The Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, recording 22,108 units sold—a staggering 143 percent year-on-year growth compared to December 2024. This resurgence is largely attributed to the model's expansive variant lineup and its sustained popularity across both urban centers and smaller market tiers. Following closely was the Fronx crossover, which moved 20,706 units. The Fronx has successfully carved out a niche by blending SUV-inspired aesthetics with compact agility, and industry insiders are closely watching the model as it is poised to become Maruti Suzuki’s first foray into flex-fuel technology later this year.
While Maruti Suzuki maintained a quantitative lead, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra continued to solidify their influence within the competitive SUV segment. The Tata Nexon maintained its reputation for consistency, securing third place with 19,375 units. The Nexon’s success remains rooted in its multi-powertrain strategy, offering consumers a balanced choice between petrol, diesel, and electric variants alongside a strong emphasis on safety. Meanwhile, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Swift occupied the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Notably, the Dzire concluded the year with the distinction of being the highest-selling passenger vehicle overall for the entirety of 2025, highlighting the enduring appeal of the compact sedan despite the rising "SUV-fication" of the market.
The latter half of the top ten list was dominated by utility vehicles, reflecting a broader industry trend. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza (17,704 units) and the Ertiga MPV (16,586 units) showed steady demand, with the latter remaining a preferred choice for large families and the fleet sector. Tata’s Punch, which recorded 15,980 units, is expected to maintain its momentum with a scheduled facelift arriving next week. Rounding out the list was the Mahindra Scorpio, which registered 15,885 units. Mahindra is currently preparing a mid-life update for the Scorpio, alongside the highly anticipated development of a "mini" Scorpio N based on the innovative NU_IQ monocoque architecture.
The December 2025 sales data serves as a barometer for the Indian auto industry's health, signaling a robust appetite for both reliable budget hatchbacks and feature-rich SUVs. As manufacturers transition into 2026, the focus appears to be shifting toward platform modularity and alternative fuel adoption. The year-end results suggest that while Maruti Suzuki retains its volume leadership through a diverse portfolio, the aggressive expansion of Tata and Mahindra in the utility space is creating a more balanced and competitive market, ultimately benefiting the consumer with more choices in safety, design, and technology.
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