New car launches usually happen around Diwali, when buyers are more likely to make their purchase because of the festival, or around April, when the new financial year brings salary raises or promotions. However, this January 2026 has the potential to be quite exciting for car buyers, as quite a few new cars are expected to hit the showrooms or have their bookings open. While the launches are mostly SUVs, as is to be expected, there is one MPV as well. So without further ado, here those are:
Kia Seltos
While its cousin, the Hyundai Creta, is the segment leader, the Seltos targets a different type of customer and has thus carved out its own niche. It will debut the new K3 platform with this generation, and no doubt be a sales success for Kia India.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara
The first-ever all-electric car from Maruti Suzuki, this one is extremely important to the future of the Indo-Japanese brand. So much so that we went and drove the e Vitara in the UK, and then drove it in India a second time. It is expected to propel the brand into a completely new segment.
Mahindra XUV 7XO
A thorough refresh of the Mahindra XUV700, the XUV 7XO will focus mainly on updating the interior of the car. It will most likely feature a triple-screen setup as seen on the XEV series of cars. Only the diesel is expected to have AWD, though.
Nissan Gravite
Nissan has only given a teaser so far, but we know the Gravite will be Nissan’s entry-level MPV and is based on the Renault Triber. Having multiple options is always good for footfalls in the showroom, and the Gravite is expected to do just that for Nissan India.
Renault Duster
One of the most legendary nameplates in the history of Indian cars, the OG Duster played its part in creating the SUV revolution in India. The new Duster aims to boost Renault’s sales quite a lot, and is also going to have India-exclusive visual tweaks.
Tata Punch facelift
The Tata Punch ICE will get refreshed this January, and will borrow design cues from the Punch EV, just like other Tata cars, like the Nexon, have done in the past. Mechanicals will remain the same for the moment.
Tata Harrier and Safari petrol
We have driven both the Tata Harrier petrol and the Tata Safari petrol; all we are waiting for are the prices. With the addition of petrol variants, Tata will be able to attract a segment of the SUV buyers that were out of reach so far.
