Tata Engineering’s Indica has emerged as the highest selling model in its class for the second month running. In October, Indica sales soared 127 per cent to 5,325 units over October last year.

Domestic sales of Maruti Zen stood at 4,566 units for the month, while those of the recently launched Fiat Palio were 1,987 units. Hyundai had cumulative sales of 7,433 units during October, including 351 units of Sonata.

Sales figures have not been released for Hyundai’s other models—the Santro and the Accent.

Specifically asked, a Hyundai spokesperson refused to comment on whether Santro sales were higher than those of Indica in October, citing "strategic reasons".

Rajiv Dube, general manager (commercial), passenger cars business unit of Tata Engineering, said: "The Indica is the only car in the B-segment which is growing in spite of the current downturn, and that too without any discount being offered. The growth in sales of Indica V2 petrol is in line with our expectations, though V2 diesel still accounts for more sales." Dube, however, declined to give a break-up of Indica sales.

Industry analysts said the market for petrol cars in the B-segment had been fragmented by the launch of two new models -- Fiat's Palio, which is available in 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre engine options, and the Indica V2 petrol. This has resulted in a decline in the sales of Zen and Santro.