India is the world’s third largest automobile market with an impressive line-up of domestic brands that give stiff competition to global automakers. Together with the foreign players, there are models and variants for every need, budget and season.
Some car brands have adapted extremely well to the diverse and peculiar Indian car market. They have registered stellar growth by introducing models that prioritise what is important to Indian consumers. It includes factors such as fuel efficiency, affordability, features, and the ease of securing spare parts and repairs. Here are the most popular car brands in India you must know.
1. Maruti Suzuki
Being the leading car manufacturer in the country, it isn’t surprising that Maruti Suzuki tops the list with a market share of 42%. This common man’s car brand has become the go-to name for many consumers, as it caters to a variety of budget segments. There is a large pool to choose from which includes SUVs, sedans, electric cars, and hatchbacks.
This brand has always been focused on producing vehicles that are fuel-efficient, which lets consumers save big on fuel costs. Moreover, Maruti Suzuki has an extensive service network across the country, so locating an authorised service centre won’t be a hassle. The spare parts for Maruti cars can be found at any local repair shop, making it better than any Roadside Assistance Program offered by leading brands.
Maruti Suzuki Top Selling Cars:
| Car | Price (₹) | Engine | Mileage | Fuel |
| Swift | 6 to 9 Lakhs | 1197 cc | 24.8 – 25.75 kmpl | Petrol/CNG |
| Alto | 3.60 to 5.20 Lakhs | 998 cc | 24.7 kmpl | Petrol |
| Dzire | 6.50 to 9.30 Lakhs | 1197 cc | 22.41 – 31.12 kmpl | Petrol/CNG |
| Brezza | 8.20 to 14 Lakhs | 1462 cc | 19.8 – 25.51 kmpl | Petrol/CNG |
| Ertiga | 8.20 to 14 Lakhs | 1462 cc | 20.51 – 18.83 kmpl | Petrol/CNG |
| Baleno | 6.66 to 9.84 Lakhs | 1197 cc | 22.35 – 22.94 kmpl | Petrol/CNG |
2. Hyundai
Hyundai ranks impressively in the car market in India, with a share of 15%. It has been in operation for over two decades and is well-known for producing vehicles with sleek designs and exceptional features. From compact hatchbacks to SUVs, you can choose from a wide range.
Hyundai cars are equipped with airbags, ABS, brake assist, stability control, rear parking sensors, and more. You get true value for money, as the pricing is competitive, with excellent warranty options. These cars have high resale value and boast of a huge service network across India, where you can expect prompt service.
Hyundai Top Selling Cars:
| Car | Price (₹) | Engine | Mileage | Fuel |
| i20 | 7.19to 11.83 Lakhs | 1197 cc | 16 – 20 kmpl | Petrol |
| Creta | 10.64 to 18.68 Lakhs | 1497 cc | 16.32 to 19 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
| Verna | 9.64 to 15.72 Lakhs | 1482 | 18.6 to 20.6 kmpl | Petrol/CNG |
| Venue | 7.68 to 13.11 Lakhs | 1197 cc | 17.5 to 23.4 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
| Kona Electric | 23.84 to 24.03 Lakhs | – | Range: 452 km | EV |
3. Tata Motors
Touted as India’s “homegrown” automobile company, it has spread its wings far and wide over its 75 years of operation in the country. It has recently been in the news for its electric vehicles (EVs), which is a step towards achieving sustainable innovation and mobility. Apart from EVs, it offers hatchbacks, SUVs, and sedans too. Cars from Tata Motors are comfortable to drive and glide easily, even on the most rugged terrains. They are renowned for ranking high on safety.
Tata Motors Top Selling Cars:
| Car | Price (₹) | Engine | Mileage | Fuel |
| Nexon | 7.81 to 14.31 Lakhs | 1199 – 1497 cc | 17 – 24 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
| Altroz | 6.46 to 10.41 Lakhs | 1199 cc & 1497 cc | 19.17 to 26.2 kmpl | Petrol, CNG & Diesel |
| Harrier | 15 to 22.61 Lakhs | 1956 cc | 14.6 to 16.8 kmpl | Diesel |
| Safari | 15.66 to 24.02 Lakhs | 1956 cc | 15 – 16.3 kmpl | Diesel |
| Nexon EV | 14.48 to 18.98 Lakhs | – | Range: 426.33 km | EV |
4. Mahindra
Mahindra cars are becoming increasingly common on the road following the launch of their rugged and hardy SUVs. The company has become one of the biggest automobile manufacturers in the country. Mahindra SUVs are designed to withstand harsh terrains and make off-roading a pleasant experience.
