Hyundai Verna Outsells Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia And Maruti Ciaz in January

In a surprising turn of events, the all-new Hyundai Verna has emerged as the frontrunner in the highly competitive mid-size sedan segment, outshining established contenders like the Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. With remarkable sales figures in January 2024, the Verna has solidified its position as the preferred choice among sedan buyers in the Indian market.

According to recent sales data, the Hyundai Verna recorded a substantial increase in sales, with 2172 units sold in January 2024 compared to a mere 995 units in the same period last year. This staggering year-on-year growth of 118 percent showcases the immense popularity and acceptance of the new Verna among consumers. Additionally, the Verna witnessed a commendable month-on-month growth of 205 percent, further highlighting its strong performance in the market.

On the other hand, the once-dominant Honda City experienced a decline in sales, with only 1,123 units sold in January 2024 compared to 2,058 units in the same period last year, representing a significant year-on-year decrease of 45 percent. Some of this decline in sales can be attributed to the popularity of the Honda Elevate SUV, which sells in reasonably high numbers despite having a single petrol engine option. In January, the Elevate outsold Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor but was beaten by Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara.

Despite its legacy and reputation, the City struggled to maintain its market share against the growing competition posed by the Hyundai Verna. Honda themselves have indicated that considering the preferences of the Indian car buyer, they would be focusing more on SUVs in the future.

Similarly, the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz faced tough competition from the Hyundai Verna, witnessing varying degrees of decline in sales. The Virtus, launched in June last year, managed to sell 1,879 units in January 2024, while the Slavia recorded sales of 1,242 units. Also Read: This rare Porsche Speedster is a Honda City

Both models experienced fluctuations in sales compared to the previous year, reflecting the dynamic nature of the segment.

Meanwhile, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is the most affected, with a 64 percent decrease in sales, selling 363 units in January 2024 compared to 1,000 units in the same period last year. Despite facing stiff competition, the Ciaz demonstrated significant month-on-month growth of 239 percent, indicating a potential resurgence in its popularity among buyers.

The success of the Hyundai Verna can be attributed to its striking design, advanced features, and competitive pricing, making it a compelling choice for consumers seeking a blend of style, performance, and value for money. With its impressive sales performance, the Verna has set a new benchmark in the mid-size sedan segment, challenging established players and reshaping the competitive landscape. The Verna is the freshest of the mid-size sedans.

As automotive manufacturers continue to innovate and introduce new models, the battle for supremacy in the mid-size sedan segment is expected to intensify further. While the Hyundai Verna currently enjoys a commanding lead, rivals like the Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz are likely to regroup and respond with their own strategies to regain lost ground in the fiercely contested market.

The rise of the Hyundai Verna as the top-selling mid-size sedan in January 2024 signifies a significant shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics. With its exceptional performance and growing popularity, the Verna has emerged as a formidable contender, signaling a new era of competition in the segment.