India’s Most Underperforming Car Launches of 2025 Based on Sales Figures
In 2025, the Indian automotive market witnessed several new car launches amid a broader industry growth of approximately 5% in passenger vehicle sales, reaching over 4 million units according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Vahan registration records. However, not all introductions succeeded in capturing consumer interest.
This analysis focuses on six car launches that underperformed based on verifiable sales figures from trusted sources. Selection criteria include models launched or refreshed in 2025 with monthly sales below 1,000 units on average, representing less than 0.5% of segment share, compared to expectations derived from pre-launch hype, manufacturer targets, and competitor performance. Reasons for failure are derived from industry analyses, consumer feedback, and expert reviews.
Sales data is aggregated for January to November 2025 where available, with monthly breakdowns for key periods.
1. Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail, relaunched in India in early 2025 as a completely built unit (CBU) import, was positioned as a premium mid-size SUV with a starting price of ₹48.20 lakh (ex-showroom). Nissan aimed to leverage its global reputation for ruggedness, targeting 500-1,000 monthly units based on initial dealer dispatches and marketing campaigns emphasizing its 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine with variable compression technology. However, cumulative sales for 2025 totaled only 157 units, with monthly figures dropping to zero in August and February, and averaging 20 units in other months.
This performance fell far short of competitors like the Toyota Fortuner (over 2,000 units monthly).
Key reasons for the disappointment include:
- Engine and drivetrain mismatch: The 3-cylinder 1.5-liter engine produced 163 PS and 300 Nm, but consumers criticized it as underpowered for a premium SUV segment where 2.0-liter or larger engines are standard. The absence of all-wheel drive (AWD) options alienated off-road enthusiasts.
- Pricing and value proposition: At ₹48-50 lakh, it was priced higher than segment leaders without offering comparable features like a diesel variant or hybrid efficiency. By December 2025, dealers offered discounts up to ₹20 lakh on remaining stock, reducing prices to ₹29.9 lakh for the last 12 units, indicating desperation to clear inventory per reports.
- Limited marketing and network: Nissan’s dealer network of 303 outlets struggled with visibility. Consumer feedback on Instagram and Reddit highlighted poor brand perception in the premium space, with comments labeling it the “worst launch ever” due to segment misalignment.
Comparison Table: Nissan X-Trail vs. Competitors (November 2025 Sales)
| Model | Sales Units | Price Range (₹ lakh) | Key Features Missing in X-Trail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan X-Trail | 20 | 48-50 | Diesel engine, AWD |
| Toyota Fortuner | 2,500 | 33-51 | – |
The X-Trail’s failure underscores Nissan’s challenges in India, where the brand’s overall sales hovered at 2,615 units in October, led by the Magnite but dragged down by premium offerings.
2. Citroen Basalt
Launched in January 2025 as India’s first mainstream coupe-SUV, the Citroen Basalt started at ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and targeted the compact SUV segment with a unique sloping roofline and 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine (110 PS, 205 Nm). Citroen projected 1,000-2,000 monthly units, building on the C3 Aircross platform to appeal to style-conscious buyers. However, 2025 sales totaled around 2,500 units, with November at 139 units (a 36% month-on-month decline) and October at 217 units.
This represented less than 1% of the compact SUV market, dominated by the Tata Nexon (22,434 units in November) and Maruti Brezza (over 15,000 units).
Reasons for underperformance:
- Feature deficits and cost-cutting: The Basalt lacked essentials like automatic climate control, push-button start, and a sunroof in base variants, alienating buyers in a feature-laden segment. Reviews on YouTube and Social Media criticized the plasticky interiors and absence of diesel or hybrid options.
- Market positioning and awareness: Priced competitively but marketed poorly, it failed to differentiate from siblings like the C3 Aircross (208 units in November). Reddit users noted “disastrous portfolio” issues for Citroen, with the brand’s overall sales at 1,224 units in November despite a threefold Q4 growth to 6,713 units for the year, driven by other models.
- Competition and network limitations: The segment saw refreshed rivals like the Hyundai Venue (11,645 units in October), offering better tech and resale value. Citroen’s limited 200-dealer network hindered reach in tier-2 cities.
Comparison Table: Citroen Basalt vs. Competitors (October 2025 Sales)
| Model | Sales Units | Price Range (₹ lakh) | Segment Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citroen Basalt | 217 | 8-14 | 0.5 |
| Tata Nexon | 15,329 | 8-15 | 15 |
| Hyundai Venue | 11,645 | 8-14 | 11 |
The Basalt’s low traction contributed to Citroen’s broader struggles, prompting network expansion plans for 2026.
3. Tata Curvv
The Tata Curvv, introduced in February 2025 as a coupe-SUV with petrol, diesel, and EV variants starting at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), was expected to sell 5,000-7,000 units monthly, capitalizing on Tata’s SUV dominance. It featured a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol (125 PS) and EV options with up to 585 km range. However, 2025 sales averaged 2,000 units early but declined to 1,094 in November, totaling around 20,000 units for the year.
