January 2026 will bring lots of excitement for people in India looking to buy new cars. Many big brands like Kia, Mahindra, Renault, Skoda, Maruti Suzuki, and Nissan plan to launch fresh models, updated versions, and electric cars starting from the first week.
These include new looks, better features, and improved technology in SUVs, family vans, and India's first major electric car from Maruti. It will be a busy time with choices for different budgets.
Kia starts things on January 2 by announcing prices for the all-new 2026 Seltos, a popular mid-size SUV now in production. This updated model switches to the modern K3 global platform from the old SP2 one.
It has new body panels outside, a refreshed inside with more features, and competes with cars like Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Victoris, MG Astor, and Tata Sierra. You can book it now for just Rs. 25,000 on Kia's official website, with deliveries coming soon after launch.
Mahindra joins in on January 5 with the XUV 7XO, which is a facelifted version of the XUV700. It takes fancy touches from the new XEV 9S electric SUV. Recent previews show new front lights, rear lights, bumpers, stylish wheels, a dashboard with three screens, a slim two-spoke steering wheel, and a high-quality Harman Kardon sound system with Dolby Atmos. The engines stay the same as before. Bookings are open for Rs. 21,000 on Mahindra's site.
Renault revives the Duster on January 26 with a whole new generation. It keeps the basic shape but adds a bolder outside look, modern inside space, and new engine options. The Indian model may have a special three-screen dashboard not seen on world versions. Tests already show it has strong chances in the SUV market.
Skoda brings the Kushaq facelift in January, before updating the Slavia sedan later in 2026. Road tests reveal a wide sunroof, connected LED rear lights, a new front grille, changed bumpers, fresh wheels, and new seat covers. It might add advanced driver safety features like in other countries, while using the reliable 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines with manual or automatic gearboxes.
Maruti Suzuki enters electric cars in a big way with the e Vitara. It appeared in full ready-to-sell form at last year's Auto Expo and will launch only at Nexa showrooms, though the exact date is not set yet. It comes with two battery options giving up to 543 km range on ARAI tests and a five-star safety rating from BNCAP.
Key extras include driver aids, cooled seats, an electric sunroof you control with a button, a driver seat adjustable in 10 ways, wireless phone charging, seven airbags, tyre pressure alerts, seats that fold in different ways, automatic air conditioning, an air cleaner, two 10-inch screens, and a mirror that dims itself.
Nissan wants to boost its sales with the Gravite, a small three-row family van based on the new Duster. It launches this month without a set date. It runs on a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with manual or AMT gearbox choices, aimed at buyers wanting affordable space for families.
Rough price ranges from showrooms give an idea: Kia New Seltos at Rs. 12-21 lakh, Mahindra XUV 7XO from Rs. 15-26 lakh, Renault New Duster Rs. 12-20 lakh, Nissan Gravite Rs. 6-9 lakh, Maruti e Vitara Rs. 15-19 lakh, and Skoda Kushaq Facelift Rs. 11-19 lakh. So many picks across prices could change how people buy cars in India this January, just right for those ready for a new vehicle.