Top Selling Cars in India - Price, Mileage, Specifications

What’s undeniable is the fact that India’s automotive sector makes for a fascinating growth story. As our economy surges ahead, and with an ever-improving infrastructure network, the demand for personal vehicles has soared recently. That would be an understatement, to be frank. For a while now, India has witnessed enviable growth in the automotive sector, and the growing middle class is primarily responsible for it. All the while, the tag for the ‘most sold car in India’ keeps evolving. It’s no wonder that the most sold car in India till date (the Maruti Suzuki Alto) no longer features in the top 10.

With this incredible growth, we’re also witnessing a number of new launches from manufacturers old and new, and with an ever-expanding list of options, the buyer is firmly in the driver’s seat, as it were. There’s also a growing demand for electric (and even hybrid) vehicles in India.

Given all that, though, what does the leaderboard look like? Which manufacturer rules the roost when it comes to their vehicles finding a new home? These are questions that we will answer. Over and above that, though, buying trends indicate a strong pull towards SUVs and compact cars more than any other segments. As you will notice, this reflects very well in the sales charts. And while it’s true that there are quite a few familiar names on the list of the 10 most selling cars in India, it’s also a fact that spending habits are evolving, bringing in a few new faces that are determined to leave a lasting impression.

Top 10 best-selling cars in India in June 2024

(Source: SIAM)

1. Tata Punch - (18,238 Units)

Starting Price: ₹6.12 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Tata Motors sold 18,238 units of the Punch in June 2024, recording an impressive year-on-year growth of 66%, from 10,990 unit sales from June 2023. That makes the Tata Punch the best-selling car in India in June 2024. The Tata Punch micro-SUV is a great option if what you’re on the lookout for is a blend of city practicality and SUV flair at an affordable price. While its design comes across as decidedly Tata, that’s no bad thing, and it bears more than a passing resemblance to the bigger Nexon SUV. 

As for power, it may not top any charts, but it’s good enough for city driving. While the Punch definitely doesn’t have the chops of purposeful off-road cars, its increased 187 mm of ground clearance enhances its ability to drive over rough roads. With a focus on safety, it's known for its stylish design, spacious cabin, and feature-packed interior. 

Tata Punch Specifications

Tata Punch Key Features

• 5-Star GNCAP safety rating
• Dual airbags are standard
• ESP, reversing camera, ISOFIX, and TPMS are great features for this segment

2. Maruti Suzuki Swift - (16,422 Units)

   Starting Price: ₹6.49 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Maruti Suzuki Swift is an incredibly popular hatchback (for quite a while, it was the highest selling car in India) known for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and design. It comes with a single 1.2-liter petrol engine option that makes 80 bhp, and is available with manual and automatic transmissions. 

While not a powerhouse, it offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy for city driving. Its cabin is reasonably spacious, and there are a decent amount of features that come as standard with the Swift. The kicker is, of course, Maruti’s strong after-sales network.

The Swift’s sales numbers indicate a marginal 2.9% year-on-year growth. Maruti Suzuki dispatched 15,955 units of the Swift hatchback in June, 2023, compared to 16,422 units in June, 2024. This might not seem as impressive as some others on this list, but it’s still commendable that  the Swift can still draw in as many customers.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Swift Key Features

• Nine-inch touchscreen is easy to use
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Cruise control on certain trims

3. Hyundai Creta - (16,239 Units)

Starting Price: ₹10.99 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Hyundai Creta is one of the most popular mid-size SUVs in India, known for its design, spacious interior, and feature-rich options. Available with multiple engine choices, including petrol and diesel, it offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It’s also one of the few diesel automatic cars on this list. 

While not the most rugged off-roader, it provides a comfortable ride for city commutes and highway cruising. Depending on the variant, you can get features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a comprehensive infotainment system. All these factors combined goes to show how the Creta has managed to grow by 12.8% year-on-year, from 14,447 unit sales in June, 2023, to 16,239 units in June, 2024.

Hyundai Creta Specifications

Hyundai Creta Key Features

• Voice-enabled panoramic sunroof
• Integrated infotainment and instrument cluster
• Six airbags, ESC, vehicle stability management and plenty of other safety features available

4. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga - (15,902 Units)

Starting Price: ₹8.69 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

When it comes to people-movers, especially on the budget side of the spectrum, it’s hard to not consider the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. It prioritises practicality with a focus on fuel efficiency, making it suitable for families. There’s also a fair amount of space in the cabin that seats up to seven people, which is exactly what people in the budget MPV segment are looking for. The Ertiga has consistently been in the top 10 cars sold in India, and the month of June, 2024 was no exception, with a total of 15,902 Ertigas being dispatched to dealerships. This represented an impressive 88.8% growth over June, 2023, where Maruti Suzuki dispatched only 8,422 units.

