Auto Sales July 2025: Maruti Suzuki Dzire outsells Hyundai Creta, Tata Punch to hold No.1 position in July 2025

At a recent sales call with the media, Maruti Suzuki announced that the Dzire has become India's top-selling passenger vehicle in July 2025 with sales of 20,895 units, a major increase from 15,484 units in June 2025 and a strong year-on-year growth from approximately 16,300 units in July 2024. This is the second time this fiscal year that the Dzire was either at the top or in the top 3. With the Dzire, Maruti seems to have found the sweet spot for buyers prioritising affordability, fuel efficiency (including CNG options), and value-for-money propositions, particularly in semi-urban and tier 2 cities. 

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Maruti’s Continued Dominance: 7 of Top 10 Models

In July 2025, seven of the ten best-selling cars in India were Maruti models; however, the carmaker did not reveal the information at the time of this story being published. We will bring you an update on this as and when we receive a formal communication from the automaker. Following the Dzire were the Ertiga MPV with 16,600 units, and the Wagon R hatchback with 14,700 units. SUVs such as Brezza and Fronx also reported good volumes. We believe the Eeco and the Swift round up the top 7 models for Maruti. 

Compared to June 2025, when Hyundai’s Creta briefly reclaimed the top position with 15,786 units, Maruti’s resurgence is notable. The brand not only recaptured the top spot in July but did so with a sizable lead, demonstrating momentum heading into the festive season. 

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Hyundai Creta Slips, Despite 10-Year Milestone

Interestingly, despite celebrating a decade in the Indian market, the Hyundai Creta failed to make it into the top three best-selling cars in July 2025. While Creta has consistently been among the top performers and even led the market in June, the latest figures suggest growing pressure from Maruti’s multi-fuel strategy and more affordable offerings. However, other products such as the Venue, Alcazar, Verna and the smaller cars such as the Grand i10 Nios, Aura, and i20 are doing average numbers compared to the Creta’s contribution. 

Acko Drive has contacted Hyundai India to share the sales figures of the Creta as well as other products in its portfolio. 

Also Read: Auto Sales July 2025: Maruti Suzuki Posts 180,526 Units in July 2025; Robust Export Hike Offsets Flat Domestic Sales

Tata Punch Falters After 2024 Highs

The Tata Punch was a sensation in 2024, often being one of the best-selling cars and sometimes even the number one-selling car. But 2025 has been a headwind. In June 2025, Punch had a sharp year-on-year fall of more than 40 per cent. However, the Punch and the Nexon will likely feature in this list of the top 10 best-selling cars for July 2025. Although, Tata Motors does not share model-wise break-up of the sales numbers, we expect the Punch to churn in decent numbers month-on-month. 

Various reasons may be at work here, such as growing competition from newer products (like the recently updated Nissan Magnite and Renault Triber), an old design, and a lack of major updates. Tata Motors is said to have plans for a mid-cycle facelift for the Punch later this year, which could help spur buyer interest and return it to relevance. 

Also Read: Auto Sales July 2025: Maruti Dominates, But Mahindra Stuns; How Were The Big Four?

CNG and Entry-Level Demand Shape New Trends

Among the most evident trends to emerge from the July sales performance of Maruti is the strength of low-end and alternative fuel models, especially CNG. Maruti has registered CNG sales of 11 per cent during the period April-July 2025, at 52,000 units, with a penetration rate of 36-37 per cent across models.

Safety Enhancements Add Value but Challenge Affordability

Maruti Suzuki has also introduced six airbags as a standard feature on its entire model range, a big improvement as far as safety conformity is concerned. Although the action is consonant with the growing requirements of consumers and regulators for enhanced safety gear, the company did recognise that standard fitting of six airbags, particularly in lower-segment cars, strains prices and affordability. 

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As of now, Maruti models such as the S-Presso, Ignis and the Ciaz do not get 6 airbags standard, and the company also did not comment on it. The real test will be whether consumers, particularly in the lower segments, will still feel value despite the pressure on sticker price. 

Festive Season Could Catalyse Further Growth 

With Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam just on the horizon, Maruti is looking to gain a pickup in showroom visits and retail sales. The firm has already seen bookings grow by 7 per cent, and with supply chains stabilising, the firm is poised to take advantage of the coming festive consumption cycle. For this, the firm will launch a special edition of the Celerio along with others soon.