Maruti Suzuki Dzire set to become India's largest-selling car in FY26, Tata Nexon leads SUV race

Maruti Suzuki Dzire (left) and Tata Nexon (right)

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is all set to become the largest-selling car in India in FY26 with sales of more than 2,07,000 units in the first 11 months of the year, even as the Tata Nexon leads the SUV race, clocking volumes of over 1,96,000 units during the same period.

In FY26 year-to-date, the Dzire has posted sales of 2,07,906 units, averaging 18,900 units a month. At 1,96,244 units so far, the monthly average for the Nexon has been 17,840 units.

Top 10 selling cars in India FY26 Apr-Feb

The Dzire's performance is significant as it is leading the sales chart despite the sedan segment facing headwinds in the face of stiff competition from the SUV segment. It was the country's largest-selling car in calendar year (CY) 2025 as well with sales of over 2,14,000 units.

According to industry experts, the Dzire benefits from diligent pricing, efficient character and Maruti Suzuki's extensive sales and service network across urban and rural markets.

At the heart of the Dzire is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, which develops 81.58PS of maximum power and 111.7Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox with an option for a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). It also has a CNG version (69.75PS and 101.8Nm) with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The powertrain of the Dzire is tuned more for efficiency than performance. However, this is true for most of the powertrains employed in the Maruti Suzuki cars.

While fuel efficiency remains a key factor for the Dzire buyers, Maruti Suzuki claims a mileage of 24.79kmpl for the petrol manual version, 25.71kmpl for the petrol AMT and 33.73kmpkg for the CNG manual.

A reliable powertrain and handsome fuel efficiency figures also play a key role in the high usage of the Dzire in the fleet segment.

The Dzire is priced between Rs 6,25,600 and Rs 9,31,300 (ex-showroom). At this price point, it also attracts buyers looking for a premium hatchback or micro SUV. The Tour S, which is the Dzire's fleet version, sits in the price bracket of Rs 6,23,800 to Rs 7,09,800 (ex-showroom).

Another key aspect is Dzire's safety rating. The car has scored a 5-star safety rating at both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP.