Something unusual is unfolding in the Indian passenger vehicle (PV) market. Over a 40-year period, from 1985 to 2024, a sedan topped India's annual car sales only once. That happened in 2018, when the Maruti Suzuki Dzire emerged as the country's best-selling car. In 2025, a sedan is set to lead the sales chart again. The model is, once more, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
The country's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India, has sold 1,95,416 units of the Dzire in the domestic market this year from January to November. It is ahead by 7,448 units of the model holding the second position, which is Hyundai Motor India's popular SUV, the Creta, at 1,87,968 units.
The Dzire is set to take the numero uno position at a time when the sedan segment is facing stiff competition from the SUV segment, with the former accounting for less than 10% of the PV market share and the latter contributing almost 55%.
Best-selling cars in India from 1985 to 2024
| Model | Year |
| Maruti Suzuki 800 | 1985-2004 |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto | 2005-2017 |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | 2018 |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto | 2019 |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | 2020 |
| Maruti Suzuki WagonR | 2021 |
| Maruti Suzuki WagonR | 2022 |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | 2023 |
| Tata Punch | 2024 |
Top five selling cars in India from 2021 to 2024
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Maruti Suzuki WagonR (1,83,851 units) | Maruti Suzuki WagonR (2,17,317 units) | Maruti Suzuki Swift (2,03,469 units) | Tata Punch (2,01,799 units) |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift (1,75,052 units) | Maruti Suzuki Baleno (1,85,665 units) | Maruti Suzuki WagonR (2,01,302 units) | Maruti Suzuki WagonR (1,90,855 units) |
| Maruti Suzuki Baleno (1,72,241 units) | Maruti Suzuki Swift (1,76,424 units) | Maruti Suzuki Baleno (1,93,988 units) | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (1,90,093 units) |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto (1,66,233 units) | Tata Nexon (1,68,279 units) | Maruti Suzuki Brezza (1,70,588 units) | Maruti Suzuki Brezza (1,88,160 units) |
| Hyundai Creta (1,25,437 units) | Maruti Suzuki Dzire (1,59,919 units) | Tata Nexon (1,70,311 units) | Hyundai Creta (1,86,919 units) |
5 largest-selling cars in India in 2025 (January-November)
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire (1,95,416 units) |
| Hyundai Creta (1,87,968 units) |
| Tata Nexon (1,81,186 units) |
| Maruti Suzuki WagonR (1,79,663 units) |
| Maruti Suzuki Eriga (1,75,404 units) |
"The Dzire continues to find wide acceptance in India due to a combination of pricing, positioning and scale. It sits in the compact sedan segment, which allows it to offer a boot without a significant cost premium over hatchbacks. The model benefits from Maruti Suzuki's extensive sales and service network across urban and rural markets," an analyst told Moneycontrol.
"Multiple powertrain options have also helped broaden its appeal. Low running costs, predictable maintenance and strong resale value remain key factors. Over the years, consistent updates have allowed the Dzire to stay relevant despite shifting market preferences," another analyst said.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire price
The Dzire is priced between Rs 6,25,600 and Rs 9,31,300 (ex-showroom). The model also has a commercial derivative, the Tour S. Prices for the Tour S range from Rs 6,23,800 to Rs 7,09,800 (ex-showroom). Following the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate rationalisation, prices of the Dzire were reduced by up to Rs 87,700. The Tour S saw a price reduction of up to Rs 67,200.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire powertrains and efficiency
The car is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, which initially debuted on the Swift hatchback. This mill produces 81.58PS of power and 111.7Nm of peak torque. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed AMT. A CNG version is also offered. It delivers 69.75PS and 101.8Nm of torque and is available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Fuel efficiency remains a key factor for buyers in this segment. Maruti Suzuki claims a mileage of 24.79kmpl for the petrol manual version. The petrol AMT is rated at 25.71kmpl. The CNG manual variant delivers a claimed efficiency of 33.73kmpkg.
Diligent pricing and high fuel efficiency have ensured that the Dzire's popularity remains high for private as well as fleet buyers.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire features
At the price point the Dzire plays, it has been meticulously loaded with features as well. On the exterior, it gets LED headlamps with DRLs, LED taillamps, 15-inch alloy wheels, a shark-fin antenna and a subtle spoiler integrated into the boot lid.
Inside, the Dzire uses a dual-tone cabin layout. The dashboard features a wooden-finish insert. The equipment list includes a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include Arkamys-tuned audio, a 360-degree camera, automatic climate control, cruise control, rear AC vents, a rear armrest and Suzuki Connect connected car technology. The model also offers an electric sunroof, a feature that is becoming increasingly common in this segment.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire safety
The Dzire is also one of the safest cars in India, securing a five-star safety rating in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. It is based on Maruti Suzuki's fifth-generation Heartect platform. High-tensile steel accounts for 45% of the body structure, while standard safety equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability program, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD, brake assist and three-point seatbelts for all seats.
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