2026 Kia Seltos Diesel AT Driven: Best Powertrain In Its Class?
- Jan 3, 2026
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The first month of 2026 seems to be a significant start to the year, with multiple new launches and most of them being very important to the Indian market. Some of the best-selling and family favourite SUVs will receive their much-awaited updates, while Maruti is expected to launch its first electric car. Here’s a detailed look at all the cars that will be launched in January 2026, and one interesting bonus reveal confirmed for the month.
The new generation Kia Seltos is finally here and has gained a lot of attention from everyone for its new exterior design, interior, and updated feature list. We have already reviewed the new Seltos in detail, but what remains a surprise is the pricelist. Kia will reveal the prices of the new Seltos on 2 January, 2026. The car has grown dimensionally, thanks to its new platform, and features a completely new interior with key features like a Level-2 ADAS suite, panoramic sunroof, dual 12.3-inch screen setup, 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, 8-speaker BOSE sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, and more.

The new Kia Seltos is offered with three engine options, which include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. These engines are available with manual, clutchless manual (iMT), torque converter automatic, CVT, and DCT options.
Mahindra has been dropping a lot of teasers for its new XUV 7XO, which is basically the facelift for the XUV 700, which was launched back in 2021. The XUV 7XO will sport an updated front and rear profile along with new alloy wheels. On the inside, from what has been confirmed from the teasers, the car will get a redesigned interior theme featuring a new twin-spoke steering wheel, a 12.3-inch triple screen layout, powered co-driver seat with boss mode, ventilated rear seats, a 16-speaker Harmon Kardon Sound System with Dolby Atmos, a BYOD entertainment screen slot, and more.

The XUV 7XO will continue with two engine options, which include a 2.2-litre diesel engine and a 2-litre turbo petrol engine. These engines are available with manual and torque converter automatic transmission options.
Nissan is gearing up to launch a 7-seater MPV in the Indian market. This new MPV is expected to be based on the same CMF-A+ platform that underpins the Renault Triber, but Nissan has made efforts to make it look different. From what we know from teasers, the Gravite has a sporty front with an upright design. It also houses Nissan’s typical grille, accompanied by restyled headlights. On the inside, the Gravite will get three rows of seats; however, the overall layout of the cabin could be similar to the Triber, but with a different colour scheme.

The Nissan Gravite is expected to be powered by a 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 72 PS and 96 Nm. This engine could be offered with 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox options.
Maruti is gearing up to launch the e Vitara in the Indian market, using the iconic “Vitara” nameplate yet again, but this time in the form of an all-electric SUV. While the car has been completely revealed now, more details on the pricing are awaited. The e Vitara has a rugged yet modern look with chunky bumpers and body claddings. The interior is very well laid out with a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen for infotainment, sunroof, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, ride-by-wire technology, and multiple drive modes.

The Maruti e Vitara is offered with two battery pack options with a single electric motor in India, and the car supports both AC and DC fast charging. The smaller 49kWh battery produces 144 PS and 193 Nm and provides a range of 344 km, while the larger 61kWh battery produces 174 PS and 193 Nm and provides a range of 426 km. Read more about the Maruti e Vitara here.
Tata had been working on an in-house developed turbo petrol engine, which debuted on the Sierra. But now, this new engine will also make its way to the Harrier and Safari, providing buyers with a much-awaited petrol option in their respective lineups. Both cars remain unchanged but now get a new top-end variant with updated features like a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment screen powered by Samsung Neo QLED, ADAS Level 2+, Dolby Atmos, built-in dual dashcams, VisionSync memory ORVM, dual camera washer, and more.

The new turbo petrol engine is a 1.5-litre unit that produces 170 PS and 280 Nm. This engine is available in both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The 2-litre diesel engine will also be available alongside the new petrol engine.

The SUV that once kick-started India’s compact SUV revolution is returning after a four-year break. The Renault Duster is finally set to make its return to India, marking a new chapter for the iconic SUV. Renault has officially confirmed that the new-generation Duster will make its debut on January 26, 2026.

The Duster gets a bold design with sharp styling and a strong road presence, along with a modern and tech-laden interior. In terms of powertrain options, Renault is likely to offer the new Duster with a petrol engine only, with options of both manual and automatic transmission. Read more about the upcoming Renault Duster here.
January 2026 is shaping up to be a very action-packed month, giving a great start to 2026 by the launch of some of the most anticipated cars in India, ranging from the Kia Seltos to the long-awaited Maruti e Vitara, along with the unveiling of the new Renault Duster. The month is packed with all types of SUVs taking charge and making their respective competition even tougher. Starting from a budget-friendly MPV, an EV from a very reliable and trusted brand, a full-size 7-seater SUV, and the addition of new petrol engines in the Harrier and Safari, January 2026 has something packed for each kind of buyer.
Which car launch in January 2026 are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below.
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