Our Terms & Conditions | Our Privacy Policy
Kevichalhou Virie
Dimapur | July 23
Nagaland’s roads are changing, and so are the cars. From rugged hills to buzzing city streets, car buyers in the state are becoming smarter, bolder, and more expressive. Cars are not just for commuting anymore. They represent status, practicality, and even identity.
So what drives a Naga buyer’s decision today? Let’s dig in.
Honda’s new SUV— Elevate which was unveiled at the Ayida Honda dealership, Naharbari, Dimapur on September 4, 2023. (File Photo)
Top brands on the road
Based on 2023 data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), GoI here are the brands with the highest number of vehicle registrations in Nagaland:
Tata Motors 4,968 registrations
Maruti Suzuki 4,348 registrations
Mahindra 2,212 registrations
Hyundai did not make the top three but remains highly visible, with 642 registrations as per earlier data (2023). Creta, i20, and Venue continue to do well in cities.
Other brands making an appearance:
Kia Motors 123
Skoda 32
MG Motor 29
Luxury brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover), rare sightings in the single digits only. Toyota’s numbers were not broken down, but the Fortuner, Innova and Urban Cruiser are common sights, thanks to dealers in Dimapur, Kohima, and Mokokchung.
Why Certain Cars Stand Out
Models like the Toyota Innova, Maruti Brezza, Mahindra Bolero, and Hyundai Creta are crowd favourites, and it’s not hard to see why. High ground clearance, strong engines, low maintenance headaches, and decent resale value make them reliable picks.
The Mahindra Bolero, for instance, is trusted in both villages and towns. It’s sturdy, simple to repair, and perfect for bad roads. The Baleno and Creta are popular among younger drivers for their clean design, tech features, and good mileage. And then there’s the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny, two off-road legends in the making.
The Thar is bold, powerful, and makes a statement wherever it goes. But the Jimny, which recently entered the market, holds something even deeper: it’s the spiritual successor of the Maruti Gypsy, a car that many Nagas grew up seeing, riding in, or dreaming about. The Gypsy is an emotion in Nagaland, the go-to for the military, hunters, forest officers, and adventurers. Now, the Jimny is the new child slowly earning its place in local hearts. Compact, boxy design, and built for the wild, it’s becoming a top pick for those who want something small yet capable.
What Matters Most to Naga Buyers
After speaking to dealerships and car owners across Dimapur, Kohima, and parts of Mokokchung, here are the things buyers care about most:
• Fuel Efficiency – With fuel prices rising, cars that offer better mileage are top picks.
• Low Maintenance – Brands like Maruti and Mahindra are popular because their parts are affordable and last long.
• Hill Performance – In most parts of Nagaland, roads are hilly or rough. High ground clearance and engine strength are must-haves.
• Resale Value – In places like Dimapur, where the second-hand market is strong, this matters a lot.
As you can see, mileage clearly tops the priority list for most Naga car buyers.
City vs. Village Choices
In cities like Dimapur and Kohima, people prefer compact SUVs and premium hatchbacks. The Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Baleno, and i20 are big hits. They’re stylish, good on mileage, and packed with features.
A buyer in Kohima shared, “Hyundai cars feel premium but they’re still affordable. You get comfort and tech without burning your pocket.”
Meanwhile, rural buyers lean toward tougher machines, Boleros, Scorpios, Sumos, and pickup trucks. These vehicles are chosen for their durability, loading capacity, and 4WD options. The Thar and Jimny are bridging both markets, the young and bold love the look, while old-timers trust their off-road capabilities.
More Than a Vehicle — A Reflection of You
In Nagaland, a car often speaks about your lifestyle and success. Buyers say that how the car looks and what brand it carries matters nearly as much as the engine specs. Vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner, Tata Harrier, Kia Seltos, MG Hector, Thar, Jimny, and Creta are viewed as “statement cars.” Sleek designs, digital dashboards, and bold road presence matter to today’s buyer.
Amongst them, the Toyota Fortuner has its own fanbase, it’s the go-to ride for politicians, contractors, and high rollers. In Nagaland, owning a Fortuner is not just about power on the road, it’s about status, respect, and being seen.
While the Tata Harrier and Safari are winning hearts for their tough build quality and bold design, often praised for resembling the look and stance of a Range Rover, making them a popular pick among young professionals and style-conscious families.
One Dimapur-based sales executive put it simply: “Many customers come in knowing what they want. And it’s not just the mileage, they’re thinking about how the car will look on the road.”
Mahindra Scorpio N. (Photo Courtesy: auto.mahindra.com)
Fuel Preference: Diesel Still Leads
While India’s urban markets are slowly shifting toward petrol and hybrid options, diesel remains king in Nagaland, especially for SUVs and utility vehicles used in hilly regions. Petrol is more popular for smaller cars in towns. Toyota and Maruti show rising interest in hybrid models, especially in Dimapur, hinting at a slow shift in mindset. While, Hyundai is believed to join the hybrid market by 2027.
Real People, Real Reasons
Here’s what some buyers had to say:
• Imli, a teacher from Mokokchung, said: “I chose the Swift. It’s good on fuel, easy to drive, comfortable, and I don’t have to worry about fixing it all the time.”
• A businessman from Dimapur, who bought the Toyota Urban Cruiser, shared “It’s a clean-looking car, reliable, and people notice it. I like that.”
• A farmer from Zunheboto, who drives a Mahindra Bolero, said: “I needed something strong. I carry goods and take rough roads every day. The Bolero is the best.”
Final Thoughts
Nagaland’s car buyers are no longer looking for just any vehicle. They want machines that match their personality, handle the terrain, and make a statement. Whether it’s the familiar strength of the Bolero, the bold appeal of the Thar, or the emotional comeback of the Jimny, today’s choices reflect a new kind of consumer: one, who knows what they want, and isn’t afraid to go after it.
Published under a special arrangement, this is the first story in a five-part series.
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.
Aggregated From –
Comments are closed.