The C-segment sedan market in Vietnam witnessed a notable shuffle in rankings last May 2024. This shift was primarily due to the decline of the Mazda3 and the strong growth of the Korean duo, the Kia K3 and Hyundai Elantra.
| Rank | Model | May 2024 Sales | April 2024 Sales | Growth Rate | 2024 Cumulative Sales |
| 1 | Kia K3 | 315 | 271 | +16.2% | 1,138 |
| 2 | Mazda3 | 305 | 337 | -9.4% | 1,624 |
| 3 | Hyundai Elantra | 213 | 118 | +80.5% | 709 |
| 4 | Honda Civic | 191 | 197 | -3% | 656 |
| 5 | Toyota Corolla Altis | 35 | 36 | -2.7% | 193 |
C-Segment Sedan Sales for May 2024 (in units)
Kia K3: 315 units sold
Kia K3 has consistently been a strong contender in the C-segment sedan market, but it has recently ceded the top-selling position to its rival, the Mazda3. However, in May 2024, the Korean-made Kia K3 regained its leading position.
Kia K3 – A Stylish and Affordable C-Segment Sedan
Specifically, during May 2024, Kia sold 315 units of the K3 in Vietnam, achieving a growth rate of 16.2%. This impressive performance propelled the Kia K3 to the top spot in the C-segment sedan category.
The Kia K3 is currently one of the most affordable sedans in its class, with a price range of VND 549-714 million for its five available versions. In addition to its competitive pricing, the K3 also boasts a stylish design and a relatively rich set of convenience features. It offers three engine options to cater to different preferences and needs.
First is the 1.6L gasoline engine that delivers up to 126 horsepower and 155 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the variant. The second option is a more powerful 2.0L engine that produces 150 horsepower and 192 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Lastly, there’s the turbocharged 1.6L gasoline engine that generates an impressive 201 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
However, one drawback of the Kia K3 is the absence of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) features, which are becoming increasingly common in its competitors.
Mazda3: 305 units sold
Unlike the Kia K3, the Mazda3 experienced a less successful month in terms of sales. Its numbers dropped by 9.4% to 305 units sold, causing it to slip to the second position in the C-segment sedan category.
Mazda3 – A Stylish and Well-Equipped Japanese Sedan
Similar to the Kia K3, the Mazda3 also boasts eye-catching design, ample features, and a wallet-friendly price range of VND 579-739 million for its four available versions. It is one of the most affordable C-segment sedans in the Vietnamese market.
Notable features of this Japanese-made sedan include LED lighting from front to back, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable, auto-folding, and auto-dimming side mirrors with memory function, leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-speaker audio system, a sporty steering wheel with paddle shifters, a head-up display (HUD), a sunroof, an electronic parking brake, automatic brake hold, dual-zone automatic climate control, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors.
Where the Mazda3 falls short compared to its competitors is in the engine department. It offers only one engine option: the 1.5L SkyActiv-G 4-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 110 horsepower and 146 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an advanced GVC Plus acceleration control system.
Hyundai Elantra: 213 units sold
The Hyundai Elantra witnessed the highest growth rate among C-segment sedans in May 2024, with a remarkable 80.5% increase in sales compared to the previous month. This performance propelled the Elantra to the third position in the segment, surpassing the Honda Civic.
Hyundai Elantra – A Feature-Rich and Affordable Sedan
As of June 18, 2024, Hyundai has reduced the price of the Elantra, making it even more attractive to potential buyers. The new prices start at VND 579 million for the 1.6 AT Standard trim, VND 639 million for the 1.6 AT trim, VND 699 million for the 2.0 AT trim, and VND 769 million for the N-Line trim. These competitive prices are expected to boost the Elantra’s sales performance in the coming months.
Like its cousin, the Kia K3, the Hyundai Elantra also offers three engine options: the Gamma II 1.6L gasoline engine, the Nu 2.0L gasoline engine, and the turbocharged 1.6L gasoline engine. These engines deliver between 128-204 horsepower and 155-265 Nm of torque, providing a range of performance options for buyers.
Additionally, the Elantra impresses with its convenient features, such as LED headlights, hands-free power trunk, automatic wipers, a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, power-adjustable leather seats with 10-way adjustment, a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and a 6-speaker audio system.
Honda Civic: 191 units sold
In May 2024, Honda sold a total of 191 units of the Civic in Vietnam, representing a 3% decrease compared to the previous month. This performance pushed the Honda Civic down to the fourth position in the C-segment sedan category.
Honda Civic – A Stylish and Well-Equipped Sedan
In June 2024, Honda discontinued promotional programs for the Civic, which could impact its sales performance. Additionally, as an imported model from Thailand, the Honda Civic does not benefit from the government’s 50% reduction in registration fees for locally produced and assembled vehicles starting in July 2024.
The Honda Civic has a less competitive price range of VND 730-870 million for its three available versions. However, it makes up for this with its attractive design, rich features, powerful engine, and highly-regarded driving dynamics.
Notable features of the Honda Civic include leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat, a fully digital 10.2-inch instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, and a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system. It also offers advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as part of the Honda Sensing package.
Under the hood, the Honda Civic is powered by a turbocharged 1.5L gasoline engine that produces 178 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and delivers power to the front wheels.
Toyota Corolla Altis: 35 units sold
The Toyota Corolla Altis continues to hold the last position in the C-segment sedan category, with a 2.7% decrease in sales to 35 units sold in May 2024.
Toyota Corolla Altis – A Classic Sedan with Recent Updates
Despite receiving a mild update in October 2023, the Toyota Corolla Altis has struggled to regain its appeal and has been showing signs of decline. In recent months, it has frequently swapped places with the Honda Civic for the lowest sales position in the segment.
The updated Corolla Altis now includes additional features such as a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, auto-adjusting mirrors when reversing, a blind-spot monitoring system, a rear cross-traffic alert system, and a 360-degree camera. Its price has also increased slightly to a range of VND 725-870 million.
Under the hood, the Toyota Corolla Altis continues to offer two engine options: the familiar 1.8L 4-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 138 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque, and the hybrid system that combines a 1.8L gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total output of 122 horsepower. Both options are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and deliver power to the front wheels.
Mazda3 facelift arrives in Southeast Asia with a range of added features
After six months since its launch in its home country, the Mazda3 facelift in the C-segment has recently been introduced in the Southeast Asian market.
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According to the report by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), the sales of domestically assembled cars reached 104,277 units by the end of August 2023, while the sales of imported cars reached 80,277 units. This result indicates that imported car models still have a strong appeal to Vietnamese customers, even with the 50% reduction in registration fees for domestically assembled cars.
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