Buying a car happens to be the second most important purchase decision for people in India. Over the years, buyers have shown a definite shift towards better equipped and thoroughly modern offerings. Manufacturers have responded positively and today, cars in India are comparable to those sold elsewhere in the world. Indian car buyers however continue to be a highly value-driven lot. It is therefore no surprise to see Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai to feature so prominently in the list of top 10 most popular cars in India. Let’s take a look at the just which of the cars have been successful this year:
Maruti Alto: The Maruti Alto is the best-selling small-hatch in the country, taking over the crown from the M800. Average monthly sales cross the 20,000 cars mark. It is powered by a potent, three-cylinder, 796cc engine and the Alto K10 makes about 47 bhp of power and 69 Nm torque. It has an ARAI certified fuel consumption figure of 22.74 km/l.
Maruti Alto
Maruti DZire: Another gem from the Maruti stable is the DZire. It is the best-selling sub-four metre, compact sedan and outsells the rest of the segment month after month. It is powered by a 1.2 litre petrol and 1.3 litre multijet diesel engine. Both engines are known to be proven performers and are highly fuel efficient to boot. The recent facelift have only improved the car’s appeal, thereby helping it retain the tag of being the most popular cars in India in 2015.
Maruti DZire
Maruti Swift: The hatchback variant on which the DZire is based, the Maruti Swift has been a runaway success for the manufacturer. Powered by a potent duo of petrol as well as diesel engines, the Maruti Swift continues to bring in customers into showrooms even after the launch of newer offerings from the competition. With average monthly sales of over 17,000 cars, the Maruti Swift as well as the Swift DZire, continue to sell more than the rest of the competition combined.
Maruti Swift
Hyundai Elite i20: Korean car manufacturer, Hyundai’s offerings also make it to the list of top 10 selling cars in India. The Elite i20, for example, is a strong number two in the B-segment or large-hatch segment. Buyers love the features and creature comforts that come with the Hyundai Elite i20 and with the recent refresh, it is the best looking i20 ever.
Hyundai Elite i20
Hyundai Grand i10: The Grand i10 is another Hyundai offering that has done exceedingly well on the sales charts. Powered by a 1.1 litre CRDi engine, the spacious hatch is packed to the gills with features, a fact that buyers have loved when opting for it. Increasing its appeal to buyers, the Grand i10 is also available with an advanced automatic transmission option in the 1.2 litre, petrol engine variant. Both, the Grand i10 as well as the Elite i20 average about 11,000 cars a month on the sales charts.
Hyundai Grand i10
Maruti WagonR: The WagonR is another small hatchback from the Maruti Stables. Powered by a 998cc three-cylinder engine, it makes 67 bhp of power and 90 Nm torque. With average monthly sales remaining in the high 14,000 mark, the original tall-boy design is among the 10 most popular cars in India.
Maruti WagonR
Maruti Celerio: Another bestseller from Maruti, the Celerio is a modern take on a small, family hatchback and has been received well by buyers, with monthly sales reaching 10,000 units. Powered by a twin-cylinder, 793cc DDiS125 diesel engine, the Celerio sports a torque figure of 125 Nm and a claimed, 27.62 km/l fuel efficiency, which makes it one of the most frugal cars on the road.
Maruti Celerio
Hyundai Creta: The Creta compact SUV launched earlier this year, has proved to be a runaway success for its manufacturer Hyundai. Sporting the brand's signature Fluidic 2.0 design, the Creta is powered by a range topping 1.6 litre, 125 bhp CRDi motor which develops a whopping 260 Nm torque. Packed to the gills with features and passenger conveniences, the Creta is comfortably selling about 7,000 units per month, thereby joining the list of latest popular cars in India.
Hyundai Creta
Maruti Omni: Many would be surprised to find the Maruti Omni to be still on sale in showrooms, and be even more surprised to know that it is, in-fact among the 10 most popular cars in India. With average monthly sales remaining a steady 6,000 units, this ‘van’ continues to echo in the hearts of owners across the country.
Maruti Omni
Honda Amaze: Powered by frugal engines, with dollops of power (especially the diesel), the Honda Amaze is a great car that has found acceptance with many an owner. It is spacious on the inside and comes backed by the promise of Honda’s fuss-free ownership experience. An average monthly sales figure of over 6,500 cars makes it one of the most popular cars in 2015.
The coming year brings with it the promise of new launches, even as manufacturers continue to bolster and upgrade their present offerings. Viewed independently, Maruti does not seem to be under immediate threat from the increased competition that is coming its way. However, Hyundai has been steadily rising as a quality second place manufacturer and many others, including the likes of Honda, Ford and Tata are snapping at Maruti’s wheels. It will therefore be interesting to see just how the current players stack up when next year’s most popular list is out.
Honda Amaze
