Highest selling cars of India in 2017

The year 2017 was quite an eventful one. The implementation of GST and the switch to BS IV emission norms pretty much disrupted the rhythm of the automotive industry. Additionally, several fast and luxurious vehicles forayed in and there was a push towards an electric future. So, let’s look back at the year 2017 and all the cars that managed to make a mark amidst all the chaos in the Indian car market in terms of numbers. 

1. Maruti Suzuki Alto – 2,57,732 units

The undisputed leader in the Indian market has continued to outsell every other car in the country by a humongous margin. The Alto sold a total of 2,57,732 units in 2017 averaging at 21,478 units each month. The hatchback’s lowest dip of 14,856 units was in June. However, it recorded a YOY growth of 13 per cent compared to 2016.

2. Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire – 2,25,043 units 

This is an important one. The old Dzire was replaced by the new-gen one in May. This new Dzire took the market by storm by selling a whopping 30,934 and 34,305 units in the first two months of its delivery. In the calendar year, the Dzire moniker (combined) found 2,25,043 takers in the country with an average monthly sale of 18,754 units.

3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno – 1,77,209 units

Here is where the segment shift is apparent. The Baleno ranked seventh in the list in 2016 becoming a part of 97,580 families. With a growth of a whopping 81 per cent, the Baleno has become a force to reckon with. The sales have almost doubled up compared to 2016 with an average of around 14,767 units each month. The Baleno also got a potent RS variant last year.

4. Maruti Suzuki Swift – 1,67,371 units

Three years and numerous special editions were a driving force for the outrageous demand of the Swift. This undisputed segment leader clocked 1,67,371 units in 2017 averaging around 13,948 units every month. Even though the new Swift is around the corner, the highly-successful current Swift was in production until late December. It was put to rest on 23 December. Now, the new Swift has some big shoes to fill. 

5. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R – 1,66,814 units

The Wagon R has been the workhorse for the Indian market fulfilling the basic needs of what a ‘car’ is supposed to be. Comfortably selling almost 14,000 vehicles throughout the year, the Wagon R was a choice of 1,66,814 buyers. The reliable, efficient and low maintenance WagonR also crossed two-million unit sales mark in September.

6. Hyundai Grand i10 – 1,54,787 units

Coming in sixth in the list is the hatchback from Hyundai selling an impressive 1,54,787 units in 2017. With an average of around 12,900 units each month, the Korean hatch outsold the other hatchbacks in the segment comfortably with its reliability and clever packaging. The Grand i10 also received a mid-life update in February 2017 with a new bigger diesel engine

7. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza – 1,40,945 units

Winner of the coveted 2017 ICOTY award, the Brezza sold an impressive 1,40,945 units last year. The compact crossover managed a healthy average monthly sales of 11,745 units despite of being offered with a single powertrain option and being on sale for almost two years now. It is one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers in the country and comes with Suzuki’s peace of mind ownership.

8. Hyundai Elite i20 – 1,34,103 units

The second Hyundai in the list is the Elite i20. The premium hatchback sold a total of 1,34,103 units in the 2017 calendar year. It averaged 11,175 units every month. The 2017 model year received dual-tone paint scheme options along with added equipment. The hatchback is due for a mid-life update this year as well.

9. Hyundai Creta – 1,05,484 units

The third Hyundai and the second of the only two crossovers in the list is the Creta. The Creta sold 1,05,484 units last year averaging a remarkable 8,790 unit sales each month. The Korean crossover defined the segment and has become a benchmark vehicle for the other carmakers.  The Creta’s numbers didn't dip below 6,500 in the whole year. Pretty impressive for an SUV worth Rs 10 lakhs.

10. Maruti Suzuki Celerio – 1,00,860 units

Finishing 10th on the list is another Maruti narrowly crossing the one lakh mark in the calendar year. The Celerio sold 1,00,860 units with an average of 8,405 units, outselling even the Swift in October. It received a slight cosmetic update late last year, along with a CelerioX edition. However, it has had its fair share of ups and down the entire year. 

Honourable mentions:

Maruti Suzuki Omni – The 34-year-old van never ceased a sales figure below 5,678 all through the year. The Omni still sells an average of 7,022 units every month and this year alone it sold around 84,269 units with a YOY growth of 8.6 per cent. It sold thehighest number of units in January with 8,723 units, outselling the Creta, Kwid and the Innova in that month.

Renault Kwid – Losing the top honours by a slight margin, the Kwid had an impressive run of 92,440 units in 2017 with a healthy average of 7,703 units. The Kwid had an intense bout with the Celerio outselling it on five occasions last year. 

Conclusion:

Maruti Suzuki continues to dominate the Indian car market. Seven out of the total 10 vehicles and also the top five in the list are a part of the Indo-Japanese manufacturer’s line-up. Maruti’s hatchbacks are an unprecedented choice for car buyers but this is now being slowly challenged with the Dzire compact sedan grabbing the second spot in 2017. The segment shift is evident as we witnessed the Baleno outselling the Swift and surprisingly the Creta outselling the Celerio and the Kwid.