One more year comes to a close, which means car lovers can look forward to another cycle of new cars hitting the roads. It has almost become a trend now that the first month of the new year is loaded with car launches, and 2026 promises to be no different.
Remember, this will not be the year of the biennial Auto Expo – or the Bharat Mobility Show, as it is now referred to – but that will still not stop carmakers from launching a slew of new cars across segments. Here’s a list of seven new cars you can look forward to once the new year kicks in…
The new Seltos will launched on January 2.
Kia Seltos
Korean carmaker Kia started its India innings with the Seltos back in 2019, and now more than six years later, the brand will launch a new generation of the SUV right at the dawn of the new year. Seltos is built on a new platform that has made the car bigger than before. It also gets major design updates, including auto flush door handles and a bigger grille.
The cabin, too, will get more features than earlier, including a triple-screen setup and 10-way electric seats with a memory function. Engine and gearbox options will remain the same as earlier, which means the Seltos will continue to be offered with three engine options – 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. The launch will take place on January 2.
Renault Duster
The OG set of wheels, which started the trend of compact SUVs in India back in 2012, is ready for its grand comeback in the market in 2026.
The French carmaker has already announced that the new-generation Duster will be launched in the market on Republic Day. It promises to be completely different from the older model last seen in India in 2023. This includes design changes as well as a more loaded cabin when it comes to tech and features. The interior space is expected to be more ergonomic than earlier, while the SUV is likely to be sold once again with a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine.
Nissan Gravite will be one of the most affordable 7-seat cars in the market.
Nissan Gravite
After selling a solitary car in India for a long time, Japanese carmaker Nissan will increase its portfolio by launching the Gravite in the market. The MPV will share its platform with Renault Triber and promises to be one of the most affordable 7-seat cars to be sold in the market.
Apart from offering modular seats, the Gravite is expected to be fairly loaded when it comes to features. A 1.0 naturally aspirated petrol engine is likely to be offered with the MPV, which will come with manual as well as AMT gearbox options.
Skoda Kushaq
Yet another new launch in January will be the Skoda Kushaq facelift, which is coming to the market more than four years after the SUV was first launched. The SUV, in its present form, is beginning to look dated. The Czech maker is expected to load it with more features, and give it a fresh design to take on a host of new products that have entered the segment recently.
Significant changes could include new alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS functions. The 1.0 and 1.5 turbo petrol engines are likely to continue with the option of manual and automatic gearboxes.
Maruti Suzuki will launch its first-ever electric vehicle, eVitara, in the beginning of the new year.
Maruti Suzuki eVitara
India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki will also launch its first-ever electric vehicle in the beginning of the new year. The eVitara will come with two battery pack options – 49 kWh and 61 kWh – with a claimed range of up to 543 km. Exterior highlights include matrix LED lamps and big 18-inch alloys, while the cabin will get a dual screen setup with electric as well as ventilated seats.
Reclining and sliding seats will ensure more practicality on the second row. The eVitara has received a 5-star crash test rating from Bharat NCAP and will be sold through the brand’s premium chain Nexa.
Mahindra will launch a heavily updated model of its premium SUV, the XUV 700, on January 5. The SUV will now be called XUV 7X0.
Mahindra XUV 7X0
Barely a couple of days after the new Seltos hits the roads, Mahindra will launch a heavily updated model of its premium SUV, the XUV 700, on January 5. The SUV will now be called XUV 7X0, and is expected to be launched with major design as well as tech upgrades. Apart from the new set-go headlamps and grille, the 7X0 will feature a new triple-screen setup in the cabin taken from the EVs from the brand like the XEV 9E and BE 6.
The SUV, like earlier, will be put on sale with petrol and diesel engine options and both will get manual and automatic gearbox options. An all-wheel drive option is unlikely to be offered. Bookings for the 7X0 are already underway.
One of India’s highest selling SUVs, Tata Punch will also receive a major update soon.
Tata Punch
One of India’s highest selling SUVs, Tata Punch will also receive a major mid-life update soon. The facelift is expected to share design cues with its electric sibling and could get some new colour options as well.
Changes likely to be seen in the cabin will include a bigger 10-inch touchscreen system, full digital cluster and a refreshed steering wheel.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine is expected to continue and will get a CNG option. Tata Motors will also launch the petrol models of Safari and Harrier in January.