January 2026 is shaping up to be a busy month for India’s automotive market, with several confirmed new car launches and reveals planned across segments. Manufacturers are lining up a mix of SUVs, hatchbacks, and an MPV, reflecting ongoing demand for utility vehicles and family-oriented models.
Early-year introductions are expected to influence buying decisions ahead of the festive season and fiscal-year planning, as buyers look to take delivery of newly launched vehicles with updated features and pricing.
January 2026 Launch Schedule: Key Vehicles
1. Tata Punch Facelift(13 January)
Tata Motors has confirmed that the facelifted version of the Punch sub-compact crossover will be officially unveiled on January 13, 2026. The update introduces several mechanical and technological changes aimed at maintaining the model’s position against competitors such as the Hyundai Exter, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, and Citroen C3.
The facelift is expected to introduce subtle exterior design updates, revised interior elements, and additional features to keep the model competitive against newer entrants in the segment. While major mechanical changes are not expected, incremental improvements in technology and comfort are likely.
Given the Punch’s importance to Tata Motors’ overall sales volumes, this update is expected to play a key role in sustaining demand through 2026.
2. Tata Safari Petrol
Alongside the Harrier, Tata Motors will introduce the petrol version of the Safari in January. As a three-row SUV, the Safari caters to buyers seeking space, comfort, and long-distance capability, particularly for family use.
The petrol Safari is expected to share its engine option with the Harrier Petrol, while retaining the Safari’s existing strengths such as its spacious cabin, flexible seating layout, and comprehensive safety package. The addition of a petrol engine is likely to make the Safari more accessible in cities where diesel usage is declining.
With this move, Tata Motors will offer both petrol and diesel choices across its flagship ICE SUVs, improving competitiveness against rivals that already provide broader powertrain lineups.
3. Nissan Gravite MPV
January will also see the launch of the Nissan Gravite, marking Nissan’s entry into the MPV segment in India. The Gravite is expected to focus on practicality, interior space, and value-oriented positioning, targeting buyers who prioritise family use and flexibility.
The MPV segment, while smaller than the SUV market, continues to attract steady demand from customers seeking multi-row seating and generous luggage capacity. For Nissan, the Gravite represents an opportunity to diversify its limited India lineup and improve showroom footfall.
Details related to engine options, features, and pricing strategy are expected to be disclosed closer to the launch.
4. New Renault Duster
The new-generation Renault Duster is confirmed to launch in January, bringing back a nameplate that played a major role in shaping India’s compact SUV segment in the past. The return of the Duster is expected to be a key milestone for Renault’s India operations.
The new model is expected to arrive with modern styling, a significantly updated interior, and improved technology compared to the earlier-generation Duster. Market positioning is likely to be more premium than before, reflecting shifts in customer expectations and competitive pricing in the segment.
For Renault, the Duster’s comeback is critical as the brand looks to regain relevance in a market that has become increasingly SUV-focused.
5. Tata Harrier Petrol 2026
The petrol-powered Tata Harrier is confirmed to launch in January, marking a significant expansion of the Harrier lineup. Until now, the Harrier has been offered exclusively with a diesel engine, which limited its appeal in petrol-dominated urban markets.
By introducing a petrol option, Tata Motors aims to attract buyers who prefer smoother, quieter engines and lower upfront costs compared to diesel variants. The Harrier Petrol is expected to retain the SUV’s existing design, interior layout, and safety features, with the key change being the addition of the new powertrain.
This launch also highlights Tata Motors’ broader strategy of offering flexibility in internal combustion engine options, even as it continues to invest heavily in electric vehicles.
6. Maruti Suzuki e Vitara
One of the most strategically important launches of January is the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, which marks a major step in the company’s electric vehicle journey. The e Vitara is expected to be positioned as a mainstream electric SUV, targeting buyers who are considering a transition from internal combustion vehicles to EVs.
The focus is likely to be on practical driving range, everyday usability, and competitive pricing, areas where Maruti Suzuki traditionally holds a strong advantage. The launch will be closely watched, as it signals how aggressively India’s largest carmaker plans to scale its EV portfolio.
The e Vitara’s market performance could influence the pace at which electric SUVs gain wider acceptance in the mass market.
7. Mahindra XUV 7XO(Launched on 5 Jan)
Mahindra will begin the year with the launch of the XUV 7XO, a new SUV positioned to expand the brand’s footprint in the premium end of the mainstream SUV category. The XUV 7XO is expected to sit above Mahindra’s compact offerings and borrow design, technology, and safety cues from the company’s larger SUVs.
The focus for the XUV 7XO is likely to be interior space, road presence, and feature density. Advanced infotainment systems, connected-car technology, and a strong emphasis on safety features are expected to form the core of its value proposition. Mahindra’s recent success with feature-rich SUVs suggests that the XUV 7XO will be positioned aggressively to appeal to buyers upgrading from smaller vehicles.
For Mahindra, the January launch is strategically important as it helps build early momentum in a year where the brand is expected to introduce additional lifestyle and utility-oriented products.
8. 2026 Kia Seltos(Launched on 2 Jan)
The 2026 Kia Seltos is one of the most anticipated launches scheduled for January and is expected to arrive as a comprehensive update rather than a routine facelift. The Seltos has been a key volume driver for Kia in India, and the new iteration is designed to strengthen its position in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.
The updated model is expected to feature revised exterior styling with a more upright and assertive front profile, aligning it with Kia’s newer global design language. Inside, the cabin is likely to see a major overhaul, including a wide dual-screen layout for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, along with improved material quality and a stronger focus on digital connectivity.
Powertrain options are expected to continue with petrol and diesel engines, paired with a range of manual and automatic transmissions. From a market standpoint, the pricing announced in January will be crucial, as the Seltos competes directly with several high-volume rivals where feature value and safety equipment increasingly influence buying decisions.
| No. | Vehicle Model | Expected / Confirmed Date |
| 1 | Kia Seltos (Second Gen) | January 2, 2026 |
| 2 | Mahindra XUV 7XO | January 5, 2026 |
| 3 | TATA Punch | January 13, 2026 |
| 3 | Tata Harrier & Safari Petrol | January 5, 2026 |
| 4 | Maruti Suzuki e Vitara | Mid-January 2026 |
| 5 | Nissan Gravite | Mid-January 2026 |
| 6 | Skoda Kushaq Facelift | Mid-January 2026 |
| 7 | Renault Duster (Next Gen) | January 26, 2026 |
Market Implications Heading Into 2026
The confirmed January 2026 launch list highlights the continued dominance of SUVs, with products spanning entry-level, mid-size, and three-row categories. At the same time, the inclusion of an MPV and a key electric SUV shows that manufacturers are diversifying their offerings to address different buyer needs.
Another notable trend is the expansion of powertrain choices, particularly the addition of petrol options to previously diesel-only models. This reflects changing usage patterns, regulatory considerations, and evolving customer preferences.
Launching these vehicles in January allows manufacturers to benefit from early-year visibility, longer sales cycles, and stronger cumulative performance across the year.
Launch Timeline and Availability
While most price announcements will occur in the first half of January, deliveries are expected to be staggered. The Kia Seltos and Mahindra XUV 7XO are likely to see immediate customer handovers, whereas the Maruti e Vitara and Nissan Gravite are projected for a late-quarter retail start. This influx of products is expected to maintain the sales momentum seen in the previous record-breaking year for the Indian passenger vehicle market.
