The automotive world in India is reshaping rapidly following the introduction of GST 2.0. Effective 22 September 2025, revised GST slabs lower tax for many small cars and reorganise cess-components on larger vehicles. Maruti Suzuki, India’s volume leader, has made sweeping price reductions across its lineup — some up to ₹1.30 lakh on entry models.
But Maruti is not alone. Other manufacturers like Tata, Hyundai, Mahindra, Toyota, MG, Skoda and others have also passed on GST benefits — and sometimes even exceeded expectations. This article digs deep into what the GST changes are, model-wise price impacts for Maruti, comparisons with rivals, what buyers need to know, and how the market might shift.
What’s Changed: GST 2.0 Explained
| Aspect | Old Regime | New Regime (GST 2.0) | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small cars (petrol ≤ 1,200 cc, diesel ≤ 1,500 cc, length ≤ 4 metres) | ~28% GST + additional cess & surcharges | 18% base GST | Large reductions in price for eligible models |
| Larger / luxury / longer / high-engine models | 28% GST + high cess (up to ~22%) | 40% flat GST for many, cess removed or reduced | Depending on engine/size, some price increase relative or smaller reduction compared to old cess structure |
| Variant features & accessories | Higher input taxes + larger cess percentages, higher registration, etc. | Simplified tax structure, some state taxes and registration still apply proportionally | Reduced total cost especially for base and mid variants |
Maruti Suzuki: Model-Wise Price Cuts & New Prices
Here is a table showing key Maruti models, the approximate maximum discount, and new starting ex-showroom price (starting variant) post-GST 2.0.
| Model | Max Discount (Approx) | New Starting Ex-Showroom Price* |
|---|---|---|
| S-Presso | ₹ 1,29,600 | ₹ 3,49,900 |
| Alto K10 | ₹ 1,07,600 | ₹ 3,69,900 |
| Celerio | ₹ 94,100 | ₹ 4,69,900 |
| Wagon-R | ₹ 79,600 | ₹ 4,98,900 |
| Ignis | ₹ 71,300 | ₹ 5,35,100 |
| Swift | ₹ 84,600 | ₹ 5,78,900 |
| Baleno | ₹ 86,100 | ₹ 5,98,900 |
| Dzire | ₹ 87,700 | ₹ 6,25,600 |
| Fronx | ₹ 1,12,600 | ₹ 6,84,900 |
| Brezza | ₹ 1,12,700 | ₹ 8,25,900 |
| Grand Vitara | ₹ 1,07,000 | ₹ 10,76,500 |
| Jimny | ₹ 51,900 | ₹ 12,31,500 |
| XL6 | ₹ 52,000 | ₹ 11,52,300 |
| Invicto | ₹ 61,700 | ₹ 24,97,400 |
| Eeco | ₹ 68,000 | ₹ 5,18,100 |
| Super Carry | ₹ 52,100 | ₹ 5,06,100 |
*Prices are for base variant (ex-showroom) and reflect changes from 22 September 2025. Variants with more features will cost more.
Competitive Comparison: Rivals’ Price Cuts
To see how Maruti’s moves compare with what other brands are doing, here are tables showing price cuts by competitor models or brands under GST 2.0.
Table: Rivals — Key Price Cuts (Selected Models)
| Brand | Model | Approx Max Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Motors | Nexon | ~ ₹1,55,000 |
| Altroz | ~ ₹1,10,000 | |
| Punch | ~ ₹85,000 | |
| Mahindra | XUV 3XO | ~ ₹1,56,100 |
| Thar | ~ ₹1,35,000 | |
| Hyundai | Tucson | ~ ₹2,40,303 |
| Venue | ~ ₹1,23,659 | |
| i20 | ~ ₹98,000 | |
| Kia | Sonet | ~ ₹1,64,000 |
| Syros | ~ ₹1,86,000 | |
| Carnival | ~ ₹4,48,542 | |
| Toyota | Fortuner | ~ ₹3,49,000 |
| Renault | Kiger / Kwid etc. | ~ ₹96,000 (approx) |
Table: Maruti vs Rivals — Who Saves More? (Comparison Examples)
Here are side-by-side comparisons of selected models from Maruti vs similarly priced/rival cars from other brands post-GST cut.
