India’s Top 10 Car Sales in August: An MPV Takes the Crown

The August 2025 sales chart delivered a surprise at the very top. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, a seven-seat MPV better known for practicality than glamour, finished first with 18,445 units - ahead of long-time favourites from the hatchback, sedan, and SUV segments.

This marks the first time in years that an MPV has led monthly passenger vehicle sales in India, highlighting changing buyer priorities in a cost-conscious market.

The Surprise Leader

The Ertiga’s strong showing came at the expense of the Dzire sedan, which slipped to second with 16,509 units. The Hyundai Creta, a consistent performer among SUVs, ranked third with 15,924 units.

Ertiga’s rise is rooted in its broad appeal. It is popular with families looking for space and flexibility, and with taxi operators who value its fuel-efficient CNG version. This dual base gives it an advantage over models aimed at a single type of buyer.

Maruti’s Grip on the Chart

Maruti Suzuki’s dominance was clear once again. Eight of the top 10 models for August carried its badge. Alongside the Ertiga and Dzire, the WagonR (14,552 units), Brezza (13,620), Baleno (12,549), Fronx, Swift, and Alto all secured top-10 positions.

This breadth across hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and now an MPV at the very top illustrates Maruti’s reach across multiple customer categories. Hyundai’s Creta and Tata’s Nexon (fifth with 14,004 units) were the only non-Maruti entries.

Functional Strength of the Ertiga

The Ertiga offers two main powertrain choices. The 1.5-litre petrol with mild hybrid technology produces 103 bhp and comes with manual and automatic transmission options. The CNG variant, making 88 bhp, is available with a manual gearbox and delivers 26 km/kg.

Practical features such as a 7-inch infotainment system, roof-mounted AC vents for the second row, and flexible seating layouts suit both private and fleet buyers. While it carries only two airbags as standard, it includes ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill hold assist to meet current safety requirements.

Its role in the CNG market is especially strong. In FY2025, the Ertiga CNG sold nearly 1.3 lakh units, making up over a quarter of Maruti’s utility vehicle volumes. That steady base has helped the model climb the ladder to No.1.

What the August Chart Shows

The August results underline several broader trends. SUVs remain the dominant aspiration for private buyers, with the Creta and Brezza both in the top five. Hatchbacks like the WagonR and Baleno continue to pull strong numbers thanks to affordability. The Dzire sedan retains its popularity in both private and taxi markets.

But the Ertiga’s unexpected lead suggests buyers are giving greater weight to space, running costs, and multi-purpose use. Analysts say that while SUVs remain aspirational, MPVs can thrive when they deliver practical benefits at competitive price points.

The overall chart also reinforces the extent of Maruti Suzuki’s hold over the Indian car market. Even as rivals like Hyundai and Tata make gains in SUVs, Maruti’s mix of body styles, fuel options, and price segments keeps it ahead.