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Journalism of Courage
India’s automobile market is incredibly diverse, offering everything from compact hatchbacks to rugged SUVs, and spacious sedans designed for families. However, in such a competitive industry, only a select few vehicles consistently dominate sales charts. By 2024, India had climbed to the third-largest automobile market in the world in terms of sales and ranked fourth globally in overall automobile production. As part of its push toward sustainability, the Indian government has also been actively encouraging green mobility initiatives to tackle climate change.
So, which cars continue to lead the pack despite fierce competition? Based on Forbes’s latest rankings of the car units sold in February 2025, here’s a look at India’s highest-selling cars in 2024-25 and what makes them so popular.
| Rank | Car Model | No. of Units Sold in Feb 25 | No. of Units Sold in Feb 24 | Y-o-Y Change |
| 1. | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | 21,461 | 14,168 | 51% |
| 2. | Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | 19,879 | 19,412 | 2% |
| 3. | Hyundai Creta | 16,317 | 15,276 | 7% |
| 4. | Maruti Suzuki Swift | 16,269 | 13,165 | 24% |
| 5. | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | 15,480 | 17,517 | -12% |
| 6. | Maruti Suzuki Brezza | 15,392 | 15,765 | -2% |
| 7. | Tata Nexon | 15,349 | 14,395 | 7% |
| 8. | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | 14,868 | 15,519 | -4% |
| 9. | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | 14,694 | 15,837 | -7% |
| 10. | Tata Punch | 14,559 | 18,438 | -21% |
Based on Forbes’ list
Fronx, unveiled in April 2023 at the Auto Expo, blends design elements from the Grand Vitara and Baleno. It offers a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charger, 360-degree camera, and up to six airbags. Powered by a 100 hp Boosterjet turbo engine, it rivals the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Tata Nexon.
With a price range of Rs 7.51 lakh to Rs 13.04 lakh and mileage between 20.01 kmpl and 28.51 km/kg with CNG, Fronx has seen impressive sales growth. In February 2025, it sold 21,461 units, up 51 per cent from the previous year.
A household favourite in India for years, Wagon R has played a crucial role in securing market leadership for Maruti. Under the hood, the Wagon R comes with two petrol engine choices—a 1.0-litre and a more powerful 1.2-litre variant. For those looking for a fuel-efficient alternative, the 1.0-litre model is also available with a CNG kit, delivering an impressive mileage of 25.19 km/l with petrol and 34.05 km/kg with CNG.
Sales figures reinforce its continued popularity. In February 2025, Maruti sold 19,879 units, a slight increase from 19,412 units in February 2024, marking a two per cent year-on-year growth. With its combination of affordability, efficiency, and practicality, the Wagon R remains a top choice for Indian car buyers.
Creta has once again proven its dominance in the mid-size SUV segment, securing the third spot on India’s list of top-selling cars. As the only Hyundai model to make the cut, the Creta continues to be a crowd favourite, despite facing tough competition from rising contenders like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
In February 2025, Hyundai sold 16,317 units of the Creta, marking a seven per cent year-on-year growth compared to the 15,276 units sold in the same month last year. With a price range of Rs 10.87 lakh to Rs 19.20 lakh and an impressive mileage of 17 kmpl to 23 kmpl, it continues to strike the right balance between style, performance, and affordability.
Swift has been a household name in India since its debut in 2005, often being the first car that comes to mind for many buyers. This popular hatchback has consistently ranked among the country’s best-selling cars, thanks to its spacious cabin, fuel efficiency, and reliable performance.
With a mileage of 22.38 km/l for petrol and an impressive 30.90 km/kg for CNG, the Swift continues to attract city drivers and long-distance travelers alike. In terms of sales, the Swift saw a significant jump in February 2025, selling 16,269 units compared to 13,165 units the previous year—a strong 24 per cent year-on-year growth that reflects its enduring appeal.
Baleno continues to be a favourite among Indian car buyers, thanks to its spacious cabin, fuel-efficient engine, and strong resale value. This popular hatchback comes with a 1.2-liter DualJet petrol engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. It’s also available in a CNG variant, delivering an impressive mileage of 22.94 km/l on petrol and 30.61 km/kg on CNG.
Brezza stands strong in the compact SUV market, closely trailing the Tata Nexon. With a price range of Rs 8.29 lakh to Rs 14.14 lakh, it offers a balance of affordability and features, making it a popular choice among buyers. Under the hood, it comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, available with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. What sets the Brezza apart is its mild-hybrid technology, which is standard in all automatic variants, helping it achieve a fuel efficiency of 17.38 – 19.8 km/l. For those looking for an economical alternative, the CNG variant delivers an impressive 25.51 km/kg, adding to its appeal.
Nexon has played a crucial role in establishing Tata as one of India’s top car manufacturers. Known for its dominance in the compact SUV market, the Nexon continues to be a best-seller, with its recent facelift further solidifying its popularity. It retains its reliable engine options—a 1.2-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel—while introducing a new 7-speed DCT automatic transmission for petrol variants, alongside the existing 6-speed manual and 6-speed AMT gearboxes. Adding to its appeal, the Nexon EV remains India’s best-selling electric vehicle, further driving its overall sales. With a price range of Rs 8.10 lakh to Rs 15.50 lakh and an impressive mileage of 17.18 kmpl to 24.08 kmpl, the Nexon continues to be a top choice for Indian buyers looking for a stylish and efficient crossover SUV.
Ertiga has solidified its position as India’s best-selling MUV, thanks to its affordability, practicality, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Designed to comfortably seat seven passengers, it strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a popular choice among Indian families. Its strong demand also extends to cab operators, especially for its CNG variants.
Powering the Ertiga is a 1.5-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology, ensuring a smooth and efficient drive. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Dzire continues to be a favourite in India’s sedan segment, thanks to its impressive blend of fuel efficiency, comfort, and practicality. With a price range of Rs 6.59 lakh to Rs 9.39 lakh, it offers great value for buyers looking for an affordable yet well-equipped car. Essentially a sedan version of the Swift, the Dzire retains the same spacious cabin and modern interior features while being powered by a 1.2-liter Dualjet petrol engine. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT, making it a versatile option for city driving. One of its biggest highlights is its mileage—while the petrol version delivers 22.41–22.61 km/l, the CNG variant stretches efficiency to an impressive 31.12 km/kg.
Punch has carved a niche for itself in the Indian market, proving that a compact SUV can deliver big on performance, safety, and style. Despite being the smallest in its segment, it packs a punch with its bold design and spacious interiors that rival larger SUVs. What truly sets it apart is its impressive 5-star G-NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest cars in India. With a price range of Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10.10 lakh, it remains an affordable yet feature-packed option. Tata has also introduced CNG variants, further broadening its appeal among budget-conscious and eco-friendly buyers.