| Segment | Maruti Model & Discount | Rival Brand / Model & Discount | Who Offers Better Savings / Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-4m hatch (#1 level) | Alto K10: ~₹1,07,600 off | Tata Tiago: ~₹75,000 off | Maruti leads: higher discount, lower entry price |
| Compact SUV / crossover | Fronx: ~₹1,12,600 off | Kia Sonet: ~₹1,64,000 off (but higher base price) | Rival gets bigger nominal cut but Maruti’s pricing still more affordable for many |
| Mid SUV / Premium segment | Brezza: ~₹1,12,700 off | Hyundai Tucson: ~₹2,40,303 off | Tucson’s discount far larger, but its base price is much higher – depends on how much one is willing to spend |
| Larger premium / luxury models | Grand Vitara: ~₹1,07,000 off | Toyota Fortuner: ~₹3,49,000 off | Fortuner’s discount is much higher, but the consumer must pay a much higher starting price too |
Analysis: How Maruti Compares & What It Means
From the tables above, some patterns and insights emerge:
- Maruti gives strong cuts in absolute terms for its price range, especially in the small car / sub-4m segment. For many buyers, Maruti’s price reductions mean that popular hatchbacks are now extremely affordable.
- Rivals’ biggest discounts are often in higher-priced models, so while nominal savings are large, the base price is also high. So for someone comparing an affordable Maruti hatch vs a more premium competitor, the total out-of-pocket difference still often favors Maruti.
- Feature vs price trade-off matters: Some competitor models being discounted heavily come with more premium features, or larger engines, or SUV-style design. Buyers who want more features might prefer those; budget buyers will likely feel more value from Maruti’s base variants.
- Market positioning is reinforced: Maruti remains strong in the affordable & mainstream segments. For buyers targeting sub-₹10-11 lakh (on-road) cars, Maruti’s savings might push them to Maruti first. Rivals compete from above that threshold.
- Luxury / premium segment buyers benefit greatly thanks to large reductions but their overall cost remains high. Thus the incentive is stronger for buyers who were on the fence about paying premium earlier.
Buyer Tips: How to Choose Wisely
- Always check ex-showroom price + local taxes + insurance to compute on-road cost.
- Look at which variant you want — base trims see better % savings; loaded trims less so in relative %.
- If safety features, infotainment, ride comfort are priorities, compare what you get for slightly higher cost vs base Maruti.
- Test drive rivals – sometimes comfort, space, service network matter more than small difference in price.
- Timing of purchase can help – dealerships may offer festive-season offers in addition to GST benefit.
Conclusion
The GST 2.0 reform has ushered in a period of price realignment in India’s auto market. Maruti Suzuki has responded with aggressive reductions across its model range, particularly in the affordable / sub-4m segments. While rivals like Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, Toyota, Kia etc. are also passing on benefits — and in some premium models offering larger nominal savings — Maruti’s strength remains its balance of affordability, service network, and value.
If you intend to buy a car now, you will likely get good value from Maruti models; but it’s worth comparing rivals if you want more features or are willing to spend more. The winner depends on your budget, feature expectations, and usage.
Disclaimer
This content is meant for informational purposes only. The pricing figures and discounts are based on announcements and media reports at the time of GST 2.0 implementation (from around 22 September 2025) and may vary by variant, city, state taxes, insurance charges, dealer margin, additional accessories, etc. Always confirm the final on-road price with an authorised dealer before making purchase decisions.
