ITV

Tag: Hatchback

  • Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR reigns as India’s bestselling car four years running

    Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR reigns as India’s bestselling car four years running

    MUMBAI: Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR has maintained its pole position as India’s highest-selling car for the fourth consecutive year, with 198,451 units sold during the financial year 2024-25.

    The ubiquitous box-on-wheels has now amassed an impressive customer base of 3.37 million owners since its introduction, solidifying its status as the nation’s most beloved four-wheeled companion.

    “WagonR’s sustained leadership in the Indian automotive market underscores strong customer trust and an unmatched value proposition over 25 years,” said Maruti Suzuki India senior executive officer for marketing and sales Partho Banerjee.

    The company points to remarkable customer loyalty as a key factor in the model’s continued success, with one in four WagonR owners returning to purchase another—a rare feat in India’s notoriously fickle automotive marketplace.

    Despite the rise of SUVs and crossovers that have left many traditional hatchbacks gathering dust in showrooms, Banerjee remains bullish about the segment’s prospects: “Hatchbacks are an integral pillar of India’s automobile industry… this segment will continue to be a cornerstone in spreading the joy of mobility to every Indian household.”

    The WagonR’s enduring popularity flies in the face of automotive fashion trends, suggesting that practicality trumps posturing for many Indian buyers. The model’s winning formula combines spaciousness that belies its compact footprint, fuel efficiency that protects wallets, and just enough tech to keep pace with modern expectations.

    Under the bonnet, customers can choose between two K-Series Dual Jet engines—1.0L for the budget-conscious and 1.2L for those craving a bit more snarl in their steering wheel. Both come with manual and auto gear shift transmission options.

    The CNG variant continues to be a hit with eco-conscious penny-pinchers, offering superior fuel economy without sacrificing performance—a claim that might raise eyebrows among enthusiasts but resonates with family accountants.

    Safety features include the requisite alphabet soup of modern protection systems: ABS with EBD, ESP, and Hill Hold Assist, all built on Maruti’s Heartect platform that uses high tensile steel to keep occupants secure in the event of an unscheduled meeting with roadside obstacles.

    Inside, the WagonR offers modest luxuries including a 17.78cm infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering-mounted controls, and dual-tone interiors that aim to elevate the cabin ambience beyond utilitarian transport.

    As India’s car market continues its rapid evolution, the WagonR’s persistent chart-topping performance suggests that in a country where value still reigns supreme, this unassuming hatchback remains the undisputed king of the road.

  • Volkswagen Virtus unveils 360° campaign to boost premium mid-size sedan market

    Volkswagen Virtus unveils 360° campaign to boost premium mid-size sedan market

    Mumbai: Volkswagen has launched a new campaign, titled ‘Hello Goosebumps’, for its sedan Virtus. Conceptualised by DDB Mudra Group, the film aims to plug in excitement and energy into the premium mid-size sedan segment by highlighting the thrill and joy of driving the new Volkswagen Virtus.

    The striking, exhilarating and German-engineered new Volkswagen Virtus aims to reignite the premium midsize sedan with its ‘Big by’ design, performance, safety, connectivity, convenience and comfort. The Virtus is a true Volkswagen developed on the core DNA of the brand of build quality, safety and fun-to-drive experience and each element has been captured through the new TVC campaign.

    Volkswagen’s media agency, PHD India, further elevated the launch campaign via its 360-degree incisive approach, covering all vital media channels, and crafting an effective marketing strategy. PHD was tasked with building enthusiasm and maximising outreach amongst its target audience to amplify the launch experience of Volkswagen Virtus.  

    The campaign kick-started on a high note with the ‘French Window Innovation’ in India’s top-read newspaper, The Times of India. Garnering scores of impressions across the country, this large-canvas innovation delivered high-visibility engagement that today’s audiences desire and was augmented by high-impact roadblocks on leading business and news digital publications to maximise reach and frequency.

    The integrated campaign was further strengthened with an influencer marketing strategy featuring India’s leading mega influencers like Tamanaah Bhatia, Yami Gautam, Mrunal Thakur, and more, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Virtus’ tagline – ‘Hello Goosebumps!’ through their own personal and professional journeys.

    Speaking on the campaign launch, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India head of marketing & PR Abbey Thomas commented, “With the launch of the new Volkswagen Virtus, our intention was to showcase the potential of the premium midsize sedan segment. The Virtus boasts of a striking design, exhilarating performance and German-engineered built and safety that has the ability to reignite the segment. Our communication positioning for the Virtus’ ‘Hello Goosebumps’ has been rightly captured by our partner DDB Mudra Group and amplified by PHD media in reaching out to our intended consumers. The combined efforts have elevated the excitement and thrill of driving sedans paving the way for an introduction truly befitting of the Virtus.”

    DDB Mudra creative head – west Pallavi Chakravarti said, “This sedan looks like a dream and drives like one too. ‘Hello Goosebumps’ captures the essence of the Volkswagen Virtus in a simple, visceral campaign that every passionate driver will undoubtedly relate to.”  

    PHD Media India CEO Monaz Todywalla said, “Our partnership with Volkswagen gave us the opportunity to steer another big launch campaign to its true potential while staying true to PHD’s tradition of helping its clients make significant leaps in the marketing space. Utilising key strategies across all touchpoints to maximise reach, an outcome like this always gives us the impetus to continue building impactful experiences for brands like Volkswagen and elevate their marketing strategies to be a cut above the rest”.