Entry-level sedan segment which comprises of sub-4-metre models like the Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze has managed to grow faster than sub-4-metre SUVs
Sub-4-metre sedan segment comprises of unique-to-India models like the Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze was the fastest-growing sub-4-metre segment in FY19. What this means is that the compact sedan segment grew faster than even the compact SUV segment, which comprises hot-selling models like the Maruti Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon.
The major chunk of the sales pie in the compact sedan segment has been occupied by the latest generation models of the Maruti Dzire and the Honda Amaze. In their latest iterations, both these sedans have grown in size, offer more features and are even safer and more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. Obviously, the three-box design helps them both to enjoy a novelty factor over similarly priced hatchbacks.
In FY 2019, the sub-4-metre sedan segment posted a growth of 12 per cent, with a sales of 4.6 lakh units. In comparison, the sales of crossovers and SUVs stood at 3.57%, with a total sale of 3.57 lakh units in the same time period. While the sales of the Maruti Dzire and the Honda Amaze registered positive growth, the Hyundai Xcent, Tata Tigor and Ford Aspire registered a decline in popularity.
| S. NO. | Model | No Of Units Sold |
| 1. | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | 2,60,013 |
| 2. | Honda Amaze | 83,408 |
| 3. | Hyundai Xcent | 57,674 |
| 4. | Ford Aspire | 27,376 |
| 5. | Tata Tigor | 25,849 |
| 6. | Tata Zest | 10,295 |
| 7. | Volkswagen Ameo | 7,931 |
A reason for the growing popularity of compact sedans like Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze is that they are usually priced around Rs 1 lakh cheaper than the sub-4-metre crossovers. It is due to the popularity of these vehicles that Honda decided to develop the second-gen Amaze from scratch instead of deriving it from the latest generation Brio.
The same has been the case with the Maruti Dzire, which was developed alongside the latest generation of the Swift and isn’t merely afterthoughts. In fact, in India, the third-gen Dzire was launched before the corresponding generation of the Swift.
“Its bold styling and premium offering appealed to the customers in smaller cities and more than 70% of Amaze sales have come from Tier-2 and 3 markets,” said Rajesh Goel, director of sales and marketing at Honda Cars India. More than 8% of Amaze buyers were initially considering buying a compact SUV, he added.