Hyundai Reveals India’s New Car Trend: 57% Buyers Now Choosing Sunroofs as Premium Features Go Mainstream

Sunroofs Are No Longer Just a Luxury Feature for Indian Car Buyers

New Delhi: The Indian automobile market is witnessing a major transformation as premium features that were once limited to luxury vehicles are rapidly becoming mainstream. According to Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), sunroofs have now become one of the most sought-after features among Indian customers, with more than half of the company’s vehicles sold in FY26 equipped with the feature.

The automaker revealed that sunroof-equipped models contributed nearly 57% of Hyundai’s total sales during FY26, while vehicles with automatic transmissions accounted for over 24% of sales.

The numbers highlight how Indian consumers are increasingly willing to spend on comfort, technology and convenience features while purchasing new vehicles.

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Premium Features Becoming More Accessible

Speaking about the changing customer preferences, Dong Huwy Park, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor India, said that premiumisation remains a key focus area for the company.

According to Hyundai, the company’s strategy is to make premium features available across multiple segments rather than restricting them only to expensive models.

Features such as:

• Electric sunroofs
• Automatic transmissions
• Connected car technology
• Advanced safety systems

are now becoming important purchase factors for buyers across different price categories.

SUVs Continue to Drive Hyundai’s Growth

The popularity of SUVs remains one of the biggest factors behind Hyundai’s performance in India.

During FY26, SUVs contributed around 68% of Hyundai’s domestic sales, showing the strong shift in consumer preference from traditional hatchbacks and sedans towards larger vehicles.

The Hyundai Creta continued to be a major growth driver for the company. Combined sales of the Creta and Creta Electric crossed 208,000 units in FY26, marking the highest annual sales figure achieved by a mid-size SUV in India.

The success of the Creta highlights the growing demand for feature-rich SUVs that combine premium interiors, technology and practicality.

Hyundai Plans 26 New Launches Between 2025 and 2030

Looking ahead, Hyundai Motor Company is preparing an aggressive product expansion strategy for the Indian market.

The company has announced plans for 26 launches between 2025 and 2030, including:

• New models
• Full model updates
• Facelifts
• Derivatives
• Product enhancements
• New nameplates

As part of this roadmap, Hyundai plans to introduce two new SUV nameplates by FY27.

These include:

• A locally developed mass-market electric SUV
• A new internal combustion engine (ICE) SUV

The upcoming products are expected to strengthen Hyundai’s position in India’s rapidly growing SUV and electric vehicle segments.

Hyundai Moving Towards Smart Mobility Future

Tarun Garg, Managing Director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India, said the company is evolving into a smart mobility solutions provider while adapting to India’s changing transportation needs.

The company is focusing on:

• SUV expansion
• Electric mobility
• Environment-friendly powertrains
• Premium features across segments

This strategy reflects the broader shift in India’s automotive industry, where customers are demanding more technology and comfort even in mass-market vehicles.

High Localisation Supports Hyundai’s India Strategy

Hyundai also highlighted its strong manufacturing ecosystem in India.

The company achieved an 83% overall localisation level at the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) level in FY26, helping strengthen its supply chain and reduce dependence on imported components.

Higher localisation is expected to play an important role as Hyundai expands its electric vehicle portfolio and introduces new models designed specifically for Indian customers.

India’s Car Market Enters a New Premium Era

The growing popularity of sunroofs, automatic gearboxes and SUVs indicates a clear change in Indian consumer behaviour.

Buyers are no longer looking only for affordable transportation; they are increasingly seeking vehicles that offer technology, style and premium experiences.

With new SUVs, electric vehicles and feature-packed models planned for the coming years, Hyundai appears ready to compete aggressively in India’s evolving automobile market.