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is available in petrol and CNG variants with manual or automatic transmission options, and it offers a comfortable ride for everyday driving. While not known for luxury features, the Ertiga delivers a balance of space, fuel efficiency, and the automaker’s reputation for reliability.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Key Features

• Third-row seats are quite comfortable compared to its rivals
• Four airbags, ABS with EBD, and brake assist

5. Maruti Suzuki Baleno - (14,895 Units)

Starting Price: ₹6.66 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Seen as the grown-up version of the popular Swift, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno makes its mark by coming across as an affordable, fuel efficient, and decently spacious option in the segment. The Baleno’s sales numbers show a marginal uptick in dispatched units: going from 14,077 units in June, 2023, to 14,895 units in June ‘24, which is a 5.8% jump year-on-year.

As for its powertrains, it comes in two engine options: a 1.2-litre petrol engine prioritising fuel efficiency for city driving and a CNG variant offering even lower running costs. Both engines are paired with manual or automatic transmissions. In fact, it’s one of the best automatic cars on offer today.

Safety features include airbags and ABS, making it a practical choice for families. While it won't win any awards for raw power, it offers a comfortable ride with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam setup in the rear. Feature-wise, the Baleno boasts a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted controls, and various comfort features depending on the variant. Overall, the Baleno is a well-rounded package for budget-minded Indian car buyers looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient hatchback for city use.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Key Features

• 360-degree camera is novel in this segment
• Digital MID and Head-up display
• 9-inch touchscreen

6. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R - (13,790 Units)

Starting Price: ₹5.54 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is one of the two exceptions on this list. June ‘24 sales figures show that 13,790 units of the Wagon R were dispatched, against 17,481 units from June 2023, resulting in a significant 21% drop in sales year-on-year. However, despite the drop in sales numbers, it still firmly features in the top 10 list, which goes to show just how much faith the buying public has in the car. 

The reasons for that are simple: the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is known for its affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency. It comes in two engine options: a petrol engine and a CNG option, with both prioritising mileage for city driving and highway cruising. While not known for its power, the Wagon R makes for a decently comfortable ride for five passengers.

One of its biggest strengths is its spacious cabin, making it suitable for small families. The 341 litres of boot space is decent for its size, and fold-down rear seats offer additional storage when needed. Available in multiple trim levels, the Wagon R gives its occupants features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) depending on the variant.

The Wagon R's biggest knock might be its lack of safety features in the base variant, though. However, its affordability, fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and Maruti Suzuki's service network make it a compelling choice for budget-minded Indian car buyers looking for reliable and practical hatchbacks.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Key Features

• Power windows and electrically adjustable and retractable outside rear-view mirrors
• Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, and hill-hold assist

7. Maruti Suzuki Dzire - (13,421 Units)

Starting Price: ₹6.56 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

If, for a moment, you can shake off the image of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire being one of the most preferred by taxi drivers, there’s quite a lot going for the compact sedan. The Dzire is offered in both petrol and CNG engine options, and for the most part, it prioritises fuel-conscious city driving. In June 2024, Maruti Suzuki sold 13,421 units of the Dzire sub-compact sedan, recording a 44% year on year growth, when compared to 9,322 unit sales from June 2023. 

Inside, the Dzire features a relatively spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five. It features a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, which is always a good thing to have. While it’s not known for luxury, the materials and build quality are decent, offering a reliable daily driving experience.

On the safety front, the Dzire comes equipped with dual airbags and ABS as standard, with higher trims offering additional safety features. While it may not be the most powerful car on the road, it delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it a compelling choice for individuals, families, and fleet operators seeking a practical and economical sedan for Indian roads.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Key Features

• 7-inch touchscreen gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Cruise control available on certain trims 

8. Maruti Suzuki Brezza - (13,172 Units)

Starting Price: ₹8.34 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

If what you’re on the lookout for is a compact SUV that’s fuel efficient, spacious, practical, and has a good set of features, all the while leaning on the premium side of things, then the Maruti Suzuki Brezza could be a very promising bet. The Brezza is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a focus on fuel efficiency and a CNG variant offering even lower running costs. The petrol engine comes with manual and automatic transmission choices, while the CNG is offered with a manual only. It’s certainly far from being deemed powerful, but the Brezza delivers adequate performance for city commutes and highway cruising.

