Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire sedan defied India’s SUV dominance, selling 153,543 units in 2025 to surpass Hyundai’s Creta. With safety ratings, CNG options, and affordability, it outperformed European rivals. Backed by $11 billion Japanese investments, the success underscores India’s preference for value-driven cars amid a rapidly changing auto landscape.
In a market overwhelmingly dominated by SUVs, a Japanese sedan has emerged as a surprise bestseller, challenging the long-held belief that Indian buyers prefer bulkier vehicles. The Maruti Suzuki Dzire, a compact sedan, has outshone European competitors and even overtaken popular SUVs to top India’s sales charts in 2025.
Key highlights from the announcement:
Between January and September 2025, the Dzire sold 153,543 units, surpassing Hyundai’s Creta SUV, which recorded 152,243 units.
The sedan’s success is attributed to its 5-star crash safety rating, affordable CNG variants, and strong appeal among fleet operators and middle-class families.
Analysts note that the Dzire’s fuel efficiency, affordability, and reliability have given it an edge over pricier European sedans and SUVs.
Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki, are doubling down on India, with a collective $11 billion investment push to expand manufacturing and exports.
This marks a rare moment where a sedan has disrupted SUV dominance, proving that value-driven innovation can still win in India’s evolving auto market.
The Dzire’s rise highlights how Japanese engineering continues to resonate with Indian buyers, offering practicality and trust over sheer size.
Sources: Financial Express, LiveMint