In September 2023, the Indian compact SUV market was witness to the debut of two notable contenders: the Honda Elevate and the refreshed 2023 Kia Seltos. Both of these vehicles were introduced with high expectations, as their respective automakers aimed to carve out a significant presence in the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment in India. However, while the Honda Elevate did manage to claim the title of being Honda's best-selling model for that particular month, it couldn't quite match the remarkable sales figures achieved by the Kia Seltos.
Now, let's take a closer and more detailed look at the sales figures for September:
- Honda Elevate: The Honda Elevate, introduced in early September, managed to sell a respectable 5,685 units in its debut month.
- Kia Seltos: In stark contrast, the Kia Seltos, which had already been available in the market since July, outperformed the Elevate significantly by selling a whopping 10,558 units during September.
These numbers differ from one another. The Kia Seltos managed to sell nearly double the number of units compared to the Honda Elevate. However, it's important to note that despite this impressive performance, the Seltos still fell short of claiming the title of the highest-selling SUV in its category; that accolade is still firmly held by the Hyundai Creta.
There are many causes for the significant variation in sales data. Firstly, it's crucial to acknowledge that the Honda Elevate had just been introduced to the market in early September. This shorter time on the market naturally meant that it had less time to accumulate sales compared to the Seltos, which had been available for a few months by then. Due to the discrepancy in availability, Elevate's sales may accelerate in the upcoming months. However, it's worth emphasizing that the Elevate, even with its limited time on the market, managed to become Honda's best-selling model for the month of September, which is an achievement in itself.
Another key factor to consider is the range of options offered by Kia for the Seltos. The Seltos have access to a large selection of engine choices and Kia versions, including both petrol and diesel vehicles. On the other hand, the Elevate is available with a single naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine. Due to its vast selection of products and ability to accommodate a range of pricing points and client preferences, The Seltos is a more adaptable option. Pricing is yet another significant aspect where these two SUVs differ. The Honda Elevate is priced between Rs 10.99 lakh and Rs 15.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Kia Seltos is available at prices ranging from Rs 10.89 lakh to Rs 20.29 lakh (ex-showroom). Both vehicles compete with similar rivals in the market, including the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, Tata Harrier, MG Hector, and the 5-seater variants of the Mahindra XUV700.
While the Kia Seltos may seem to have a significant advantage in terms of sales numbers for September 2023, it's crucial to keep a watchful eye on these trends in the upcoming months. The introduction of the Honda Elevate later in September may mean that it didn't have sufficient time to fully establish itself in the market. It might become more powerful in the future and challenge the Seltos' dominion. The Seltos must sustain its strong performance in the meantime to hold onto its position in the fiercely contested Indian small SUV market.
Conclusion
In India, small SUVs like those from Honda and Kia are battling it out for your interest. The market for small SUVs is quite competitive. The success of the Kia Seltos in September 2023 reflects the appeal of its versatile lineup and competitive pricing. However, it's important to remember that the automotive industry is dynamic and that a range of factors could have an impact on sales figures. The performance and potential of these cars in this extremely competitive category will become more obvious in the upcoming months.