India’s 5 Top Selling Cars List Has 4 Non Maruti Cars

September’s top five selling cars paint a very different picture of India’s auto market. Four of the five bestsellers are not from Maruti Suzuki: a rare shift in a list the company once dominated.

Leading the pack is Tata’s Nexon with 22,573 units, followed by Maruti’s Dzire sedan at 20,038 units. In third place is Hyundai’s Creta with 18,861 units, while Mahindra’s Scorpio and Scorpio N take fourth with 18,372 units.

Tata’s Punch closes out the top five with 15,891 units. Together, these numbers show how Indian buyers have moved away from small hatchbacks toward compact and midsize SUVs, leaving just one sedan in the top ranks.

Why the Mix Has Changed

A combination of improved supply and broader model portfolios has reshaped the leaderboard. Tata has stabilised Nexon production after its major refresh last year, and its range of petrol, diesel and electric versions helps it cover multiple price bands.

Hyundai’s Creta continues to dominate the midsize SUV space with a blend of features, size and price that fits most urban buyers. Mahindra’s Scorpio twins, the Classic and the N, are steadily converting their massive order backlog into deliveries as production ramps up.

The Punch, meanwhile, has become a strong alternative for those upgrading from small hatchbacks, offering a higher seating position and tougher design without adding bulk.

Maruti’s Dzire holds its own by sticking to what works: affordability, fuel efficiency and ease of ownership. But its solitary presence in a top five list otherwise ruled by SUVs reflects a clear change in buyer preference.

Demand Factors and Buyer Behaviour

September’s sales benefited from two short-term triggers: GST-related price revisions and the early start of the festive buying window. Many buyers who had postponed purchases earlier in the year returned once prices stabilised, helped by finance schemes and exchange offers.

SUVs naturally soaked up this demand because they combine perceived value with aspirational appeal. Even for families who primarily drive in cities, the idea of owning something with a higher driving position and more cabin space has become a strong pull.

In that context, the Dzire’s second place is notable. It proves that the compact sedan format still has a loyal audience that values practicality, low running costs and easy maintenance. But the overall shift toward SUVs is unmistakable.

What It Means for Maruti Suzuki

For Maruti, this list is both a reality check and a prompt to adapt. There was a time when the brand could count multiple models [Alto, Swift, Baleno, WagonR] among the top five every month.

Having only the Dzire in that list signals how much the landscape has changed. Small cars have lost momentum as customers stretch budgets for larger vehicles, while compact SUVs like the Fronx and Brezza are still building up consistency.

The flip side is that competition has expanded, creating a more balanced market where no single model or brand dominates. This fragmentation is healthy for buyers, who now have strong choices across multiple segments and price points.

SUVs Lead, But the Game Isn’t Over

The next few months will show whether September’s pattern was a one-time result or a lasting shift. If the Nexon continues to hold its lead through Diwali and into the new year, it will confirm that Indian buyers now value space, features and presence above everything else. If the Dzire manages to reclaim the top spot through fleet and family demand, it will remind everyone that affordability still carries weight.

Either way, the message is clear: India’s car market has matured. The days of one brand sweeping the charts may be over, replaced by a mix of strong players and diverse models that better reflect what buyers actually want today.