Maruti Suzuki’s hatchback sales grew 41 percent in the first half of FY2026-27, while SUV sales increased 56 percent, according to Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer, marketing and sales, Maruti Suzuki. Speaking during the company’s half-yearly sales briefing, Banerjee said, “It is not a one-month wonder.”
Maruti has attributed part of the recent improvement in volumes to the GST rate changes introduced in September last year. The company said the lower tax burden has supported demand for smaller cars.
Small cars continue to see demand
Maruti’s entry hatchback sales grew 86 percent in H1 FY27, while mid-hatchback sales increased 40 percent. Overall hatchback sales were up 41 percent during the period. “Month after month it is happening. In the first half of FY27, Maruti’s entry hatchback sales grew 86 percent, mid-hatches by 40 percent and overall hatchback sales by 41 percent. Mini-car sales have also grown 39.8 percent in September,” said Banerjee.
Maruti’s mini, small and mid-hatchback segments recorded 91,887 units in September 2026, up 24 percent year on year. The mini segment comprises the Alto, S-Presso and Celerio, while the small hatchback segment includes the WagonR, Swift and Dzire. The mid-hatchback segment includes the Baleno. “When everyone was talking about only the SUVs, the hatch has also grown by 41 percent. There is a huge set of customers who are appreciating the other form factors also, be the hatches, be the sedans,” Banerjee said.
The refreshed Baleno recorded 25,000 units in its first month on sale, according to Maruti. The Dzire remained the company’s best-selling model in H1 FY27 despite supply constraints, while the Swift continues to record monthly volumes of around 80,000-90,000 units, according to the company.
Maruti sees strong SUV growth
Maruti’s SUV sales increased 56 percent in H1 FY27, with the company selling around 56,000 SUVs per month during the period. Its SUV line-up currently includes the Brezza, e Vitara, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Invicto, Jimny and Victoris.
SUVs now account for around 57 percent of India’s passenger vehicle market. Maruti’s overall domestic sales reached 11 lakh units in the first half of FY27, while its Q2 domestic sales of 5,65,201 units were the company’s highest for any quarter.
The company attributed part of the improvement in overall volumes to stronger supplies from its newly commissioned plant. The SUV segment has also become a larger part of Maruti’s sales mix as demand for the body style has increased across the market.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
