Indian car buyers’ love for SUVs can be gauged from the fact that, in FY25, one midsize SUV (Hyundai Creta, with 194,871 units) sold three times more than five midsize sedans put together (71,916 units).
These five sedans are Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and Volkswagen Virtus.
But while sedans are being gobbled up by SUVs, the Virtus is still going strong – in FY25, it was the only sedan whose sales grew in a shrinking segment.
FY25 sales
According to the FY25 sales data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, sales of the Verna dropped 48% – from 30,017 units to just 15,593 units.
Sales of the City dropped 36% – from 16,925 units to 10,901 units.
Sales of the Slavia dropped 18% – from 19,093 units to 15,588 units.
And sales of the Ciaz dropped 19% – from 10,337 units to 8,402 units.
The Virtus, however, was an exception, whose sales grew marginally (2%) – from 21,094 units to 21,432 units. It was also the largest-selling midsize sedan in FY25.
Automotive experts shared with FE the reasons why this sedan is still popular, even though other models are falling out of favour.
“The Virtus is a ‘complete’ car that appeals to sedan enthusiasts, combining classy exterior and interior styling with a solid build quality. The cabin offers good legroom, supportive seats, and practical storage. And its 521-litre boot is the largest in its segment,” said a car expert. “With powerful engines – 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre – it is among the most fun-to-drive sedans. Then there is the focus on safety – the Virtus has six airbags, ESC, electronic differential lock, and more. And in a sea of SUVs, this sedan stands out.”
The Virtus was also a rare case of having sold more than its SUV counterpart. In FY25, its sales of 21,094 units were more than the sales of the Taigun (19,910 units) – Volkswagen’s midsize SUV that has the same engine options, same transmission, and is priced in the same range as the Virtus.
Sales FY24 FY25
Volkswagen Virtus 21,094 21,432
Hyundai Verna 30,017 15,593
Skoda Slavia 19,093 15,588
Honda City 16,925 10,901
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 10,337 8,402
(Sales of all midsize sedans except the Virtus are falling)
