & Long-Term Ownership
| Aspect | Petrol | CNG |
|---|---|---|
| Service Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Engine Stress | Lower | Higher |
| Fuel System | Simple | More components |
| Reliability | High | Usage-dependent |
Modern factory-fitted CNG systems are reliable, but require:
- Regular checks
- Careful driving habits
Who Should Buy Tata Punch Petrol?
Choose Petrol if:
- Annual running < 10,000 km
- You want AMT convenience
- You drive highways often
- You value performance over savings
Who Should Buy Tata Punch CNG?
Choose CNG if:
- Annual running > 12,000 km
- City driving dominates
- Fuel savings matter
- You plan long-term ownership
Internal Link Targets (Add on FunCarBox)
- Petrol vs Diesel SUV Ownership Comparison
- Tata Punch Variants Explained
- Best Mileage Cars Under ₹10 Lakh
Disclosure:-
This article may display contextual advertisements via Google AdSense.
Ad placements do not influence editorial conclusions or recommendations.
FunCarBox Final Verdict (Blunt & Honest)
The Tata Punch CNG is not for everyone — but for the right user, it is financially unbeatable.
- Low usage? → Petrol
- High city usage? → CNG
Mileage numbers don’t lie.
Your driving pattern decides everything.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is Tata Punch CNG mileage better than petrol?
Yes. CNG delivers ~26–27 km/kg versus ~18–19 km/l for petrol in real-world use.
Is Tata Punch CNG good for highways?
It can handle highways, but petrol is smoother and better for overtakes.
How much money can I save annually with CNG?
At 15,000 km/year, savings can be ~₹30,000–₹35,000.
Does CNG reduce engine life?
Factory-fitted systems are safe if serviced properly.
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