Our list includes popular brands like Maruti and Hyundai, along with the usual suspects.
Published on Dec 07, 2025 11:00:47 AM
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Follow usThere are hundreds of car models on sale in India, spanning multiple segments and price brackets. However, among those are a few that simply do not get the attention they deserve, whether it be from prospective buyers or the brand itself. Read on to know the cars in question and why we think they are not selling as many units as they should.
The Citroen Aircross X (formerly C3 Aircross) competes in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment, where the Hyundai Creta sells around 15,000 units per month, while the Citroen Aircross X does a paltry 100 units or so. There are several reasons behind the Citroen SUV’s lacklustre performance.
Not only did the erstwhile C3 Aircross lack several features that customers wanted, but it also fell behind in terms of its overall interior fit and finish. These issues have been mostly addressed in the updated Aircross X. The challenges now confronting the brand involve changing public perception of its cars while simultaneously increasing its own market visibility.
The Aircross X’s positives include its distinctive design and a classy interior with diffused ambient lighting and segment-exclusive third-row seats. While these seats are best-suited for kids, the fact that they can be removed entirely enhances the car’s overall flexibility.
The Jeep Meridian’s low sales are a byproduct of the parent company’s apparent lack of financial investment in India. The Meridian has not received any significant updates since its debut, which shows in its dated interior design and feature set.
Jeep’s models have also been historically less reliable than rivals, further dampening customer interest. Other probable reasons for the low sales could be the lack of a petrol powertrain and the SUV’s cramped third row.
Where the Meridian shines is in the way it rides over paved and broken sections of road, making it ideal for long trips. The latter will be further enhanced due to the Meridian’s spacious cabin. Despite being a monocoque, its Jeep DNA means that the Meridian performs remarkably well over challenging terrain as well.
The Basalt X (formerly just ‘Basalt’) shares many of the same issues that plague the Aircross X. Moreover, almost all of Citroen’s models are affected by the brand’s part-digital, part-physical (“phygital”) sales model. Before adopting the ‘X’ suffix, the Basalt’s lack of features and less-than-stellar interior fit and finish resulted in the model’s dismal sales.
The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine in the Basalt X (and the Aircross X) offers plenty of power and a linear torque delivery. The Aisin-sourced torque-converter automatic gearbox is smooth, while the steering is both light and responsive. One of Citroen’s fortes has been good suspension – something the Basalt X benefits from, too. Despite the coupe-like roofline, overall ergonomics remain good.
Compared to its fellow German rivals, the Audi A4 is much older. This is evident in its overall styling and technology package, especially in the cabin. The 3-Series and C-Class get a more advanced feature set, along with newer exterior and interior styling. Even when compared to new Audi models, the A4 feels dated. Its rear seats are also not the most spacious in the segment.
The Audi A4 is far more affordable than either the BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Despite this, its ride quality is often superior to the C-Class, partially aided by the A4’s high-profile tyres. The A4’s better ground clearance means fewer chances of scraping the underbody, while its turbo-petrol engine is smooth yet responsive. The A4’s rear seats provide plenty of comfort, and there is the excellent build quality to admire as well.
Where the Maruti Invicto’s monthly sales sit in the low triple digits, the Toyota Hycross outsells it by a factor of 20. This is because the Invicto is only available with the ‘Strong Hybrid’ powertrain, limiting its sales potential.
While a rebadged Maruti (like the Toyota Glanza, for example) sells well, the ‘non-premium’ perception of the brand hinders sales of its expensive models even when retailed at its premium Nexa dealerships.
Compared to its Toyota counterpart, the hybrid variants of the Maruti Invicto are about Rs 1 lakh cheaper at the low end and Rs 3.3 lakh cheaper at the top end. Being mechanically identical to the Hycross Hybrid, the Invicto Hybrid should fare equally well on the reliability front. Adding to its strength is Maruti’s expansive service network, which is still a benchmark example.
Indian customers looking for a midsize electric SUV prefer distinctive designs, especially when there is an ICE derivative as well. This, along with a shorter equipment list, explains why the Mahindra BE 6 sells more units than the Hyundai Creta Electric. Even with its smaller battery pack, comparative variants of the Creta EV are usually pricier at the top end than the BE 6.
The Creta Electric is a well-rounded and practical SUV, offering a real-world range of over 400km from a 51.4kWh battery pack. It also rides well while being fun to drive, with a spacious cabin and boot. Driving over bad roads and large speed humps will not be a problem either, given the Creta Electric’s good ground clearance.
Similar to Citroen, Nissan, as a brand, remains under the radar of most buyers. Making a bigger dent is the automaker’s slim portfolio, with the only volume driver being the Magnite. This lack of viable options and Nissan’s lack of widespread presence in the market also keep Magnite sales from reaching their true potential.
In a market that loves compact SUVs, the upright stance and signature 'SUV' design should have brought more buyers to the showroom. The Magnite further impresses with its good turbo-petrol and CVT combination, inherent Japanese reliability, practical packaging and cabin space, plus a reasonably plush-feeling interior.
Originally destined for Europe, the funky styling of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis did not catch on in India. The brand has also not provided any major update for the Ignis since its debut in 2017, another factor that has had an impact on its sales performance.
Since the euro-spec Ignis was engineered to tackle bad surfaces, it was designed to have all-wheel drive and a rugged suspension. While the former did not reach India, the latter handles repeated abuse from our bad roads respectably well.
The features list includes an easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, while the SUV-ish design is distinctive. Finally, the Maruti Ignis is priced really well, despite being sold through the brand’s premium Nexa outlets.
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