The Indian automotive industry has had a great start in 2026. Most segments posted healthy numbers and growth rates. The month stood particularly important for mid-size SUVs, due to the two highly talked-about models- the new Tata Sierra and the second-generation Kia Seltos. January was the first month of sales for both. The Sierra sold 7003 units and the Seltos 10,639 units.
Tata Sierra & New Seltos: First Month Report Card
Tata Motors launched the new Sierra in India in late November. Bookings began in mid-December and the deliveries started commencing in mid-January. The SUV created massive hype and got over 70,000 bookings in the first 24 hours. The new Sierra starts at Rs 11.49 Lakh, ex-showroom and goes up to Rs 21.29 Lakh for the range-topping variant. In the first month , it sold 7003 units. This translates to a market share of around 10%- strong performance for a newly launched model.
The Hyundai Creta topped the sales chart in January, posting sales of 17,921 units. The gap between the Sierra and the Creta in the first month was 10,918 units. Going by the massive interest that the Sierra has created, it is possible that this gap will narrow down in the coming months.
The Sierra’s deliveries are commencing in a phased manner. Higher trims are prioritised for deliveries. Production is being ramped up at the Sanand factory, to cater to the heightened demand.
10,639 units of the Kia Seltos were sold during the month. This, if you see, is just 3,636 units more than the Sierra’s numbers. Kia launched the new, second-generation Seltos in India in early January. Priced between Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 19.99 lakh, ex-showroom, the new Seltos started reaching owners by mid-January. The above numbers are likely to include both first generation and second generation models.
We’ll have to wait another month or so, to get a better picture of the new model’s acceptance. That said, 10,639 units is quite handsome. In overall (mid-size SUV) standings, the Seltos took the third spot, after Hyundai Creta and Maruti Victoris. The gap between the Seltos and Creta numbers is 7282 units.
How Did Other Compact SUVs Perform In January?
As mentioned before, the Creta retained its mid-size crown. At the second spot is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris that sold 15,240 units in January. The Seltos ranked third. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder posted sales of 9,156 units in January. Its Maruti Suzuki version, the Grand Vitara sold 7030 units. Honda Elevate posted sales of 2243 units.
Volkswagen sold 790 units of the Taigun while Skoda managed to sell just 434 Kushaqs. The sales of both these SUVs have declined significantly. Their upcoming facelifts are expected to get the downtrend fixed. Skoda has already revealed the facelifted Kushaq.
Changes are mostly cosmetic, but spot-on! The restyling and feature additions have made the product even more attaractive (and relevant). On the mechanical front, engines remain the same while the previous 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission has now been replaced with a new 8-speed automatic unit. Prices are expected to be out in the coming months.
The Taigun will get its much-anticipated facelift sometime in the first half of this year. It will also come with notable design upgrades and more features. Engines will remain the same, and the transmission swap mentioned above is expected.
Circling back, Citroen sold 131 units of the Aircross, its Creta rival, in January. Introduction of the X trim has made this product even more appealing to buyers, and the strategy seems to be fetching results. At the bottom of the list is MG Motor India which sold just 83 units of the Astor during the period.
Comments are closed.