In September, the Indian automotive industry achieved an unprecedented milestone, recording its highest-ever sales in a single month. This achievement coincided with the festive season in India, a peak period for automakers to capitalize on consumer demand. Maruti Suzuki, India's leading car manufacturer, further solidified its dominance with six of its models making it to the list of the top 10 cars sold in India for September. Despite the surging popularity of SUVs and utility vehicles, small cars continued to lead the pack in terms of sales. Let's take a brief look at the top 10 cars that made headlines across India last month:

1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno:

The Baleno hatchback remained a chart-topper in sales, even as Maruti Suzuki turned its attention to the more popular SUV segment. The latest generation Baleno, introduced early last year, retained its position in the face of growing SUV preference. Packed with features, the Baleno garnered an impressive 18,417 units in sales for September. While this figure represented a robust performance, it was marginally lower, by about five percent, compared to the same month the previous year.

This performance is emblematic of the Indian automotive market's dynamism, where small cars maintain their appeal despite the evolving landscape of consumer choices and the industry's continuous adaptation to new trends and demands.

2. Maruti Suzuki WagonR:

The iconic and boxy Maruti Suzuki WagonR has retained its status as a beloved choice among Indian car buyers. Available in both petrol and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) versions, the WagonR consistently secures a spot among the top three best-selling cars in India every month. In the month of September, Maruti Suzuki successfully marketed 16,250 units of the WagonR. However, this figure marked a drop of nearly 20 percent compared to the 20,078 units sold in the same month the previous year. Despite the dip, the WagonR's enduring popularity demonstrates its appeal to a broad segment of the Indian market.

3. Tata Nexon:

India's best-selling SUV, the Tata Nexon, gained substantial momentum following its reimagined launch in the previous month. Tata Motors achieved notable success with the sale of 15,325 units of the Nexon sub-compact SUV, reflecting a growth rate of approximately six percent. The latest version of the Nexon boasts significant updates in design, features, and powertrain offerings. Available in both petrol and diesel versions, and even featuring an electric variant, the Nexon successfully surpassed its formidable rival, the Brezza, to claim the third position on the list of best-selling cars last month. This achievement highlights Tata's commitment to innovation and customer demand for SUVs in the Indian market.

4. Maruti Suzuki Brezza:

In September, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza emerged as the torchbearer of Maruti Suzuki's SUV lineup, with a total of 15,001 units delivered across India. While the Brezza remains a popular choice among Indian car buyers, its sales figures experienced a marginal decline compared to the same month the previous year when Maruti sold 15,445 units. The new iteration of the Brezza was launched in India last year, featuring a fresh design and enhanced features aimed at attracting the younger generation of buyers. Maruti Suzuki offers the Brezza with a petrol engine, which is also available with CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) technology, aligning with the increasing demand for more eco-friendly options.

5. Maruti Suzuki Swift:

The Swift hatchback, known for its sporty appeal and anticipated to undergo a significant facelift soon, has witnessed a slip in the sales rankings in recent times. Despite an impressive 23 percent increase in sales since September of the previous year, the Swift found 14,703 homes across the country last month. This hatchback, available in India with a starting price of ₹5.73 lakh (ex-showroom), is set to make its debut in a new avatar later this month at the Japan Mobility Show. The Swift's enduring popularity and consistent sales figures underscore its status as a preferred choice among Indian car enthusiasts, even as it readies itself for an exciting update.

6. Maruti Suzuki Dzire:

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire continues to maintain its unique status as the sole sedan featured consistently in the list of the top 10 cars sold in India each month. Widely adopted for fleet use across the country, the Dzire further distinguishes itself with enhanced efficiency through Maruti's CNG technology. In the month of September, the Dzire witnessed a commendable sales figure of 13,880 units, marking a significant 45 percent increase compared to September 2022. The combination of being a reliable fleet choice and the adoption of CNG technology played pivotal roles in its sales. It's noteworthy that the Dzire, since its launch in 2016, has not undergone a significant facelift, which reinforces its enduring appeal.

7. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga:

The new Ertiga continues to hold its position as the best-selling three-row MPV in India, thanks to its feature-rich offerings and commendable performance at a relatively affordable price point. In September, Maruti Suzuki achieved sales of 13,528 units of the Ertiga, reflecting a substantial 45 percent increase compared to the same month the previous year. The new Ertiga, launched in India last year, is available with both petrol and CNG technology, providing buyers with options that align with their preferences and environmental concerns.

8. Tata Punch:

Tata Motors' smallest SUV, the Punch, has rapidly become the second best-selling car in the lineup. Not only is it compact and budget-friendly, but it also boasts strong safety credentials, earning a five-star rating at Global NCAP. In September, the Punch found 13,036 takers, highlighting its popularity among safety-conscious Indian consumers. Additionally, the Punch is set to become the second SUV from Tata Motors to offer petrol and diesel variants, alongside CNG and an electric version, catering to a wide spectrum of customer preferences.

9. Hyundai Creta:

The current generation Hyundai Creta, launched in early 2020, has firmly established itself as India's highest-selling compact SUV. In September, the Creta retained its top position, surpassing competitors like the Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, and newcomers like the Honda Elevate. Hyundai Motor achieved sales of 12,717 units of the Creta SUV last month, marginally down from the 12,866 units sold in September the previous year. Hyundai is actively engaged in testing the new generation Creta, slated for an early launch in India next year.

10. Hyundai Venue:

Wrapping up the list is another SUV from Hyundai Motor, the Venue. Despite receiving various updates and changes, the Venue has faced challenges in competing with rivals such as the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. In September, Hyundai Motor reported sales of 12,204 units of the sub-compact SUV. The carmaker also introduced the N-Line version of the Venue, demonstrating its commitment to offering diverse options to meet the preferences of Indian consumers.

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