With the new year just around the corner, automakers are busy planning car launches for January 2026. At the forefront are homegrown brands Mahindra and Tata Motors, with the latter set to launch four models (including an EV). We are also expecting the launch of Maruti Suzuki’s first-ever EV, while Kia’s top-selling midsize SUV will hit showrooms after undergoing a generational update. Nissan and Renault are set to reveal a new model each in January 2026 – the latter reviving a popular nameplate after nearly four years.
New Kia Seltos
January 2
With customer bookings ongoing, the official launch of the new Kia Seltos will happen in January 2026. Based on the Korean brand’s new K3 platform, the next generation of Kia’s top-selling midsize SUV retains its predecessor’s naturally-aspirated, turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engine options. However, the new Seltos boasts an improved ride quality, an all-new exterior and interior look, and a set of new features that include updated digital displays and a lie-flat driver’s seat. The 2026 Kia Seltos could be priced from Rs 11.00 lakh to Rs 20.00 lakh.
Mahindra XUV 7XO
January 5
Formerly the XUV700, the Mahindra XUV 7XO could be launched in January 2026, with the estimated prices ranging between Rs 14.00 lakh to Rs 25.00 lakh. Under the bonnet will be Mahindra’s tried and tested 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engines producing 200hp and up to 185hp, respectively, in their current state of tune. While the XUV 7XO diesel will get all-wheel drive, transmission choices include manual and torque-converter automatic options. 7XO-exclusive features include the triple-screen setup (like in the XEV 9e and 9S), powered ‘boss’ mode for the front passenger’s seat, a two-spoke steering wheel, and a Harman Kardon audio. The exterior and interior design revamp conducted should help distinguish the 7XO from the XUV700.
Tata Harrier, Safari petrol
January first week
Introduced in the new Sierra, Tata Motors’ new 1.5-litre ‘Hyperion’ turbo-petrol engine has now made its way under the bonnets of the Harrier and Safari. In both of these applications, the output from this four-cylinder petrol mill has been bumped up so as to produce 170hp and 280Nm. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. We expect the new Tata Harrier petrol to cost around Rs 13.00 lakh to Rs 24.50 lakh, with the Safari petrol variants likely costing between Rs 14.00 lakh and Rs 25.50 lakh. The top-spec petrol variants of these SUVs get a 14.5-inch QLED touchscreen, ‘washer’ function for the front and rear cameras, a digital IRVM, and a 10-speaker JBL audio system.
Tata Punch facelift
Mid-January
Tata Motors could debut the Punch facelift in mid-January 2026, carrying a price tag that should range from Rs 6.00 lakh to Rs 9.50 lakh. The updated Punch could borrow certain design aspects from the Punch EV for a more modern look, while new convenience and tech features lead to a better overall experience. The 2026 Tata Punch will soldier on with the existing 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine making around 88hp and 115Nm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox.
Nissan Gravite
Mid-January
The upcoming Nissan Gravite is built on the CMF-A+ platform, which is also used by the Renault Triber. With an expected price tag of between Rs 6.00 lakh and Rs 9.00 lakh, the new Nissan MPV will be revealed in January 2026. Under the bonnet of the Gravite would likely be the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that powers the Triber; there it produces 72hp and 96Nm of torque. Similarly, we expect the transmission choices to include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT.
New Renault Duster
January 26
After nearly four years of absence, the Renault Duster is expected to be revealed in its next-generation avatar on Republic Day 2026. Higher variants of the new Duster could be powered by the 156hp 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, which is available in the global-spec model. Lower variants may be equipped with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine seen in the Kiger, where it makes 100hp and up to 160Nm of torque. Renault may tweak this mill so as to extract more power from it, compensating for the added heft of this midsize SUV. The new Duster could be priced from Rs 10.00 lakh to Rs 20.00 lakh, with the India-spec model expected to look different to its global counterpart.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara
Late-January
The brand’s very first EV in India, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara should be launched in January 2026, if there are no further delays. Even for those seriously considering the Maruti e Vitara, actual prices and specs would be a prerequisite. Speaking of which, prices are estimated to be between Rs 18.00 lakh and Rs 25.00 lakh. The entry-level variant of the Maruti e Vitara may pair a 49kWh battery pack with a 144hp front-mounted electric motor. Meanwhile, the top-spec variant of this Maruti EV features a 61kWh battery pack that energises a 174hp electric motor, also driving the front wheels. The e Vitara with the larger battery pack has an ARAI-claimed range of 543km.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
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