Maruti Suzuki India, the largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, is expecting a revival of the small car segment by the end of 2026 and beginning of 2027.

At present, the segment is witnessing a contraction with January 2024 sales of hatches at 1,03,644 units compared with 1,23,007 units in January 2023, a contraction of around 18 per cent. But the company takes hope from the recent growth witnessed in the two-wheeler segment.

Whenever there is a growth in the two-wheeler segment, after a time lag, a similar growth is witnessed in the entry level car segment, said a company official.

The share of small cars or hatchbacks has shrunk to around 28 per cent in the passenger vehicle market with utility vehicles accounting for more than 50 per cent of sales.

The company launched the fourth generation Swift, its best-selling hatch, hoping that it will be the catalyst of growth in the hatchback segment.

The new Swift will retail from ₹6.49 lakh ex-showroom.