Top 5 SUVs sold in India in August 2018

Utility vehicles have been a major draw for car sales in India as well as in the overseas market for over three years, now. Both regular consumers as well as aficionados are attracted to their meaner looks, ease of driving and off-road ability.

Of the total 2,87,186 PVs sold in India in August 2018, UVs have garnered cumulative sales of 73,073 units, accounting for one-fourth of total sales, albeit with a 7.11 percent decline, year-on-year (YoY) – mainly due to a high base created by the GST-driven benefits last year, when UVs got a significant cut of 12 percent in the applicable GST over the existing excise duty structure.

Here is a list of the top 5 UVs sold in India, this month:

MARUTI VITARA BREZZA

Claiming the top spot, the Maruti Vitara Brezza sold a cumulative 13,271 units in the month; a year ago, it sales were relatively better at 14,396 units. The popular crossover has been one of the growth-drivers for the company’s UV market share, which today touches close to 28 percent, with cumulative sales of 1,08,230 units clocked between April-August 2018. Maruti Suzuki had also brought in an update to the Vitara Brezza – introducing styling tweaks, enhancing safety, and fitting it with an optional AMT gearbox.

HYUNDAI CRETA

The mid-size crossover from the Korean carmaker nabs the second spot on the list. It went home to 10,394 buyers, maintaining its spot and keeping its YoY sales consistent (August 2017: 10,158). Hyundai also introduced a mid-life update to the Creta in May, bringing in a host of external styling tweaks, such as a new grille, revised bumpers, headlamps, tail-lamps, alloy wheels and a sunroof on its top trim. On the inside, the Creta now offers an electronically adjustable driver’s seat, along with getting a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Creta has aided Hyundai augment its UV market share to grow – currently standing at 13.72 percent between April-August 2018 with overall sales touching 53,106 units. The market share in the same period in 2017 was pegged at 12.75 percent.

TOYOTA INNOVA CRYSTA

The Toyota Innova Crysta jumps two positions over last year and rightfully secures the third spot, clocking cumulative sales of 6,680 units (August 2017: 5,963). The MPV is the inescapable go-to choice for buyers looking for a comfortable, yet reliable, people-mover in the space; and Toyota has been able to command a premium for offering unmatched convenience with its product, making it a hit with private and fleet buyers alike. The recently launched Mahindra Marazzo may not necessarily be an arch-rival for the Crysta, but it does have the potential to give it a tough fight with its comparable wheelbase, cabin space, as well as comfort features on offer –at a substantially lower price point.

MAHINDRA BOLERO

Sliding down one position to fourth place, the Mahindra Bolero clocked unit sales of 6,030, this month – a slight decline from its year-ago sales which stood at 6,215 units in August 2017. A good monsoon across the country has been the major contributor to the Bolero’s strong numbers this month, seeing a healthy demand in rural and suburban areas.

TATA NEXON

Closing the tally, the Tata Nexon makes its entry into the Top 5, going home to a total of 4,499 buyers and offering its customers a well-rounded package at a balanced price. Tata Motors has witnessed a substantial improvement in its UV market share – it has grown from 2.68 percent between April-August 2017 to 7.88 percent in the same period in 2018.  While the striking crossover differentiates itself with its uber-contemporary design, the model stands apart in the crowd because of its swooping roofline, concept-like textured elements on the outside, and its aggressive stance. The Nexon comes with a 110hp, 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel motor and 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol mill, both being mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed AMT.

MAYANK DHINGRA