This was below Tata’s internal targets and competitors like the Hyundai Creta (17,344 units in October).
Reasons for Bad Sales:
- Space and pricing issues: Rear legroom was criticized as compact (less than 800 mm), making it less family-friendly. Pricing overlapped with Tata’s own Nexon EV, cannibalizing sales as per Facebook group discussions.
- Decline in momentum: Initial sales of 2,000 in June dropped steadily, attributed to feature gaps like no 360-degree camera in mid-variants and real-world EV range under 400 km in tests.
- Segment saturation: The compact SUV market grew 10% in 2025, but Curvv faced stiff competition from established models like the Kia Seltos, Creta (over 10,000 units monthly).
Comparison Table: Tata Curvv vs. Competitors (November 2025 Sales)
| Model | Sales Units | Price Range (₹ lakh) | EV Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Curvv | 1,094 | 10-20 | 585 |
| Hyundai Creta | 15,000 | 11-20 | N/A |
| Kia Seltos | 10,500 | 11-20 | N/A |
The Curvv’s slide highlights Tata’s need for better differentiation within its portfolio.
4. Skoda Octavia RS
Launched in mid-2025 as a limited-run import priced at ₹49.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Skoda Octavia RS targeted performance enthusiasts with a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (245 PS, 370 Nm) and a goal of selling all 100 units quickly. Initial bookings sold out, but actual deliveries were minimal, with only 2 units in October.
Cumulative 2025 sales remained under 50 units.
Reasons for failure:
- Delivery and logistics delays: Pre-delivery inspections and import processes caused bottlenecks, leading to frustrated buyers canceling orders.
- Niche market and pricing: At ₹50 lakh, it competed with the BMW 3 Series (around 200 units monthly) but lacked broader appeal in a sedan segment declining 15% year-on-year.
- Limited availability: The capped production created artificial scarcity without sustaining demand, per Autocar India.
Comparison Table: Skoda Octavia RS vs. Competitors (October 2025 Sales)
| Model | Sales Units | Price Range (₹ lakh) | Power (PS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Octavia RS | 2 | 50 | 245 |
| Volkswagen Virtus | 1,500 | 12-19 | 150 |
| BMW 3 Series | 200 | 45-60 | 258 |
The RS’s flop reflects challenges in limited-edition strategies.
5. MG Hector (Third Facelift)
Refreshed in late 2025 with updated styling and interiors starting at ₹11.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the MG Hector aimed for 2,000 monthly units in the mid-size SUV segment. However, November sales were 278 units, contributing to a yearly total of under 15,000 units.
This lagged behind the Hyundai Creta.
Reasons:
- Design and appeal issues: The experimental grille was panned in reviews as unappealing No major mechanical changes left it outdated against rivals.
- Competition pressure: Sales dropped 9% year-on-year in October (part of MG’s 6,397 units total), amid stronger options like the Mahindra XUV700 (over 10,000 units monthly).
- Brand perception: MG’s focus on EVs like Windsor (4,025 units in November) diverted attention.
Comparison Table: MG Hector vs. Competitors (November 2025 Sales)
| Model | Sales Units | Price Range (₹ lakh) | Seating Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG Hector | 278 | 12-19 | 5/7 |
| Hyundai Creta | 15,000 | 11-20 | 5 |
| Mahindra XUV700 | 10,251 | 14-25 | 5/7 |
The facelift failed to revitalize the model.
6. Kia EV9
Launched in March 2025 as Kia’s flagship electric SUV at ₹1.29 crore (ex-showroom), the EV9 featured a 99.8 kWh battery with 561 km range and aimed for 50-100 monthly units in the luxury EV segment. Sales were dismal, with 1 unit in October and zero in August per report.
Yearly total was under 20 units.
Reasons:
- High pricing and positioning: At over ₹1 crore, it lacked brand prestige against the BMW iX (50 units monthly), with consumers preferring established luxury names.
- Infrastructure limitations: Limited charging networks and range anxiety in India hurt adoption, as per Autocarpro analyses.
- Low visibility: Imported status and minimal marketing led to rarity, with comments noting surprise at even one sale.
Comparison Table: Kia EV9 vs. Competitors (October 2025 Sales)
| Model | Sales Units | Price Range (₹ crore) | Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV9 | 1 | 1.29 | 561 |
| BMW iX | 50 | 1.21-1.40 | 635 |
| Audi e-tron | 40 | 1.02-1.26 | 505 |
The EV9’s performance signals challenges for premium EVs.
Conclusion – New Car Launches That Bombed in India
These 2025 launches collectively sold under 25,000 units, representing less than 1% of India’s passenger vehicle market, per aggregated SIAM data. Common factors include mismatched pricing, feature shortages, delivery issues, and intense competition from established models like the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Creta, which exceeded 200,000 units each.
Manufacturers must prioritize consumer feedback on features, powertrains, space, and infrastructure alignment to avoid similar outcomes in future years.
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