The SUV segment dominated with over 50% of total car sales in FY24, with five SUVs among the top 10 best-selling cars in India. Hatchbacks comprised three entries, while one each belonged to the sedan and MPV categories. In terms of segment share within the passenger vehicle (PV) industry, SUVs led with 50.4%, followed by hatchbacks (27.8%), MPVs (9.3%), sedans (9%), and vans (3.5%). SUVs, MPVs, and vans witnessed growth, whereas hatchbacks and sedans saw a decline in market share.

Maruti Suzuki India claimed six models among the top 10 best-sellers in FY24, while Tata Motors secured two spots, and Hyundai Motor India and Mahindra & Mahindra each had one.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR continued its dominance with sales of 200,177 units in FY24, retaining its top spot from FY22 and FY23. Following closely were Maruti Suzuki Baleno with 195,607 units and Maruti Suzuki Swift with 195,321 units, showcasing Maruti Suzuki’s stronghold in the hatchback segment.

Tata Nexon continued to lead the SUV segment with 171,697 units sold in FY24, maintaining its top position from FY22 and FY23. Tata Punch followed suit with 170,076 units, while Maruti Suzuki Brezza, a competitor to the Nexon, secured 169,897 units.

In the sedan category, Maruti Suzuki Dzire performed impressively with sales of 164,517 units in FY24.

Hyundai Creta emerged as the best-selling mid-size SUV with 161,653 units sold in FY24. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga stood as the lone MPV with sales of 149,757 units, while Mahindra Scorpio, including N and Classic variants, secured the 10th position with 141,462 units sold in FY24.

10 largest-selling cars in India in FY24

• Maruti Suzuki WagonR – 200,177 units
• Maruti Suzuki Baleno – 195,607 units
• Maruti Suzuki Swift – 195,321 units
• Tata Nexon – 171,697 units
• Tata Punch – 170,076 units
• Maruti Suzuki Brezza – 169,897 units
• Maruti Suzuki Dzire – 164,517 units
• Hyundai Creta – 161,653 units
• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – 149,757 units
• Mahindra Scorpio – 141,462 units

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma MT:

1. Performance: Powered by a 1.2L VVT engine delivering 88 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque.
2. Transmission: Equipped with a manual transmission featuring 5 gears for precise control.
3. Safety Features: Dual airbags, ABS, seat belt warning, and engine immobilizer ensure passenger safety.
4. Comfort and Convenience: Automatic climate control, power windows, rear parking sensors, and rear defogger enhance comfort.
5. Connectivity: Smart connectivity options include Android Auto and Apple Car Play for seamless integration with smartphones.
6. Instrument Cluster: Combination of analogue and digital displays for essential information.
7. Warranty: Standard warranty of 2 years provides peace of mind to buyers.
8. Colors: Available in vibrant options such as Nexa Blue and Opulent Red.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma 1.2L MT:

1. Performance: Equipped with a 1.2L Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine producing 89 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque.
2. Transmission: Manual transmission with 5 gears ensures responsive performance and precise gear shifts.
3. Safety Features: Dual airbags, ABS, seat belt warning, and engine immobilizer prioritize passenger safety.
4. Comfort and Convenience: Automatic climate control, power windows, and rear parking sensors enhance the driving experience.
5. Connectivity: Smart connectivity options such as Android Auto and Apple Car Play keep passengers connected on the go.
6. Instrument Cluster: Digital display provides essential information at a glance.
7. Warranty: Standard warranty coverage offers added assurance to buyers.
8. Colors: Available in attractive options like Blue (Celestial) and Splendid Silver.

Both the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma MT and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma 1.2L MT offer a compelling combination of performance, safety, and convenience features. Whether it’s the sleek design and vibrant colors of the Baleno or the advanced technology and responsive performance of the Fronx, Maruti Suzuki continues to provide options that cater to the diverse needs of customers in the hatchback segment.

According to Ashish Gupta, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India Brand Director, the company currently has no plans to reintroduce the Polo or its new generation variant available in other markets. This decision is based on market dynamics, pricing considerations, and the company’s business case. While acknowledging the significance and affection associated with the Polo brand, Gupta expressed openness to possibilities in the future, considering the dynamic nature of the automotive market and the potential for premiumization trends in India. Despite a decline in the hatchback segment due to fierce competition from SUVs, premium hatchbacks continue to maintain demand. Notably, in January 2024, the Baleno sold 19,630 units, followed by the i20 with 7,083 units, Altroz with 4,935 units, and Glanza with 3,740 units. However, Volkswagen remains firm in its decision, emphasizing the challenging business case for reintroducing the Polo in India under the current product and regulatory framework, particularly dealing with the sub-4 metre rule.

Although Volkswagen recognizes the Polo’s iconic legacy and the demand for premium hatchback models, the company does not see reintroduction as a viable option presently. The decision is rooted in the complex considerations related to market dynamics, pricing, and the existing regulatory landscape. However, with the automotive market’s unpredictable nature, Volkswagen remains open to future possibilities that may align better with the evolving trends in the Indian market.