In an SUV-dominated market, a compact sedan has quietly raced to the front of the pack. Between January and September 2025, Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire emerged as India’s bestselling car, clocking 1,53,543 units — just ahead of Hyundai’s Creta, which sold 1,52,243 units during the same period.
Industry analysts say the Dzire’s success lies in its blend of safety, affordability and versatility — a mix that appeals to both personal and fleet buyers. The fourth-generation Dzire, launched in November 2024, has found an audience that values practicality as much as performance.
The model’s five-star crash ratings — from Global NCAP late last year and Bharat NCAP in June — have given it newfound credibility among safety-conscious buyers. Its CNG variants, meanwhile, continue to be a hit with fleet operators. Though Maruti Suzuki doesn’t share detailed sales breakdowns, a source told FE that about one-third of Dzire’s total sales come from the fleet segment.
Close on the heels of Dzire, Hyundai's Creta, the midsize SUV that remains the Korean automaker’s strongest performer. With 1,52,243 units sold in the first nine months of 2025, the Creta is on course to set a new annual record, likely surpassing its 2024 total of 1,86,919 units.
In third place is another Maruti staple — the Wagon R, with 1,46,074 units sold. Combined with the Dzire and the Swift (1,35,220 units), the hatchback reinforces Maruti Suzuki’s iron grip on the entry-level segment.
The Ertiga (139,155 units) continues to prove there’s still space for multi-purpose vehicles, while the Brezza (1,31,587 units) and Fronx (1,27,127 units) keep Maruti firmly ahead in the compact SUV race.
Tata Motors is closing in fast with its compact SUV pair — the Nexon (1,36,669 units) and Punch (1,21,959 units). Together, they sold 2,58,628 units, only 86 fewer than Maruti’s Brezza–Fronx duo.
Meanwhile, Mahindra continues to dominate the rugged SUV space with the Scorpio, whose N and Classic versions together notched up 1,27,607 units, securing the eighth spot overall.
At a time when SUVs dictate market trends, the Dzire’s resurgence underscores that India’s car buyers still value a well-rounded, value-driven sedan. Affordable running costs, strong brand recall, and enhanced safety credentials have helped this unassuming four-door reclaim the top spot — proving that the sedan, far from being passé, can still set the pace on India’s roads.
