2021 has been a roller coaster ride for the Indian automotive industry. The second wave of Covid-19 led to multiple hiccups in the growth of the car segment but yet, a lot of models showed promising results in terms of popularity. With 2021 behind us, its time to have a look at some of the blockbusters that emerged as the leading model in their respective category. The figures you see below for the best selling cars in 2021 are the total sales for the entire calendar year.
Small Hatchbacks
Maruti Wagon R : 1,83,851
Maruti Alto : 1,66,233
Maruti S Presso : 65,478
No other automotive manufacturer has been able to replicate Maruti's success in the small car market in India. For years, MSIL has shown strong dominance and the same holds true for 2021 as well. While the Wagon R is the highest-selling small car in India, the Alto comes in a close second. The former is also very popular in the commercial segment and hence the higher sales figures.
Mid-size Hatchbacks
Maruti Swift : 1,75,052
Hyundai Grand i10 : 95,515
Volkswagen Polo : 14,178
Since its launch, the Swift has been the undisputed leader of the segment and tops the "Best Selling Cars of 2021" list. Last year, Maruti sold almost 500 units of the Swift every single day! Hyundai's dual champs of Grand i10 and NIOS come in second with a very good sales figure of almost one lakh. The ageing VW Polo, a driver's delight, however, managed to find only 14,178 buyers last year.
Premium Hatchbacks
Nexa (Maruti) Baleno : 1,74,440
Hyundai i20 : 72,292
Tata Altroz : 69,744
Another Maruti offering leading the segment is the Nexa Baleno which is the runner's up in the list of the best selling cars of 2021. Selling almost as the cheaper Swift, Maruti sold more than twice the number of units as compared to the next nearest competitor, the Hyundai i20. The i20 itself is a brilliant, well-packaged product but there is no denying Baleno's popularity. In fact, a facelift of the model is due for launch anytime now. The safest car in the segment, the Altroz, comes in a close third with 69,744 sales in 2021.
Compact Sedans (sub 4m)
Maruti Dzire : 1,16,222
Honda Amaze : 39,697
Hyundai Xcent + Aura : 37,584
Although compact SUVs have been taking away the limelight from compact sedans, the latter still have a lot of buyers in India. The Dzire leads the packs but we are sure a majority of the figures come from the commercial segment. It ends up outselling both the Amaze and Xcent/Aura combined together!
Compact SUVs (sub 4m)
Maruti Brezza : 1,15,962
Tata Nexon : 1,08,577
Hyundai Venue : 1,08,007
The sub-4-meter compact SUV segment witnesses fierce battles month after month. Despite having no diesel engine option, the Brezza still manages to outsell its rivals but just about. A big surprise here is the Tata Nexon which is fast emerging as the new choice due to its safety rating and muscular design. The Hyundai Venue was just 570 units short of the Nexon for last year. We told you, a close battle here in the segment!
Mid-size Sedans
Honda City : 34,132
Hyundai Verna : 22,611
Nexa (Maruti) Ciaz : 14,942
One of the most popular names in the sedan market leads the mid-size market in India. Both the 4th gen and the latest model make up for this figure which is more than what the Verna and Ciaz manage together. The Ciaz, once a segment leader, is now lagging behind in sales and this is also due to the fact that both the City and Verna offer optional diesel units.
Mid-size SUVs
Hyundai Creta : 1,25,437
Kia Seltos : 98,187
Mahindra Scorpio : 36,945
This isn't a surprise - the Creta has been a segment leader since its launch. In fact, for an SUV with an average on-road price of Rs 15 lakh, getting over 10,000 units on a monthly basis calls for a big celebration! Its own sibling, the Kia Seltos is also performing pretty well with 98,187 units registered in 2021. The Scorpio, due to replacement this year, still continues to hold the number 3 spot.
6/7 seater MPVs
Maruti Ertiga : 1,14,408
Toyota Innova : 55,250
Nexa (Maruti) XL6 : 39,902
Another segment that Maruti has been leading is the MPV space. Do note, we haven't included the Eeco here as we don't have access to its individual figures for the passenger model vs the cargo model. The Ertiga outsells both the Innova and XL6 put together and we do agree, a sizeable chunk of the sales comes from the commercial segment. The popularity of the XL6 has been increasing every month but the upcoming Kia Carens will definitely steal some limelight from it this year.
Full-sized SUVs
Toyota Fortuner : 18,945
Ford Endeavour : 6,317
MG Gloster : 3,656
No surprises here, SUVs have come and gone but none has been able to challenge the supremacy of the Fortuner ever. The Endeavour was always comfortable at the second spot and despite production having ceased months back, it still outsold the MG Gloster for 2021. Will 2022 be different? Fingers crossed.
Are these winners justified? Do they deserve the crown? Do let us know through the comments section below. Join our 91Wheels Telegram and 91Wheels Whatsapp group to know more about vehicles, conduct discussions on your favourite ride and much more! Also, you can subscribe to our Youtube channel for video content on the latest from the world of cars and motorcycles.
