Big Shake-up in Compact SUV Market: New Winners And Losers But Brezza Still King!
The compact SUV segment in India witnessed notable shifts in April 2025, with new entrants making significant inroads and established models experiencing changes in their standings. Here's an overview of the latest developments:
Maruti Brezza Retains Leadership
Maruti Suzuki's Brezza maintained its position at the top, recording sales of 16,971 units in April 2025. Despite a marginal 1% decline compared to the previous year, the Brezza continues to appeal to buyers seeking reliability and a robust service network.
Tata Nexon Shows Strong Growth
The Tata Nexon secured the second spot with 15,457 units sold, marking a 38% year-on-year increase. This resurgence indicates renewed interest in the Nexon, which had previously been outpaced by its sibling, the Punch.
Maruti Fronx Holds Steady
Maruti's Fronx maintained its third-place position with 14,345 units sold, showing consistent performance compared to the previous year. This stability suggests a steady demand for the Fronx in the compact SUV segment.
Tata Punch Numbers Decline
The Tata Punch, once a top-seller, recorded sales of 12,496 units in April 2025, a significant drop from 17,714 units in March 2025 and even bigger fall from April 2024 when it clicked over 19,000 units. This decline has pushed the Punch out of the top 10 best-selling cars for the month, indicating a shift in consumer preferences.
Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet Face Challenges
Hyundai's Venue and Kia's Sonet experienced declines in sales, with the Venue recording 11,831 units and the Sonet 8,068 units in April 2025.
These figures suggest increased competition and evolving consumer choices in the segment. However, Kia Sonet had a satisfaction of edging past its Korean sibling Hyundai Venue.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Makes a Strong Entry
Mahindra's XUV 3XO, an updated version of the XUV300, reported sales of 6,041 units. Its modern design and feature-rich offerings have resonated with buyers, indicating a promising trajectory in the coming months.
Skoda Kylaq and Kia Syros Gain Traction
Skoda's Kylaq made a notable debut with 5,364 units sold, reflecting a growing interest in upscale features within the compact segment.
Similarly, Kia's new entrant, the Syros, achieved sales of 3,902 units, indicating a positive reception in the market.
Hyundai Exter's Slowing Momentum
Hyundai's Exter experienced a slowdown, with sales decreasing to 5,416 units in April 2025 from 5,901 units in March. While the Exter has achieved cumulative sales of over 150,000 units since its launch in July 2023, the recent dip suggests growing competition in the segment.
What This Means
There are two ways to look at it:
One, some buyers are sticking with the established order choosing Brezza, Fronx and Nexon. The strong sales of both the Maruti Fronx and Brezza suggest that the compact SUV market is increasingly rewarding brands that strike the right balance between affordability, practicality, and perceived SUV styling.
The Brezza’s continued success highlights a demand for robust, no-nonsense models with a strong after-sales network, while the Fronx’s steady rise shows there’s room for crossover-styled vehicles that deliver on looks and everyday usability.
Neither model is the most feature-rich or powerful in its class, yet both resonate with buyers who value ease of ownership, fuel efficiency, and wide service access over aggressive performance or flashy tech. It also reflects how trusted brands can still dominate if the product positioning is clear. In a segment that’s now flooded with choices, the Fronx and Brezza prove that clarity of purpose, consistent updates, and brand reputation can still cut through the noise and win buyer confidence.
Others are gravitating towards newer options such as Syros and Kylaq, each with unique character. The strong debut of the Skoda Kylaq and the promising start of the Kia Syros reflect a growing appetite among buyers for fresh design, perceived premium quality, and differentiated positioning.
The Kylaq’s sales signal that there is a sizeable audience willing to explore alternatives beyond the usual names, provided the offering feels solid and well-built. Its European styling and brand appeal have clearly struck a chord. The Syros, on the other hand, has carved a distinct identity with its tall, upright stance and space-maximising interior layout.
Though positioned slightly higher than the Kylaq in terms of price, it appeals to those who want a unique shape, airy cabin, and urban-friendly practicality without sacrificing presence. Both models underline a clear shift: buyers are no longer swayed only by badge or spec sheets. Distinct design, brand character, and clever packaging now matter as much as price and power.
Two: Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue and Exter are very good, feature-loaded options that are under heavy pressure. Which can mean only one thing: You can get a sweet deal!
Competition is good. Always!