When it comes to offering the practicality of an SUV with the utility of a city-oriented car, there is nothing better than a compact SUV. This is the reason behind the ever-increasing popularity of compact SUVs that continued to register great sales figures in the month of February 2023. Here are the best selling compact SUVs of February 2023.
Model | February Sales - 2023 | February Sales - 2022 | Y-O-Y Growth |
Maruti Brezza | 15,787 | 9,256 | 71% |
Tata Nexon | 13,914 | 12,259 | 14% |
Tata Punch | 11,169 | 9,592 | 16% |
Hyundai Venue | 9,997 | 10,212 | -2% |
Kia Sonet | 9,836 | 6,154 | 60% |
Mahindra Thar | 5,004 | 5,072 | -1% |
Mahindra XUV300 | 3,809 | 4,511 | -16% |
Nissan Magnite | 2,184 | 2,059 | 6% |
Renault Kiger | 1,802 | 2,247 | -20% |
Maruti Brezza
With the launch of the second generation of the Maruti Suzuki Brezza in June 2022, the popularity of Maruti’s compact SUV has grown considerably. Offering top-notch features that include a heads-up display, 360-degree camera and a much-awaited sunroof, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza sold 15,787 units in February 2023, with 71% year-on-year growth compared to the 9,256 units the Brezza sold in the same month last year. With this, the Brezza emerged as the number one best selling compact SUV of the month.
Power by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that is tastefully mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza offers mild hybrid tech for maximum efficiency that can be as high as 20.15 km/l, with CNG variants ready to officially hit the market.
Tata Nexon
While the Brezza did emerge as the best seller this time around, it is the Tata Nexon that is regarded to be the best selling compact SUV in India overall. As the undisputed leader of the segment, the Nexon in February 2023, sold 13,914 units to become the second best selling compact SUV for the month. This was a 14% growth over the 12,259 units the SUV sold in the same month last year. What makes the Nexon an evergreen success, is its practical approach, spacious interiors, features and comfort. The fact that the Nexon boasts a top-notch 5-star safety rating is another highlight of the SUV that makes it the number-one choice for many.
The Nexon comes powered by either a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine or a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, both of which are mated to either a six-speed manual or optional AMT automatic. The mileage figure on offer is up to 24.07 km/l for diesel and up to 17.33 km/l for petrol, making the Nexon the perfect pick for the city.
Tata Punch
Launched in 2021, the Tata Punch sold over 1.1 lakh units within a year of its launch, a feat that is seldom achieved by any new car. A compact SUV that has broken several sales records, the Tata Punch sold 11,169 units in February 2023, clocking in a 16% year-on-year growth becoming the third best selling compact SUV of the month.
This goes on to show that the Punch is still very much in trend thanks to its compact bodyline, spacious interiors, impeccable safety and overall affordability. Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, the Punch offers a five-speed manual or an optional AMT onboard. Much like several other Tata cars, the Punch also boasts a perfect 5-star safety rating.
Hyundai Venue
Recently receiving a strategic facelift, the Hyundai Venue now offers updated looks and engines along with better safety onboard. This update has been instrumental in making the Hyundai Venue one of the best-selling compact SUVs in India. With signature Hyundai styling, great handling, and a bred-for-the-city approach, the Venue sold 9,997 units in February 2023, despite a 2% decline over its performance in the same month last year.
In terms of the engine, the Venue comes powered by three peppy engines that now include 1.2-litre petrol, 1-litre turbo-petrol and an upgraded 1.5-litre diesel unit. Transmission duties are taken care of by a five-speed manual for the 1.2-litre petrol, a six-speed iMT/DCT for the turbo petrol and a sole six-speed manual for the diesel. Overall, the Hyundai Venue comes forth as a great SUV that brings in several exciting offers onboard.
Kia Sonet
Turning 2 last year, the Kia Sonet has been one of the most loved compact SUVs in India, selling over 2 lakh units. What makes the Kia Sonet a worthy contender in the segment, is its sporty yet modern looks, along with a host of premium features in addition to well-refined engine choices. Selling 9,836 units in February 2023, the Sonet registered a huge 60% growth over the 6,154 units the compact SUV sold in the same month last year.
Equipped with three peppy engines, the Sonet comes with a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel unit. Transmission on offer includes either a sex-speed iMT or a seven-speed DCT for the turbo petrol, a five-speed manual for the naturally aspirated petrol, and a six-speed manual/AMT for the diesel.
Mahindra Thar
A cult classic in every way, the Mahindra Thar boasts a glorious legacy of over two decades. Hailed as the only compact SUV that is capable enough to tackle all kinds of roads, the Mahindra Thar is an undisputed leader in every sense. Highly popular among the masses, the Thar has time and again proved its worth. Selling 5,004 units in February 2023, the Thar despite registering a 1% year-on-year decline, became one of the best selling compact SUVs of the month.
With both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive trims available on offer, the Thar is powered by either a 2-litre turbo-petrol or a 2.2-litre diesel engine for the AWD trims and a smaller 1.5-litre diesel engine for the RWD ones. Transmission duties are handled by a six-speed manual or torque converter automatic for the 2 and 2.2-litre engines, and a sole six-speed manual for the smaller one.
Mahindra XUV300
With best-in-segment torque across all engines, the Mahindra XUV300 offers impeccable handling and exciting driving dynamics that make it one of the most popular compact SUVs in the segment. Selling 3,809 units in February 2023, the XUV300 despite registering a 16% decline in year-on-year performance still managed to close in at number eight.
What makes the XUV300 a worthy choice other than its performance is its robust build quality, features like the largest-in-segment sunroof and first-in-segment dual-zone auto AC, along with a perfect 5-star safety rating. Powered by three turbocharged engines that include a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit, a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine and a new 1.2-litre TGDI turbo-petrol engine. All engines come paired with a six-speed manual and an optional six-speed AMT.
Nissan Magnite
The affordable compact SUV that offers a superb practicality quotient, the Nissan Magnite is a great choice for first-time car buyers that are looking to bring home a compact SUV. Selling 2,184 units in February 2023, the Magnite registered a 6% increase over the 2,059 units it sold in the same month last year.
With features like a digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, connected car tech, tyre pressure monitoring system, 360-degree camera and much more, the Magnite offers a lot for its price. Powered by a 1-litre naturally aspirated or a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine, the Magnite offers a five-speed manual as standard along with a CVT automatic for the turbo unit. In addition to great performance, the Magnite also returns a superb mileage of up to 20 km/l, making it the perfect city car.
Renault Kiger
The Magnite’s soul sister, the Kiger also comes as a value-for-money compact SUV that offers great practicality and modern looks. Selling 1,802 units in the month of February 2023, the Kiger trailed behind the Magnite with a 20% decline in its year-on-year performance.
Nonetheless, with its spacious interiors, large boot, ample features and robust safety, the Kiger continues to be a compact SUV worth all the attention. Powered by a 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine, the Kiger offers a five-speed manual as standard, along with an optional AMT for the naturally aspirated petrol and a CVT for the turbo petrol. Additionally, the Kiger also features three driving modes and a 4-star GNCAP safety rating.