- Top 10 Excel Functions Every MIS Executive Must Master for Accurate Reporting and Faster Decision-MakingIn today’s data-driven organizations, Top 10 Excel Functions for MIS Executives are not just technical tools but essential productivity enablers. MIS executives handle large volumes of operational, financial, and… Read more: Top 10 Excel Functions Every MIS Executive Must Master for Accurate Reporting and Faster Decision-Making
- Using Conditional Formatting with Charts in Excel: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Dynamic Data VisualizationUsing conditional formatting with charts in Excel is one of the most powerful ways to highlight trends, detect outliers, and create visually dynamic dashboards. While conditional formatting is usually… Read more: Using Conditional Formatting with Charts in Excel: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Dynamic Data Visualization
- Tally Prime Security Settings Explained: A Complete Guide for Safe and Controlled AccountingSecuring your business data is just as important as maintaining accurate accounts. With increasing digital risks, unauthorized access attempts, internal misuse, and accidental data loss, every business needs a… Read more: Tally Prime Security Settings Explained: A Complete Guide for Safe and Controlled Accounting
- Understanding Excel AI Plugin Pricing Plans: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Subscription for Your WorkflowThe demand for AI-assisted Excel tools has grown rapidly, especially among analysts, students, accountants, MIS professionals, and business users seeking automation and productivity improvements. One of the fastest-growing tools… Read more: Understanding Excel AI Plugin Pricing Plans: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Subscription for Your Workflow
- How to Build an Excel Portfolio for Job Applications: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Stand Out in Competitive HiringBuilding an Excel portfolio for job applications has become one of the most effective ways for candidates to showcase their practical spreadsheet skills. In a job market where employers… Read more: How to Build an Excel Portfolio for Job Applications: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Stand Out in Competitive Hiring
- How the Excel ChatGPT Plugin Helps Write Excel VBA Code: A Complete Deep-Dive Guide with Practical ExamplesArtificial intelligence has transformed the way professionals work with spreadsheets, formulas, and automation. One of the most impactful developments is the Excel ChatGPT Plugin, a tool that enables users… Read more: How the Excel ChatGPT Plugin Helps Write Excel VBA Code: A Complete Deep-Dive Guide with Practical Examples
- Mastering Excel ChatGPT Plugin AI Commands: The Complete Guide with 80 Practical ExamplesArtificial intelligence inside Excel is no longer a futuristic concept. With the Excel ChatGPT Plugin, users can now apply intelligent functions directly through formulas like AI.ASK, AI.CHOICE, AI.EXTRACT, AI.FILL,… Read more: Mastering Excel ChatGPT Plugin AI Commands: The Complete Guide with 80 Practical Examples
- Top 10 GST Compliance Mistakes for Small Businesses: A Complete Guide to Avoid Penalties and Improve Tax AccuracyGoods and Services Tax has become one of the most important taxation systems for small enterprises in India. In the first 100 words, let us highlight the significance of… Read more: Top 10 GST Compliance Mistakes for Small Businesses: A Complete Guide to Avoid Penalties and Improve Tax Accuracy
- Profit Analysis Sheet Using Excel: Step-by-Step Guide to Build an Accurate and Automated Profit DashboardUnderstanding profitability is one of the most crucial responsibilities for any business, whether small, medium, or enterprise-level. A well-designed Profit Analysis Sheet using Excel helps decision-makers track revenue, cost,… Read more: Profit Analysis Sheet Using Excel: Step-by-Step Guide to Build an Accurate and Automated Profit Dashboard
- Top 10 Common Excel Mistakes Students Make (And How to Avoid Them for Faster Learning)Excel is one of the most in-demand skills for students pursuing careers in accounting, finance, data analysis, operations, and administration. According to multiple job market studies, over 80% of… Read more: Top 10 Common Excel Mistakes Students Make (And How to Avoid Them for Faster Learning)
- Sales Forecasting Using Excel: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide for Accurate Business PlanningSales Forecasting Using Excel remains one of the most reliable and widely adopted methods for predicting future revenue, even in the age of advanced analytics tools. Across small businesses,… Read more: Sales Forecasting Using Excel: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide for Accurate Business Planning
- Why Udemy Personal Plan Is Not Worth It for Learners Who Want Real Skill GrowthUnderstanding why Udemy Personal Plan is not worth it for learners is crucial before committing to a monthly subscription. While the Personal Plan promises “unlimited access” to learning content,… Read more: Why Udemy Personal Plan Is Not Worth It for Learners Who Want Real Skill Growth
- Excel Copilot vs ChatGPT for Excel Tasks: A Practical Comparison for Real-World UsersThe debate around Excel Copilot vs ChatGPT for Excel Tasks has become increasingly relevant as professionals look for ways to work faster, smarter, and with fewer errors in spreadsheets.… Read more: Excel Copilot vs ChatGPT for Excel Tasks: A Practical Comparison for Real-World Users
- Top 100 Accounting Terms Every Beginner Should Know to Build Strong Financial BasicsUnderstanding the Top 100 Accounting Terms Every Beginner Should Know is the foundation of sound financial knowledge. Whether you are a student, small business owner, accounting trainee, or someone… Read more: Top 100 Accounting Terms Every Beginner Should Know to Build Strong Financial Basics
- 11 Smart Picks: Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses That Want Simple, Accurate NumbersChoosing the best accounting software for small businesses is no longer optional; it is a core part of running a modern, compliant, and profitable business. Whether you manage 50… Read more: 11 Smart Picks: Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses That Want Simple, Accurate Numbers
