Introduction
The Diwali and festive season of 2025 has once again proven to be a turning point for India’s automobile market. With buyers in a celebratory mood and manufacturers sweetening deals with special offers, stock and new-model launches, the month of October 2025 has produced some of the strongest monthly sales figures in recent years. From compact hatchbacks to SUVs, several models have achieved record volumes, riding on the twin waves of festive demand and GST-2.0 tax benefits.
In this article we list and analyse the top 10 highest-selling car models in India for October 2025 during the Diwali period. Although exact figures for every model may still be reported in coming weeks, we have compiled the most reliable data currently available and identified trends, buyer behaviour, and what this tells us about future car-buying in India.
The Context: Why October 2025 Stood Out
Several factors made October 2025 special for car sales:
- The timing of major festivals (Dussehra → Diwali) prompted many buyers to upgrade or purchase new cars.
- The implementation of GST-2.0 rate benefits impacted pricing favorably, especially for many models, creating urgency among buyers.
- Automakers and dealerships launched attractive offers, exchange bonuses, and finance schemes to capitalise on festive sentiment.
- Inventory levels, which had been elevated earlier in the year, were cleared via these festive pushes, helping manufacturers register strong dispatch numbers.
These factors combined to create a window where many car models saw surge in demand and high monthly volumes, making October one of the most active sales months.
Methodology & Data Caveats
- The list is based on publicly issued sales rankings and industry dispatch/registration data available up to mid-October 2025.
- Some numbers include multiple variants of the model (e.g., petrol + diesel + EV) since many manufacturers report combined figures.
- The list focuses on passenger vehicles (cars/compact SUVs) not including large luxury vehicles or niche imports.
- While we identify the top-10 models, minor positional differences may still change as final month-end data is published.
With that in mind, here are the models that dominated October 2025.
Top 10 Models of October 2025: Highest-Selling Cars
Here’s a ranked look at the car models that stood out in October 2025. Because exact October figures for all models are yet to be publicly audited, these are best-available estimates and positional observations based on dispatch and registration trends.
- Tata Nexon
The Nexon continued its dominant run, aided by refreshed pricing and festive offers. The combined petrol/diesel/EV versions recorded more than 22,000 units in September alone, and early indications suggest similar or higher volumes in October. - Maruti Suzuki Dzire
The Dzire, Maruti’s flagship compact sedan, crossed the 20,000 unit mark in September and maintained strong demand in October, helped by its brand value, fuel efficiency and the festive upgrade wave. - Hyundai Creta
The Creta’s appeal in the compact-SUV category remains high. With model updates and attractive festive schemes, it was one of the top-three sellers in September and expected to remain so in October. - Mahindra Scorpio
The Scorpio’s surge in popularity, especially after recent updates and marketing push, placed it firmly in the top-5 for both September and likely October. - Tata Punch
The Punch’s strong value proposition in the micro-SUV segment and improved offers made it a favourite for buyers seeking an SUV-style vehicle on a budget during the festive season. - Maruti Suzuki Swift
Though a hatchback, the Swift continues to hold strong appeal. October being a time for smaller-car buyers to upgrade, the Swift’s volumes benefitted from its refreshed variant lineup. - Maruti Suzuki WagonR
The ever-popular WagonR remains one of the highest-selling hatchbacks in India. With affordable ownership and high resale value, it’s a reliable pick for many buyers during the festive period. - Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Positioned as a premium hatch/crossover, the Fronx saw strong traction in its segment with its feature-rich package and attractive pricing. - Maruti Suzuki Baleno
The Baleno continues to appeal for buyers wanting a premium hatch feel. Its demand during Diwali boosted its ranking among bestsellers. - Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
The Ertiga, though a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), benefited from family buyers upgrading ahead of festive travel. Its inclusion rounds out the list of top-10 for October.
Breakdown: What Drove Sales for These Models
Value + Offers
Many of the top-selling models offered attractive festive pricing, exchange bonuses, and added benefits which accelerated buyer decisions.
Segment Shift
SUVs and crossovers continued to dominate consumer preference, while efficient hatchbacks remained strong for budget-first-time buyers.
Brand Trust
Brands with strong service networks and resale value (such as Maruti and Tata) saw sustained demand.
GST & Tax Reform Impact
With the implementation of GST-2.0, many price benefits were passed on to buyers, especially in models with smaller engines or shorter lengths. This created urgency during the festive window.
Festival Timing
The Diwali season traditionally witnesses higher car purchases as families buy new vehicles ahead of travel or as aspirational upgrades. October captures that trend, enabling models launched or discounted around this time to see strong volumes.
Implications for Buyers and Market
For buyers:
- If you’re looking to buy a car around Diwali, these models are proven volume-leaders—indicating availability of variants, easier service access, and likely stronger resale value.
- Since the high-selling models often attract more competition from buyers, book early to secure the variant you want.
- High-volume models may also benefit from better offers, so check with your local dealer for Diwali deals on these top sellers.
For the market:
- The dominance of certain models shows that affordability + brand + value continue to drive volume.
- Hatchbacks are still very relevant despite SUV popularity—especially in urban settings.
- The role of festival offers and tax changes (like GST-2.0) remain key in shaping short-term sales spikes.
- With models like Nexon and Scorpio being high-volume even in the premium segments, Indian consumers are increasingly valuing feature-rich SUVs at accessible pricing.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect After October
- Models that missed out on full Dussehra/Diwali deals may be discounted further into November to clear stock.
- New launches scheduled for Q4 2025 could shift buyer attention and cause upcoming models to see early bookings.
- Rising interest in electric variants may influence future bestseller lists—expect the top-10 in coming months to include more EVs.
- With the festive wave passing, price pauses or modest hikes may occur in early 2026 unless refreshed models are launched.
Conclusion
October 2025 stands out as a high-volume month for India’s car market, driven by the Diwali festival, tax reforms and strong model line-ups. The top 10 highest-selling cars—ranging from the Tata Nexon to Maruti WagonR—provide a snapshot into what Indian buyers value: reliability, value, brand trust and timely offers.
If you’re in the market for a new car now or planning ahead, focusing on these models gives you a strong starting point. With the benefits and momentum of the festive season behind them, they offer proven demand, service support and resale potential—making them wise choices for 2025 and beyond.
