Against the tide of SUV dominance, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire has scripted one of the most surprising comebacks in Indian automotive history.
In calendar year 2025, the Dzire officially reclaimed the title of India’s best-selling car, pushing the Tata Punch off the top spot it held in 2024.
With 2.14 lakh units sold, the Dzire didn’t just lead the sedan segment — it outsold SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Tata Nexon, proving that efficiency and value still matter in India.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best-Selling Cars in India – CY 2025
| Rank | Model | Sales (Lakh Units) | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maruti Dzire | 2.14 | Sedan |
| 2 | Hyundai Creta | 2.01 | SUV |
| 3 | Tata Nexon | 2.01 | SUV |
| 4 | Maruti Wagon R | 1.94 | Hatchback |
| 5 | Maruti Ertiga | 1.92 | MPV |
| 6 | Maruti Swift | 1.89 | Hatchback |
| 7 | Maruti Fronx | 1.80 | SUV |
| 8 | Mahindra Scorpio (N + Classic) | 1.77 | SUV |
| 9 | Maruti Brezza | 1.75 | SUV |
| 10 | Tata Punch | 1.73 | SUV |
Despite SUVs accounting for over 55% of total passenger vehicle sales, the No.1 position belongs to a traditional three-box sedan.
Why the Dzire Reclaimed the Crown
The Dzire’s 32.9% year-on-year growth in 2025 wasn’t accidental. Two major factors worked strongly in its favour.
1. September 2025 GST Cut Changed the Game
In September 2025, the government reduced GST on sub-4 metre sedans from 29% to 18%.
- Resulting price drop: ~12.8%
- Immediate benefit for:
- Middle-class private buyers
- Fleet and taxi operators (Dzire Tour)
This single policy move made the Dzire one of the lowest total-cost-of-ownership cars in the country.
2. Fourth-Generation Dzire Finally Stood on Its Own
2025 was the first full calendar year of the fourth-generation Dzire (launched November 2024).
Key upgrades that mattered:
- Distinct design identity (no longer just a Swift with a boot)
- Improved interior quality and safety
- New Z12E 1.2L petrol engine
- Class-leading efficiency:
- Up to 33.73 km/kg (CNG)
For many buyers, it became the default “safe, sensible, future-proof” choice.
The Unexpected Revival of Small Cars
The sedan GST cut triggered a ripple effect across Maruti’s Arena portfolio.
December 2025 Highlights
- Maruti Alto: ~10,000 units sold after a 25.4% price correction
- Maruti S-Presso: 4,225 units
This revival brought first-time buyers back into showrooms, countering the long decline of entry-level hatchbacks.
SUV Craze vs Real-World Economics
The 2025 sales chart exposes a clear contradiction in the Indian market:
- SUVs dominate aspirational buying
- Sedans still win on:
- Fuel efficiency
- Maintenance costs
- Taxi & fleet economics
- Long-term ownership value
With the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz discontinued, the Dzire now carries the sedan flag alone — and does it convincingly.
GadiGarage Verdict
The Maruti Dzire’s return to the top is more than a sales statistic — it’s a message to the industry.
While manufacturers chase higher margins through SUVs, India’s mass market continues to reward smart pricing, efficiency, and practicality. The Dzire’s 2025 performance proves that the sedan is far from dead — it just needed the right moment to strike back.
So, did you pick a sedan over an SUV in 2025? Or are SUVs still your first choice?
Tell us your reason in the comments below!