Maruti equips the Brezza with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam setup in the rear. This combination helps it have a comfortable ride on Indian roads. Safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and hill hold assist come standard, offering peace of mind for drivers.

Overall, the Brezza offers a compelling package for budget-minded Indian car buyers seeking a practical, fuel-efficient, and comfortable SUV for everyday driving. The sales numbers certainly back it up, with 13,172 Brezzas being shipped to dealerships across the country in June, 2024 as against 10,578 units in June, 2023, which is a 24.5% increase year-on-year.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Key Features

• Electric sunroof
• Head-up display and 360-degree camera
• ESP, hill-hold assist, and 6 airbags bump up safety quotient

9. Mahindra Scorpio - (12,307 Units)

Starting Price: ₹13.61 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

When it comes to tough, rugged and practical SUVs, it’s hard to ignore the Mahindra Scorpio. Clearly, a lot of people agree, considering the Scorpio’s sales figure of 12,307 units in June, 2024. As a comparison, only 8,648 units of the Scorpio were dispatched to dealerships in June, 2023, representing an impressive 42.3% growth year-on-year.

The Scorpio is renowned for its value and ruggedness, over cutting-edge features or luxurious interiors. It comes with a single, powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine, offering enough muscle for highway cruising. While it’s not exactly one of the cars with the highest ground clearance on offer, tackling uneven terrain comes relatively easy for it. 

Mahindra offers the Scorpio in six and seven seat configurations, making it suitable for families or those who need extra passenger space. The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride on rough roads, and you can choose between rear-wheel drive for affordability or optional four-wheel drive for venturing off the beaten path.

While some rivals boast more modern features, the Scorpio focuses on providing a dependable and capable driving experience at an attractive price point.

Mahindra Scorpio Specifications

Mahindra Scorpio Key Features

• Auto climate control, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Multiple seat configuration options
• Rear parking sensors

10. Tata Nexon - (12,066 Units)

Starting Price: ₹7.99 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Tata Nexon is one of only two cars on this list that has posted negative year-on-year growth. In June 2024, 12,066 units of the Nexon were sold, as against the 13,827 units in June, 2023, which represents a 12.7% decrease in sales year-on-year.

But while it may feature at the bottom of the top-10 list here, there's no doubting the Tata Nexon’s strong credentials. Known for its blend of style, practicality, and affordability, it offers a muscular design with a feature-packed cabin depending on the trim level.

There are two engine options available on the Nexon: a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel, both prioritising fuel efficiency for city driving and highway cruising. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a manual or automatic transmission.

One of the biggest talking points of the Nexon is its suspension setup. A MacPherson strut in the front absorbs bumps, while a twist-beam rear suspension offers stability. While some find the ride firm on smooth roads, it effectively tackles uneven surfaces and potholes, making it a compelling choice for everyday driving.

Tata Nexon Specifications

Tata Nexon Key Features

• Pliant suspension setup
• Six airbags are standard
• Multiple drive modes

Conclusion

Each and every one of India’s highest-selling cars deserve their place on the list. However, what’s not immediately apparent from the numbers is the fact that the manufacturers behind these vehicles have all put an incredible amount of thought and care into producing these best-sellers. They all have at least a few standout factors that differentiate them from their competition, and regardless of which way you look at it, the biggest winner from having this diverse a set of vehicles is the buyer.

What’s also heartening to see is that the top 10 list features nine homegrown efforts, which is a great testament to the reality that Indian manufacturers are growing and evolving well enough to understand just what the buyer needs; however varied our tastes may be.

FAQs

Q. What are some of the top-selling hatchbacks in India?
Cars like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Baleno, and Brezza are the top-selling hatchbacks in India.

Q. What are some of the top-selling SUVs available in India?
The Tata Punch and Nexon, Hyundai Creta, and Mahindra Scorpio N are some of the top-selling SUVs available in India.

Q. Which is the highest selling car in India?
The highest-selling car in India for the most recent month (June, 2024) is the Tata Punch with 18,238 units dispatched.