Introduction
2025 was an exciting year for car launches with as many as 20 new and refreshed models hitting the market over the last 12 months and the excitement will continue into 2026 with not just new launches but also the return of an iconic nameplate as well as a completely new premium brand from an Indian automaker, no less!
Tata
The first on our list is the Tata Sierra EV. It was officially announced by the automaker and is expected to arrive by mid-2026. Given Tata's launch strategies so far, the Sierra EV was expected to arrive before the ICE range but it's now going to happen the other way. Apart from a few spy shots, details are still scarce about the electric SUV but it is expected to share its powertrains, underpinnings, and feature list with the Curvv EV and will be positioned above it. The spy images reveal the same design as the ICE model (including the iconic Alpine Glass Roof) as well as elements like the grilleless face, pop-out door handles, and design of the tail lamps.
Punch FL
The next big launch for Tata will be a facelift for its Punch micro-SUV. This will be a major update for the Punch since its launch in 2021 and should see it get a new exterior design, updated interiors, but no changes to the powertrain options of petrol and CNG. A bigger chunk of the budget is expected to be lavished on the feature list and at the top of this list will be a bigger screen and updated connected car tech and 360-degree camera in line with what's being offered with the Nexon EV. Already quite successful, this update should help Tata fend off competition from cars like the Renault Triber, Hyundai Exter, Maruti Swift, Hyundai Grand i10, and the upcoming Nissan Gravite.
Tata's big hitter for 2026 will be the launch of its Avinya premium chain. This will be Tata's venture into segments above the Harrier EV and will see the chain retail electric SUVs via new showrooms and sales chains. It has confirmed that it is evaluating a phygital approach of showrooms as well as online point of sales as part of its strategy. The first model is expected to be the production-ready version of the Avinya X concept and it will be revealed at the end of 2026. Tata joins Hyundai who is also making its premium debut with its Genesis brand in 2027.
Punch EV FL
Alongside the Punch facelift will be an update for the Punch EV for 2026. This too will be a mid-life update for the micro-SUV EV and should be along the lines of whatever comes to the ICE Punch on the design and interior front. There are expected to be no changes to the powertrain and it will continue with the 25kWh and 35kWh battery packs in FWD configuration.
Safari EV and New Nexon
The final two cars from Tata are expected to be an electric version of the Safari and a facelift for the Nexon. The Safari will pick up the same cues as the Harrier EV but offer three rows of seating and a second-row luxury package. This model will be Tata's answer to the XEV 9s as well as top-spec versions of the Kia Carens Clavis EV.
The Nexon's facelift is expected to be minor in nature and will be more to do with design both inside and outside rather than features as the car is already pretty loaded when compared to the competition, especially at the top end.
Nissan
Like Tata, 2026 will be a big year for Nissan with two major launches slated to happen in the first half and a reveal in the second half of the year.
Nissan will open its 2026 innings with the Gravite MPV. This is Nissan's version of the Renault Triber and has been revealed in design sketches showcasing the exterior highlights. It's a 5+2 and will get the same powertrains, dimensions, and feature list as the Triber which itself was updated in mid-2025. The car will be launched in India in the last quarter of FY26 and it will be produced in India for domestic and export operations.
Nissan's main car for 2026 will be the Tekton SUV. It's the Japanese automaker's foray into the C-segment to take on cars like the upcoming Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the Honda Elevate. Design sketches reveal square lines, chunky headlamps, and a muscular stance. The cabin is expected to include dual screens, power driver's seat, connected car technology, and Level-2 ADAS. It will initially be offered with turbo petrol power with a hybrid option expected to arrive once the three-row D-SUV has been launched.
Honda has said that 2027 will be its big year with a multitude of launches planned and will instead use 2026 to update its current range. This is expected to include a facelift for the Honda City. The facelift is expected to comprise a new front and rear end whilst the feature list is expected to include bigger screens and improved ADAS technology as part of the package.