These cars are designed to perform well even in challenging and off road driving conditions. You also get to select from a large range of SUVs built to accommodate varied needs and preferences, starting from compact cars to luxury SUVs.
Mahindra Top Selling Cars:
| Car | Price (₹) | Engine | Mileage | Fuel |
| Thar | 9.98 to Rs. 16.48 Lakhs | 1997 – 2184 cc | 12.4 – 15.2 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
| XUV 300 | 8.42 to Rs. 14.08 Lakhs | 1197 – 2184 cc | 20.1 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
| XUV 700 | 13.99 – 26.04 Lakh | 1999 – 2198 cc | 17 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
5. Honda
This Japanese automotive and motorcycle manufacturing brand has been operating in India since 1995. Consumers prefer Honda cars for their top-class design, cutting-edge technology, and safety features. For instance, all of its cars come with ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution), airbags, and more.
The company is always trying to come up with newer technologies, such as i-VTEC, which enhances fuel consumption in Honda cars. These vehicles design their engines with precision, thus guaranteeing a smooth driving experience. It is an apt choice for first-time buyers with limited budgets, since they have several affordable cars to choose from.
Honda Top Selling Cars:
| Car | Price (₹) | Engine | Mileage | Fuel |
| Amaze | 6.88 to 9.49 Lakhs | 1199 cc | 18.3 to 18.6 kmpl | Petrol |
| Jazz | 8.02 to 10.31 Lakhs | 1199 cc | 16.6 to 17.1 kmpl | Petrol |
| Honda City | 11.89 to 15.61 Lakhs | 1498 cc | 17.8 – 16.94 kmpl | Petrol |
| City Hybrid eHEV | 19.10 – 20.65 Lakh | 1498 cc | 27.1 kmpl | Hybrid |
6. Nissan
Nissan is the sixth-largest automaker in the world that has been operating in India for almost 20 years. The brand has always been a pioneer when it comes to adopting innovative technologies, thus boosting the driving experience. It includes everything from parking sensors and automatic climate control to touchscreen systems and the e-Power hybrid system.
Affordable pricing is yet another reason why consumers are picking Nissan vehicles. What makes Nissan cars a cost-effective investment is their fuel efficiency, so owners can save on diesel and petrol costs.
Nissan Top Selling Cars:
| Car | Price (₹) | Engine | Mileage | Fuel |
| Magnite | 5.99 to 10.62 Lakhs | 999 cc | 17.9 kmpl | Petrol |
| Sunny | 7.90 to 12.27 Lakhs | 1461 – 1498 cc | 17.03 to 22.76 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
| Terrano | 11.15 to 16.34 Lakhs | 1461 – 1598 cc | 19.61 – 19.87 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
7. Toyota
If you are looking for Indian car brands that are recognized for their high resale value, durability, excellent features, and reliability, Toyota must be high on that list. It emphasises safety by integrating different types of features, such as ABS, EBD, and airbags, to keep the driver and passengers safe from harm during their journey. Toyota is an ideal car brand for owners who wish to keep their vehicles for longer and want a good resale price even after years of use.
Toyota Top Selling Cars:
| Car | Price (₹) | Engine | Mileage | Fuel |
| Glanza | 6.67 to 9.98 Lakhs | 1197 cc | 22.35 – 22.94 kmpl | Petrol/CNG |
| Fortuner | 32.60to 50.35 Lakhs | 2694 – 2755 cc | 10 kmpl | Petrol/ Diesel |
| Innova Crysta | 17.19 to 24.98 Lakhs | 2393 cc | 11.33 kmpl | Diesel |
| Camry | 45.30 Lakhs | 2487 cc | 19.1 – 17.8 kmpl | Petrol/Hybrid |
| Hilux | 33.98 to 36.81 Lakhs | 2755 cc | 11 – 13 kmpl | Diesel |
8. Renault
Renault prides itself on creating aesthetically appealing cars that are fuel-efficient, affordable, and comfortable. These cars come with state-of-the-art features to make the drive safe. The best part is that Renault manufactures a wide range of cars without compromising on performance, thus catering to not just a niche audience but customers with varied budgets. The Renault Duster, which was discontinued a few years back, was a mean off-roading machine that put Renault on the map and earned for itself a cult status in a short time.
