The past week saw a flurry of updates across segments, with Mahindra teasing the updated cabin of the XUV 7XO, Renault offering the first glimpse of the India-spec Duster, Tata Motors outlining its EV roadmap for 2026, and Maruti Suzuki’s Ciaz and Celerio undergoing Global NCAP crash tests. Adding to the action, Tata also officially introduced the petrol-powered Harrier and Safari. Here is a quick roundup of all the key developments from the week gone by.
Tata Harrier and Safari Petrol Introduced
Tata Motors officially revealed the petrol-powered Harrier and Safari, introducing its new 1.5-litre TGDi petrol engine. Tuned to produce 168bhp and 280Nm of torque, the engine will be offered with a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Along with the new powertrain, the duo also receives notable feature upgrades, including a larger 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Dolby Atmos support, a digital IRVM, memory ORVMs with auto dip function, enhancements to the Level 2 ADAS suite, 65-watt Type C USB charging ports, and washer-equipped front and rear cameras. The prices of the new petrol variants are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Mahindra XUV 7XO New Interior Teaser
Mahindra dropped a fresh teaser of the upcoming XUV 7XO ahead of its January unveiling, this time focusing on the interior upgrades. Drawing cues from the XEV 9S, the XUV 7XO will get a triple screen dashboard layout paired with an upgraded Adrenox+ infotainment system, along with provisions for rear seat entertainment screens and an electric boss mode for the co-driver seat. The teaser also confirms a new two spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo, rear sun blinds, and a new beige and brown cabin theme, while features such as a powered tailgate and cooled sliding rear seats are also expected to be offered.
India-spec Renault Duster Teased
Renault has teased the India-spec Duster for the first time ahead of its debut scheduled for 26 January. The teaser images highlight the LED DRL signature and confirm connected tail lamps, a feature not offered on the global Dacia or Renault Duster. These changes suggest that the India-bound model will receive market-specific design elements, setting it apart from its international counterparts.
Upcoming Tata EVs in 2026
Tata Motors revealed its electric vehicle roadmap for 2026, confirming three key launches for the year. These include the Sierra EV, the Punch EV facelift, and the debut of a new premium EV sub-brand called Avinya. Tata has also confirmed that the first model under the Avinya brand will be introduced by the end of 2026, marking a significant expansion of its electric portfolio.
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Celerio Global NCAP Safety Ratings
The made-in-India Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Celerio were recently crash tested by Global NCAP. The Celerio, in its two airbag configuration, scored two stars for Adult Occupant Protection and one star for Child Occupant Protection, while the six airbag version improved the ratings to three stars for adult safety and two stars for child safety. Meanwhile, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz scored 20.86 points out of 34 for Adult Occupant Protection and 28.57 points out of 49 in the Child Occupant Protection assessment.
