March 2022 saw car manufacturers recording good numbers, with Maruti Suzuki at the top with three cars. The Nexon proved to be Tata’s best performer followed by the Punch. The Alto, which is usually in the top 10, dropped from the list this month.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R – 24,634 units
The Wagon R was the top selling car in the month of March with 24,634 units sold, registering a solid 68 percent increase over February, when it sold 14,699 units. It also sees a 30 percent yearly growth. The hatchback recently received an update and more efficient 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines. Popular for its space, value and efficiency, the Wagon R starts at Rs 5.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Maruti Suzuki Dzire – 18,623 units
Maruti’s compact sedan continued garnering good numbers for the company with 18,623 takers in the month of March. It marks a slight increase of 7 percent compared to February, when it sold 17,438 units, but it records a substantial 63 percent yearly growth. Buyers love the traditional Maruti Suzuki qualities like fuel-efficiency, reliability and a hassle-free ownership experience offered in the Dzire. It rivals the likes of the Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze, and prices start from Rs 6.09 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Maruti Suzuki Baleno – 14,520 units
The all-new Baleno, like its predecessor, it seems to be a hit with the Indian buyers. It sold 14,520 units, registering a 16 percent growth over February, where it sold 12,570 units. However, there was a decline of 32 percent year-on-year. The new Baleno comes with added safety features like six-airbags on top variants which are more popular among the buyers. The hatchback starts at Rs 6.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), and rivals the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz and the Honda Jazz.
Tata Nexon – 14,315 units
The Nexon continued to be a hit for Tata Motors with 14,315 unit sales. It raced ahead of Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza as the bestselling SUV in March. It also recorded a 65 percent yearly growth, suggesting the compact SUV continues to be popular despite the growing competition. It comes with petrol, diesel and electric powertrain options.
Tata is updating the EV version with a long-range version set to go on sale soon. Expect it to welcome more buyers to Nexon, especially considering how it will still be cheaper than other EV SUVs like the MG ZS EV. The IC-powered Nexon starts from Rs 7.42 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Maruti Suzuki Swift – 13,623 units
Maruti’s sporty Swift hatchback sold 13,623 units in March. While still popular, it marked a decline of 37 percent yearly and 29 percent monthly. The Swift was updated recently with a more efficient 1.2-litre, and it rivals the Hyundai i10 Nios in the Indian market. The hatchback starts at Rs 5.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza – 12,439 units
After almost seven years since its launch, Maruti’s compact SUV still remains a popular choice in the segment. In March, the carmaker sold 12,439 units, making it the second bestselling SUV after the Nexon. The carmaker is set to launch the facelift of the SUV soon, with more features and a new 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Hyundai Creta – 10,532 units
The Creta was Hyundai’s bestselling car for the month of March with 10,532 unit sales. The SUV registered a 10 percent monthly growth but 17 percent yearly decline. The carmaker has launched the Knight edition, and the 6-Speed iMT clutchless manual gearbox with the 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine. Hyundai is also set to launch the facelifted Creta in the coming months. It is expected to only add to the mid-size SUV’s popularity. Prices for the Creta currently start from Rs 10.28 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Tata Punch – 10,526 units
After a gap of a month, Tata’s smallest crossover was back in the top-10 list with 10,526 units. The compact SUV is powered by an 86hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. It rivals the likes of the Renault Kiger and Nissan Punch, and prices start from Rs 5.67 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios – 9,687 units
Hyundai’s small hatchback found 9,687 units, registering a 12 percent YoY decline. The Grand i10 Nios comes powered by either a 1.2-litre petrol or a 1.1-litre diesel engine. Prices for the hatchback start from Rs 5.29 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), and rivals the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Swift.
Maruti Suzuki Eeco – 9,221 units
Maruti’s utilitarian Eeco continues to be popular in rural areas, finding 9,221 takers in the month of March. The space on offer is the real USP for the Eeco, and the fact that it does not have any direct rivals in the price bracket. The Eeco range in India starts from Rs 4.53 lakh and comes with both petrol and CNG options.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
