The automotive market in 2022 has shown promising growth, especially in the four-wheeler segment. After a downturn in sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the previous year, manufacturers have reported an increase in numbers for this year. While the sales figures for December have not yet been released, the data from January to November suggests a positive trend.
As expected, Maruti Suzuki remains a strong player in the Indian automobile market with seven of its products in the top-10 list of best-selling cars in the country.
Additionally, Tata Motors has made a notable rise with the Nexon and Punch models both appearing on the list of best-sellers. Overall, it seems that the automotive industry has recovered from the challenges of the previous year and is on track for continued success.
With over 2 lakh units sold, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR tops the list of best-sellers in India this year. The car received updates in February, including new alloy wheels and interior colour changes, as well as engine updates such as the inclusion of a 1-litre engine from the Celerio and a 1.2-litre engine from the Baleno, Swift, and Dzire. Prices for the WagonR start at INR 5.44 lakh.
The Baleno secures the second spot on the list, with 1.68 lakh units sold in 2022. The car received updates in February, including refreshed exterior styling, new interiors, and added tech and safety features. It is powered by a 1.2-litre engine that produces 89 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. Prices for the Baleno start at INR 8.28 lakh.
The Swift ranks third in terms of sales in 2022, with 1.64 lakh units sold between January and November. It is expected to receive a generation upgrade and hybrid tech shortly. The Swift is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 89 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. Prices for the Swift start at INR 5.91 lakh.
The Tata Nexon has experienced a significant increase in sales this year, jumping from 10th place in 2021 to 4th place in 2022. Tata has seen a 44% increase in sales for the Nexon, with 1.56 lakh units sold (not including December's numbers) compared to 1.09 lakh in the previous year. The Nexon is available in both electric and gasoline versions, and offers an EV and EV Max option, making it a versatile choice for consumers. In addition to its powertrain options, the Nexon has received recognition for its safety features, as it was the first Indian vehicle to receive a five-star safety rating from the Global NCAP. Prices for the Tata Nexon start at INR 7.69 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki's Alto hatchback has placed fifth in terms of sales this year, selling almost 1.54 lakh units so far. Although this is slightly lower than the 1.66 lakh units sold in 2021, the Alto has received updates in the form of the new Alto K10. The K10 boasts new looks and a larger engine and is powered by the same 1-litre engine as the Celerio. The naturally aspirated Dualjet engine produces 67 horsepower and 89 Nm of torque, and a CNG variant is also available. Prices for the Maruti Suzuki Alto start at INR 3.99 lakh.
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire saw a 27% increase in sales, selling 1.16 lakh units and ranking sixth. It received a minor facelift in 2020 and there are rumours of updates including a hybrid engine. It has a 1.2-litre engine and comes with a 5-speed automatic or 4-speed torque converter transmission. The top-spec variant has cruise control. Prices start at INR 6.24 lakh.
The Hyundai Creta sold 1.25 lakh units in 2021, ranking fifth. It has already exceeded that with 1.3 lakh units sold this year, ranking seventh. It will receive a facelift for the international market in 2023 with major updates and ADAS technology. It has 1.5-litre diesel and 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine options and a variety of transmission options. Prices start at INR 10.43 lakh.
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga saw a 6% increase in sales, with 1.21 lakh units sold in 2022 compared to 1.14 lakh in 2021. It received a minor facelift and a new 1.5-litre engine with start-stop technology. It has a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and prices start at INR 8.41 lakh.
Tata's Punch made its way onto the top 10 list for the first time, coming in ninth. It sold 22,651 units in late 2021 and has seen a significant increase this year with 1.19 lakh units sold. It has a 1.2-litre engine and prices start at INR 5.99 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki's Brezza is ranked tenth on the list of best-selling cars for the year. It was refreshed and rebranded as simply "Brezza" this year. It sold 1,15,962 units in 2022 and is expected to grow in 2023. It has a K15C engine and prices start at INR 7.99 lakh.