While SUVs will continue to dominate the upcoming year’s new launches, sedans will see some resurgence. Incidentally, all the models in this list belong to the midsize sedan category, with the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus receiving a facelift in 2026. Here’s everything we know so far.
Hyundai Verna facelift
Launch: Q2 2026; Estimated price: Rs 11 lakh-18 lakh; Engine: 1.5 petrol, 1.5 turbo-petrol
The Hyundai Verna, now in its fourth-generation avatar, is set to receive a facelift in the first half of 2026. Exterior design changes are likely to be inspired by the Sonata sold abroad, including a new design for the alloy wheels. Inside, the Verna is expected to carry over the Venue’s dual 12.3-inch screen setup and three-spoke steering wheel, while also featuring new colour schemes and trim pieces. The facelifted Verna will retain the 115hp 1.5-litre petrol and 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine options. While both engines come with a 6-speed manual transmission, the naturally aspirated petrol is also offered with a CVT, and the turbo-petrol gets the option of a 7-speed DCT automatic. Later, the Verna facelift line-up could also offer a 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain as part of Hyundai’s plan to bring eight hybrid-powered models to India.
Honda City facelift
Launch: H2 2026; Estimated price: Rs 12 lakh-20 lakh; Engine: 1.5 petrol, 1.5 petrol-electric hybrid
Honda will launch a second facelift of the City in the latter half of 2026, making minor design changes to the exterior, likely bringing it in line with the Civic sedan. The interior layout is expected to be carried over, but it could see new trims and upholstery. Though the feature set will likely remain unchanged, Honda may offer a 360-degree camera. The facelifted City will continue to come with the same powertrains: a 121hp, 145Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol paired with a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox and the City e:HEV with a combined output of 126hp from its 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid engine mated to an e-CVT gearbox. This could be a final update for the current City before Honda brings an all-new generation in 2028.
Skoda Slavia facelift
Launch: Q4 2026; Estimated price: Rs 10 lakh-18 lakh; Engine: 1.0 turbo-petrol, 1.5 turbo-petrol
The Skoda Slavia facelift has been spotted testing on our roads recently. There will be minor revisions to the lighting elements, grille, wheels and bumpers. Changes on the inside could include newer trims and colour themes. Moreover, the Slavia is expected to receive a 360-degree camera, updated displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system and a Level 2 ADAS suite. It will retain the 115hp 1.0-litre and 150hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines, the 6-speed manual gearbox that is available with both engines, as well as the 7-speed DCT automatic option with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. However, the 6-speed torque-converter auto on the 1.0-litre engine is expected to be replaced by an 8-speed torque-converter unit. Expect the Slavia facelift to launch towards the end of 2026.
Volkswagen Virtus facelift
Launch: Q4 2026; Estimated price: Rs 12 lakh-18 lakh; Engine: 1.0 turbo-petrol, 1.5 turbo-petrol
The Slavia’s badge-engineered twin, the Volkswagen Virtus, is also due for a facelift in 2026. Subtle updates to the front and rear exterior design, including new alloy wheels, will be part of the upcoming model. The updated Volkswagen sedan will likely share much of its feature list with the facelifted Slavia, including the addition of ADAS. The powertrains available with the Virtus will also be largely unchanged, and as these are shared with the Slavia, here too the 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox will be replaced by an 8-speed unit.