2024 will be remembered as the year Tata Motors said "tata" to Maruti Suzuki’s 40-year reign as the king of Indian car sales. The star of the show? The Tata Punch, which lived up to its name by landing a solid hit with 202,030 units sold.

The Tata Punch is a compact SUV that delivers a powerful combination of rugged styling, high ground clearance, and advanced features—all at an affordable price. This unique positioning has left Maruti Suzuki without a direct rival in the segment. The absence of a comparable model from Maruti means the Punch has cornered the market. Introducing a competing SUV in the same price bracket could threaten the dominance of the Maruti Swift, which overlaps in pricing but offers a more conventional hatchback experience.

Tata Motors has built its reputation on safety, and the Punch is no exception. With a 5-star Global NCAP rating, the Punch appeals to safety-conscious buyers, an area where Maruti Suzuki has historically faced criticism.

Although Tata Punch Is the Best-Seller, the Trend Tells a Bigger Story.

The Tata Punch, crowned as the best-selling car in India 2024, reflects more than just a shift in sales numbers. It highlights changing priorities among Indian families. Unlike cars like the WagonR, the Punch is rarely used by cab operators or as a commercial vehicle. This signals that its success is driven primarily by family buyers who value safety and design over sheer utility.

Why Families Are Choosing the Tata Punch

One of the Punch’s biggest selling points is its focus on safety. With 6 airbags available even in the base model, starting at just ₹6 lakhs, the Punch appeals to buyers looking for peace of mind. Its bold SUV-like stance, high ground clearance, and premium features make it a popular choice for families who want something modern, safe, and reliable. The absence of the Tata Punch in the commercial segment further emphasizes its positioning as a family-oriented vehicle.

Coming second with 190,855 units sold, the Maruti WagonR has a very different appeal. The WagonR’s spacious interiors, affordability, and excellent mileage make it a top choice for cab drivers and gig economy workers in India. From ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber to small-scale delivery fleets, the WagonR dominates the commercial segment.

While it is difficult to pinpoint how many WagonRs were purchased as cabs, a safe approximation suggests that 30–40% of WagonR sales in 2024 were for commercial purposes. That translates to around 57,000–76,000 units being utilized as taxis or delivery vehicles.

The Tata Punch sold 11,175 more units than the WagonR in 2024, a difference of approximately 5.84%. What makes this margin even more impressive is that the Punch does not have the additional sales boost that comes from commercial buyers. This indicates that families are increasingly prioritizing safety, modern design, and advanced features over traditional choices like the WagonR.

Hold on! Maruti secures 2,3 & 4th position

While the Tata Punch leads the charts as the best-selling car in India 2024, it’s important to note that Maruti Suzuki continues to dominate the overall market, occupying the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th spots with the WagonR, Ertiga, and Brezza, respectively. Let’s break down why these cars remain so popular and how Maruti Suzuki continues to maintain its stronghold.

We have already talked about wagonR, let's get to number 3, Ertiga!

Maruti Ertiga has a loyal customer base among both large families and cab operators. As a 7-seater MPV, it offers a mix of comfort, practicality, and mileage.

190,091 units of Ertiga were sold in 2024. Given its widespread use as a cab, especially in intercity and airport shuttle services, it’s estimated that 40–50% of Ertiga sales (around 76,000–95,000 units) are for commercial purposes. The remaining 95,000–114,000 units appeal to joint families needing extra space and comfort.

The Maruti Brezza, with 188,107 units, takes the 4th spot. Despite being an upmarket offering compared to the Tata Punch, the Brezza continues to perform well. However, there’s a 6.89% sales gap between the Brezza and Punch, with the Punch selling 13,923 more units. The Brezza’s starting price of ₹8.5 lakhs is ₹2.5 lakhs higher than the Tata Punch’s ₹6 lakh entry-level model. This price gap makes the Brezza less accessible to budget-conscious buyers. The Brezza still edges out the Tata Nexon, showcasing its strong brand trust and value proposition.

Interestingly, the Brezza achieved its best monthly sales in August 2024 and December 2024, reflecting its seasonal appeal during festivals and mid-year purchase spikes.

Hyundai dominates mid-sized SUV market

The Hyundai Creta secured the 5th spot in 2024 with 186,919 units sold. A facelifted version of the Creta launched mid-year, refreshing its design and adding features that helped it peak in July 2024, when it emerged as the best-seller for that month. Despite its premium appeal, its annual sales are lower than micro and compact SUVs like the Tata Punch and Maruti Brezza.

The Creta sits in a higher price segment compared to cars like the Brezza. With a starting price of around ₹10.87 lakhs (ex-showroom), it caters to buyers with greater purchasing power. However, India’s price-sensitive market limits its reach compared to more affordable models. Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara is the Creta’s closest competitor in the mid-size SUV segment. However, the Grand Vitara struggles to match the Creta’s sales.

Also read why these 10 cars became December 2024's best seller cars