Renault Duster to Return to India in 2026

10 Best Selling Hatchbacks in April 2025 – The hatchback segment in India continues to evolve amid shifting customer preferences toward SUVs and crossovers. Despite the changing landscape, compact hatchbacks remain a popular choice for budget conscious buyers, urban commuters, and first-time car owners. In April 2025, the hatchback sales chart saw a mix of strong performers and sharp declines. The highlight of the month was the Maruti Suzuki Swift, which recorded phenomenal growth and took the top spot in sales.

Below is the list of the Top 10 Best Selling Hatchbacks in April 2025, including their performance-

Top 10 Hatchbacks in India- April 2025

Rank	Model	April 2025 Sales	April 2024 Sales	Changes
1	Maruti Suzuki Swift	14,592	4,104	↑ 256%
2	Maruti Suzuki Wagon R	13,413	17,850	↓ 25%
3	Maruti Suzuki Baleno	13,180	14,049	↓ 6%
4	Tata Tiago	8,277	6,796	↑ 22%
5	Maruti Suzuki Alto	5,606	9,043	↓ 38%
6	Hyundai Grand i10 Nios	4,137	5,117	↓ 19%
7	Toyota Glanza	4,132	4,380	↓ 6%
8	Hyundai i20	3,525	5,199	↓ 32%
9	Tata Altroz	2,172	5,148	↓ 58%
10	Maruti Suzuki Ignis	1,936	1,915	↑ 1%

Maruti Suzuki Swift on Top

The fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift, launched in May 2024, continues its winning streak. In April 2025, it sold 14,592 units, marking a massive 256% growth. The surge is attributed to the Swift’s bold new design, a significantly upgraded feature list, and the inclusion of six airbags as standard across variants. Its fresh appeal and strong brand recognition have made it the most sought after hatchback this month.

Wagon R and Baleno in Pressure

Despite a consistent presence in the top rankings, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R registered a steep 25% decline, managing 13,413 units. The fall is likely due to outdated styling and increasing customer preference for more feature-rich alternatives in the segment. Still, it managed to retain the second position.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno, often seen as the benchmark for premium hatchbacks, also witnessed a 6% drop, settling at third place with 13,180 units sold. The dip may suggest growing market saturation in the premium hatchback space as SUVs continue to gain favor in the Rs. 8-12 lakh bracket.

Tata Tiago Holds Position 

Among non-Maruti contenders, the Tata Tiago was the only model to register significant positive growth, a solid 22% increase. With 8,277 units sold, it claimed the fourth position. Its value for money proposition, high safety rating, and appealing design help it retain traction in the small hatchback category.

Entry Level Segment 

The Maruti Alto, once the go-to entry-level car in India, saw sales plummet by 38%, dropping to 5,606 units. This is reflective of the ongoing shift in consumer interest toward compact SUVs, which offer better ground clearance and road presence at a marginally higher price.

Declines- 10 Best Selling Hatchbacks in April 2025

The lower half of the list presents a gloomy picture

1. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios saw a 19% dip with 4,137 units.
2. Toyota Glanza, a rebadged version of the Baleno, dropped 6% to 4,132 units.
3. Hyundai i20, known for its sporty premium appeal, declined sharply by 32%, settling at 3,525 units.
4. The Tata Altroz, which once offered a strong alternative in the premium hatchback segment, recorded the steepest decline of 58%, selling only 2,172 units.
5. Maruti Suzuki Ignis held on with a marginal 1% growth, totaling 1,936 units- just enough to round out the top ten.

Market Insights- SUVs vs Hatchbacks

The overall trend in 10 Best Selling Hatchbacks in April 2025 highlights a declining interest in traditional hatchbacks as buyers increasingly gravitate toward SUVs and crossovers. Entry level and premium hatchbacks are facing intense pressure from models like the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, Maruti Fronx, and others, which offer better styling and road presence with similar pricing.

Still, hatchbacks continue to offer a budget friendly and fuel efficient option for urban use. Models like the Swift, Tiago, and Baleno remain relevant thanks to strong brand equity, updated features, and competitive pricing.

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The Renault Duster to Return to India in 2026 is all set to make a comeback in the Indian market after a four-year hiatus, and this time it is returning in an all-new third-generation avatar. Known as one of the original pioneers of the compact SUV segment in India, the Duster had once dominated the roads before slowly fading away. But now, it is ready to take on the segment leaders once again, including the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

In a strategic move, Renault India has skipped the second-generation model entirely and will launch the third-gen Duster directly. Alongside this, Nissan will also launch a new SUV, likely a successor to the Nissan Terrano, based on the same platform but with a completely different design.

Launch Timeline- Renault Duster and Nissan SUV

The all-new Renault Duster to Return to India in 2026 is expected to debut in India as early as January 2026, while the Nissan counterpart will follow shortly after. Both SUVs will be built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B platform, ensuring a modern foundation with global standards.

New-Gen Renault Duster- Design and Dimensions

Internationally, the new Renault Duster sports a completely overhauled design with muscular lines and rugged SUV elements. Key dimensions of the new model include-

• Length: 4,343 mm
• Width: 1,921 mm
• Height: 1,616 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,657 mm
• Ground Clearance: 209 mm (FWD) / 217 mm (AWD)

The SUV looks more imposing than ever, with aggressive styling, 18-inch alloy wheels, sharp LED lights, and a sturdy stance that promises off-road capability.

Interior and Features

The cabin of the new Duster has also received a significant upgrade, offering a premium and high-tech experience. Key interior features include-

• 7-inch configurable digital instrument cluster
• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Built-in satellite navigation
• Wireless smartphone charger
• USB-C ports

Surprisingly, the new-gen Duster does not feature a sunroof, which may be seen as a downside considering many of its rivals offer a panoramic sunroof as standard. However, it is likely that Renault will introduce an India-specific version with a sunroof to cater to local preferences.

Safety Features

Renault has also focused on improving safety in the all-new Duster. The SUV is expected to come equipped with:

• Six airbags
• Driver fatigue detection
• Lane Change Warning (LCW)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Speeding Alert System

However, one missing feature is a 360-degree surround-view camera, which is becoming increasingly common in this segment.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the India-spec Renault Duster is expected to get a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This motor could produce-

• Power: 154 hp
• Torque: 254 Nm

Nissan’s New SUV– Renault Duster to Return to India in 2026

The upcoming Nissan SUV based on the same platform will share mechanical components with the Duster but will feature a completely unique exterior design. Teasers suggest a look inspired by the new Nissan Patrol, with bold elements like- Renault Duster to Return to India in 2026

• Sharp LED headlamps
• A prominent upper grille
• Wide air intakes
• Chunky bumpers

The interior might not be as distinct, but it will offer better differentiation than the previous Terrano, which was criticized for being too similar to the Duster.

Conclusion

The return of the Renault Duster in 2026 is big news for SUV buyers in India. With fresh styling, premium features, and competitive engine options, the new Duster is all set to revive its glory days. Meanwhile, Nissan’s upcoming SUV could be a stylish and bold alternative for those looking for something different.

Together, these two SUVs will pose a serious challenge to current segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara. If priced right, they could shake up the compact SUV segment once again.

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