Renault Top Selling Cars:
| Car | Price (₹) | Engine | Mileage | Fuel |
| Kwid | 4.71 to 6.34 Lakhs | 999 cc | 21.7 to 22 kmpl | Petrol |
| Triber | 6.34 to 8.98 Lakhs | 999 cc | 18.2 – 20 kmpl | Petrol |
| Kiger | 6.51 to 11.24 Lakhs | 999 cc | 18.24 – 20.5 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
9. MG Motors
Due to its vast range of vehicles equipped with remarkable features that focus on safety, cutting-edge technology, connectivity, and infotainment, consumers are attracted to these “feature-packed” MG Motors cars. The designs won’t fail to impress, as they feature contemporary elements with sleek detailing that integrates aerodynamic efficiency as well.
The Chinese manufacturer entered the Indian automobile market with a bang, and quickly emerged as one of the most sought after Indian car brands. Due to stiff competition from Indian SUV-manufacturing giants such as Tata and Mahindra, there has been a steady decline in the sale of MG Motors cars. However, their EV and hybrid cars are slowly gaining ground in the Indian automobile market.
MG Motors Top Selling Cars:
| Car | Price (₹) | Engine | Mileage | Fuel |
| Astor | 10.53 to 18.44 Lakhs | 1498 cc | 16 kmpl | Petrol |
| Hector | 14.74 to 21.74 Lakhs | 1451 – 1956 cc | 14.5 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
| Hector Plus | 17.51 to 22.44 Lakhs | 1451 – 1956 cc | 14.5 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
| ZS EV | 22.99 to 27.10 Lakhs | – | Range: 461 km | Electric |
| Gloster | 32.61 to 41.79 Lakhs | 1996 cc | 10 kmpl | Diesel |
10. Ford
When it comes to brand recognition, Ford is one name that has still managed to hold its own despite the competition. The cars are equipped with innovative technology that greatly improves the driving experience. It includes infotainment systems like SYNC, parking sensors, Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features, automatic climate control, and much more.
Ford Top Selling Cars:
| Car | Price (₹) | Engine | Mileage | Fuel |
| EcoSport | 8.88 Lakhs | 999 – 1498 cc | 14.8 to 22.26 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
| Figo | 5.79 Lakhs | 1194 – 1499 cc | 25.5 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel |
| Aspire | 8.10 Lakhs | 1194 – 1499 cc | 16.3 – 26.1 kmpl | Petrol/Diesel/CNG |
| Endeavour | 34.54 Lakhs | 2998 cc | 10.6-14.2 kmpl | Diesel |
Summary
It is evident that the Indian car market is flourishing. The market size was around 3 million units back in 2022 and is predicted to increase to 5 million units by 2025. This increase is spearheaded particularly due to the growing incomes of people leading to higher purchasing power.
However, choosing one of the most popular Indian car brands involves taking into account numerous factors. It includes safety, comfort, mileage, and features. Together, they make a dream car that is both safe and efficient, but also comfortable to drive.
FAQ’s
Q. What makes Indian car brands popular?
In India, the popularity of car brands depends upon several aspects, such as brand reputation, affordability, features, technology, fuel efficiency, and so on. Consumers also prioritize safety and after-sales service because regular maintenance checks are an integral part of owning a vehicle
Q. Which is the most reliable Indian car brand with the best resale value?
Maruti Suzuki is known as the most reliable and popular brand with the best resale value.
Q. Which car brand is the safest?
Brands like Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Honda come with exceptional safety features that boost safety while driving. Tata Motors and Mahindra have delivered the highest number of safe cars, as per the Global NCAP safety rating.
Q. Is there a brand that focuses on electric vehicles?
If you are looking to transition to the EV segment in India, MG Motors offers incredible EV options, such as MG ZS EV and MG Comet EV. The Nexon EV from Tata Motors is also popular.
Which brand costs the lowest in terms of maintenance?
Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai have managed to keep maintenance costs to a minimum, as compared to other auto manufacturers in India.
I personally feel JLR Jagua Land Rover is also a very known and popular brand among Indians. Especially on the Bollywood and businessman and political side of India.