Toyota Yaris suffered the maximum with 87 per cent de-growth as only 373 units were sold against 2,843 in the same month last year
The C-segment for sedans has been losing popularity recently as the wide range of sub-four-metre SUVs and the SUVs costing between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 17 lakh (ex-showroom) have been more appealing to customers. The segment has Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City and Hyundai Verna fighting it out for top honours.
However, the average volume of the leading sedan every month has substantially reduced. In May 2019, 3,592 units of the Ciaz were sold as against 4,024 units in the same month last year with 11 per cent de-growth. The momentum between the trio has often shifted showing the instability in the segment.
The Verna came in second with a total of 2,567 units but it endured a massive sales decline of 32 per cent as 3,801 units were retailed in the corresponding month in 2018. The City, on the other hand, posted 2,557 units as the Japanese sedan finished third with a very narrow margin to the Verna.
| Sedans | No. Of Units In May 2019 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ciaz | 3,592 |
| Hyundai Verna | 2,567 |
| Honda City | 2,557 |
| Skoda Rapid | 734 |
| Volkswagen Vento | 654 |
| Toyota Yaris | 373 |
The City is expected to get a new generation as early as next year while a hybrid variant also appears to be in the pipeline for arrival in 2021. It will gain comprehensive exterior and interior changes along with feature additions. It could grow in size compared to the existing model offering more room to the occupants as well.
Skoda’s Rapid came home fourth with 734 units at a sales decline of 16 per cent while Volkswagen Vento ended up fifth with 654 unit dispatches. Both the models from the Volkswagen Group are expected to get replacements in the early parts of next decade under India 2.0 project with high localisation based on MQB A0 IN platform.
Toyota Yaris made its local debut in April 2018 but it struggled largely throughout its tenure in the Indian market with a constant dip in sales. With a steep decline of 87 per cent, only 373 units were retailed last month as against 2,843 units during the same month in 2018.
Data Source: AutoPunditz