Upcoming Cars That Mattered The Most: The 2026 Class of Disruptors

After a record-breaking 2025, the Indian automotive industry is ready to welcome some of the most exciting new cars in the Indian market. These models will come in different segments and powertrain options, and are significantly important for the brand as well as the Indian market. 

Tata Sierra EV

After receiving an excellent response for the Sierra ICE, Tata Motors is ready to introduce the electric derivative of the Sierra. The ICE-powered model has already received an unprecedented response from buyers, as it recorded 70K bookings in just 24 hours. And, currently commands a waiting period of around 3-4 months. 

The Sierra EV will be an important product for the homegrown automaker, as it is aiming to further strengthen its position in the EV category. The company is facing a tough competition from the likes of the JSW MG Motor India and Mahindra, and more brands are now ready to enter the EV segment. The Tata Sierra EV could be a game changer, as it carries the emotional appeal of SIERRA nameplate along with modern design and interior details. Moreover, the SUV could carry an aggressive price tag with a higher-level of localisation. It will be offered with two battery choices - 55kWh and 65kWh - with a realistic range of up to 450km. The higher-spec model is also likely to get a dual-motor AWD setup. 

Return of Renault Duster

The Duster is will be a make or break product for Renault India, as the brand is currently struggling to increase its market share in the highly competitive market. This time around, the Duster legacy is combined with a potent 163hp, 1.3L turbo petrol engine and a 6-speed DCT gearbox. Moreover, the company aims to price the new model competitively with lower variants getting 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo unit. 

The big news is that the next Renault Duster will have a strong hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.8L GDI petrol, 1.4kWh battery and dual electric motors offering a combined power and torque output of 160PS and 205Nm, respectively.

Another fact is that the new Duster singled the return of European driving dynamics to a segment that had become increasingly soft.

Mahindra Vision S

After disrupting the market with the likes of the new Scorpio N, Thar Roxx and XUV 7XO, Mahindra is now planning to disrupt the sub-4 meter SUV category dominated by Tata Motors, Hyundai-Kia and Maruti Suzuki. The company currently sells only XUV 3XO in the sub-4 meter SUV segment, but it is now ready to roll out two new modern SUVs to compete with the likes of the Nexon, Brezza and others. 

The Mahindra Vision S concept based SUV will be the first model to sit under 4 meters, and will be based on the brand’s modern and flexible NU_IQ platform. The SUV is reportedly to be the smallest model in the Scorpio range, and is expected to be offered with a 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel engine options. Interestingly, Mahindra said that the NU_IQ platform is compatible with a hybrid powertrain and the Vision S based SUV could be the first model to get a hybrid engine. 

Next-gen Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta reclaimed its top position in the Calendar Year 2025 in terms of sales. However, the SUV is now facing tough competition from the latest entrants including the Maruti Victoris, