Top-Selling Used Hatchbacks of 2024: Leaders on the Leaderboard

For a long time now, hatchbacks have found plenty of favour with the Indian buyer. However, as demand for used SUVs has seen a steady growth among used cars, it has extracted a share of the market from used hatchbacks. In the used car market since 2022, hatchbacks saw a decline in market share from 57%, to 53.2% in 2024, while SUVs surged from 12.6% to 16.7% in the same period. However, thanks to their compact size, affordability, and versatility, hatchbacks continue to dominate the used car market.

For first-time buyers and families, these factors came together to give a sizable boost to the used hatchback segment. But which models in particular appealed the most? This article highlights the best-selling used hatchbacks in 2024,as per the used car market report by CARS24, Gears of Growth. We highlight why they were popular, and why you should definitely add it to your considerations list in 2025.

Six Best-Selling Used Hatchbacks in India in 2024

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift

It should come as no surprise that the Maruti Suzuki Swift was the best-selling used hatchback in 2024. Its tally for 2024 was a significant 11% of all used hatchbacks sold, outselling its nearest rival comfortably. It’s designed well, is a reliable performer, has affordable pricing, and is almost a no-brainer for young buyers and families alike. As per CARS24’s data, the second and third generations of the immensely popular hatchback were in demand by used car buyers in 2024.

Standout Features

The Swift offered a well-appointed cabin, an intuitive infotainment system, and sporty aesthetics. Its comfortable ride quality and nimble handling further enhanced its appeal.

Engine and Transmission Options

The second and third generation Swift was available with a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine and a 1.3-liter DDiS diesel engine, while transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. Our buying trends indicate that a whopping 96% of used Swift buyers opted for a manual transmission-equipped Swift in 2024.

Fuel Efficiency

With a mileage of up to around 25 kmpl, the Swift offered excellent fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Reliability

The Swift’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs made it a trusted option in the used car market. It delivered consistent performance over the years.

Dealer Network

Maruti Suzuki’s extensive dealer and service network ensured easy access to after-sales support, enhancing the Swift’s popularity among used car buyers.

2. Hyundai i10

Since its launch in 2007, the Hyundai i10 has been a huge success for the Korean carmaker, consistently topping sales charts along the way. In 2024, CARS24’s data shows that the Hyundai i10 was a popular choice in the used market as well, proving that hatchbacks with the right combination of size, features, and affordability are hard to knock off the best-sellers list. Of all the used hatchbacks sold in 2024, the Hyundai i10 accounted for a sizable 8% of sales, which is impressive.

Standout Features

The i10 offered a well-designed and functional interior, comfortable seating, and a responsive steering system. Its compact dimensions made it ideal for city driving, while features like power windows and an efficient AC system added to its practicality.

Engine and Transmission Options

The i10 was equipped with a 1.1-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engine, offering a smooth and peppy performance. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed automatic, with 92% of i10 buyers opting for the manual as per internal data.

Fuel Efficiency

The Hyundai i10 delivered a mileage of around 19 kmpl, making it an economical choice for daily commutes and city driving.

Reliability

Hyundai’s reputation for reliability was evident in the i10. The car’s sturdy build and minimal maintenance requirements made it a trusted option in the used car market.

Dealer Network

The availability of Hyundai’s widespread service network and genuine spare parts made the i10 an easy choice for buyers seeking long-term convenience.

3. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.0

When it comes to strong sales chart performers in India, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is a familiar name that’s commonly seen near the top. It’s a similar story for the used car market, with its 1.0-liter variant continuing to be heavily preferred by used car buyers in 2024. A telling stat is that used Wagon R 1.0 sales accounted for 6% of all used hatchbacks sold in 2024. Its tall-boy design, spacious interiors, and practicality made it a favourite among families and first-time car buyers.

Standout Features

The Wagon R offered great headroom and legroom, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a well-thought-out boot space. The practicality of its foldable rear seats further enhanced its appeal.

Engine and Transmission Options

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is powered by the 1.0-liter K10B petrol engine, with manual and auto transmission options on offer. Our data reveals that it was the manual transmission-equipped Wagon R that was the overwhelming favourite for used car buyers in 2024, with 95% opting for the 5-speed manual shifter.

Fuel Efficiency

With a mileage of around 21 kmpl, the Wagon R offered good fuel efficiency for a city runabout. Its low running costs made it an economical choice for budget-conscious buyers. On average, over a five-year period, owners would have to spend about ₹15,800 (or about ₹3,100 per year) on maintenance, making it very affordable to run.

Reliability

Maruti Suzuki’s reputation for reliability was a significant factor in the Wagon R’s popularity. The car’s solid build and minimal maintenance requirements ensured long-term dependability.

Dealer Network

The extensive Maruti Suzuki service network across India made the Wagon R a worry-free choice. Buyers could easily access spare parts and servicing, even in remote locations.

4. Hyundai Grand i10

Hyundai has had an enviable run of success with the Grand i10 so far, even if used car sales are considered. Our data from 2024 tells us that the second generation Grand i10 (produced between 2013 and 2018) was a used buyer’s favourite, and that it accounted for 5% of all used hatchbacks sold in 2024. Considering the Grand i10’s affordable pricing in the used car segment, compact design, feature-rich interior and excellent build quality, the decision for the used car buyer was made easy.

Standout Features

The Grand i10’s standout features include a spacious and premium cabin, advanced infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, and a robust air conditioning system. It also offered dual airbags and ABS as standard in most variants, appealing to safety-conscious buyers. Over and above that, features like rear AC vents, keyless entry, a cooled glove box, and a touchscreen infotainment system all helped seal the second hand buyers’ vote.

Engine and Transmission Options

The Grand i10 was available with both petrol and diesel engine options, while transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. As per our internal data however, 77% of buyers preferred the 1.2-litre petrol, and 90% of all Grand i10 buyers bought one paired to the 5-speed manual transmission in 2024.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency was another strong suit of the Grand i10. The petrol variant offered a mileage of around 19 kmpl, while the diesel variant delivered an impressive 24 kmpl (ARAI-rated), making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Reliability

Known for its reliability, the Grand i10 requires minimal maintenance and has a reputation for longevity, making it a trusted choice for used car buyers. The estimated maintenance cost of the Hyundai Grand i10 for five years is about ₹13,600, working out to just under ₹3,000 per year in maintenance for the Grand i10.

Dealer Network

Hyundai’s extensive dealer and service network further boosted the Grand i10’s appeal. Buyers could easily find authorised service centers and spare parts, ensuring hassle-free ownership, which is especially important for a used car.

5. Maruti Suzuki Alto

The Maruti Suzuki Alto has been one of India’s most iconic hatchbacks, known for its affordability, simplicity, and efficiency. Its appeal in the used car market was driven by its low cost of ownership and reliable performance. Our internal data shows that a sizable number bought the second-generation Alto (2012-2022) in 2024, which just goes to show that, despite having a single generation pull on for nearly 10 years, its demand stays strong years after its successor has been launched. In fact, the Alto managed to make up 5% of the total number of used hatchbacks sold in 2024, which is an impressive feat.

Standout Features

The Alto featured a compact design, easy-to-use controls, and a comfortable cabin. Despite its small size, it offered adequate space for small families and had basic safety features like airbags and ABS in newer models.

Engine and Transmission Options

The Alto was equipped with an 800cc petrol engine and a 1.0-liter K10B engine. Both engines were paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the K10B variant also offered an AMT option. Despite the convenience of the AMT however, an overwhelming majority bought a used Alto in 2024 equipped with a manual transmission.

Fuel Efficiency

The Alto’s fuel efficiency was one of its strongest points, with the 800cc engine delivering around 22 kmpl and the K10B variant offering up to 24 kmpl.

Reliability

The Alto’s robust build and minimal maintenance requirements made it a favorite among used car buyers looking for a hassle-free ownership experience.

Dealer Network

As a Maruti Suzuki product, the Alto benefited from an expansive dealer and service network, ensuring ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts.

6. Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno carved a niche for itself as a premium hatchback that delivered on style, space, and features. It’s now in its second generation (in its hatchback avatar), and the Baleno’s affordability in the used car market, combined with Maruti Suzuki’s trusted brand name, made it a top choice among buyers. While the Baleno has remained true to its recipe from the beginning, CARS24’s internal data indicates that it’s the 2017 and 2019 facelift variants (of the first generation hatchback) that particularly struck a chord with used car buyers in 2024, with it making up 5% of the total number of used hatchbacks sold in 2024.

Standout Features

The Baleno features a spacious and well-appointed interior, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, and advanced safety features like ABS with EBD and dual airbags. As part of the 2019 facelift, there were additions like a reverse parking sensor and ISOFIX mounts, and sharper styling with projector headlamps that appealed the most to used buyers.

Engine and Transmission Options

The Baleno was available with a   petrol engine and a 1.3-liter DDiS diesel engine. Both engines were known for their smooth performance and efficiency, but our internal data shows that the Baleno equipped with the petrol engine far outsold the diesel in the used market in 2024, with 84% of buyers opting for the 1.2-liter K-Series. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic gearbox, with 89% of buyers preferring the manual option.

Fuel Efficiency

The petrol variant offered a mileage of approximately 21 kmpl, while the diesel variant delivered an impressive 27 kmpl, making the Baleno a cost-effective option for long-distance commutes.

Reliability

With Maruti Suzuki’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs, the Baleno was a dependable choice in the used car market. The estimated maintenance cost of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno for five years is about ₹27,000, which works out to roughly ₹5,000 per annum.

Dealer Network

Maruti Suzuki’s extensive dealer and service network across India ensured easy availability of spare parts and servicing, adding to the Baleno’s appeal.

Benefits of Buying a Used Hatchback

If you are on the fence about buying a used hatchback in 2025, there are plenty of reasons to seriously consider one.

• Affordability: Used hatchbacks offer excellent value for money, providing essential features at a fraction of the cost of new cars.
• Fuel efficiency: Most hatchbacks are designed for fuel economy, making them a cost-effective choice for daily commutes.
• Easy maintenance: Hatchbacks are generally simple to maintain, with affordable spare parts and servicing options readily available.
• Compact size: Their small size makes them ideal for navigating congested city streets and parking in tight spaces.
• Resale value: Hatchbacks typically hold their value well, given their high demand, ensuring a good return on investment.
   

Key Features to Look for in a Hatchback

Much like any other car segment, there are a few things to consider before buying a hatchback.

• Fuel efficiency: Opt for models with high mileage ratings to save on running costs.
• Safety features: Look for essential safety features like airbags, ABS, and good build quality.
• Comfort and space: Ensure the car offers adequate cabin space and comfortable seating.
• Engine performance: Choose a reliable engine with a proven track record of durability and efficiency.
• Maintenance history: Check the service records to confirm regular upkeep and minimal issues.
   

How to Choose the Right Hatchback for Your Needs

A used car could be a great financial decision over a new example. However, keep the following points in mind before committing.
 

• Set a budget: Define your budget and stick to it, including additional costs like insurance and registration.
• Inspect the car: Check for visible signs of wear and tear, rust, and potential repairs.
• Check the engine: Ensure the engine runs smoothly without unusual noises or vibrations.
• Test drive: Take the car for a test drive to assess performance, comfort, and handling.
• Review service history: Verify the car’s service records to ensure it has been well-maintained.
• Verify ownership: Confirm the ownership details and ensure there are no pending loans or legal issues.
• Buy from trusted sources: Opt for certified pre-owned dealers like CARS24 that offer warranties and transparency.
   

Conclusion

The used car market in India, especially for hatchbacks, continued to flourish in 2024 due to their unmatched practicality, affordability, and reliability. Models like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Alto, Wagon R, Swift, Hyundai Grand i10, and i10 dominated the segment. As hatchbacks remain a cornerstone of personal mobility in India, they offer an excellent opportunity for buyers to own a reliable and efficient vehicle at a reasonable cost. By conducting thorough research and inspections, buyers can find the perfect hatchback that meets their needs and provides long-term value.

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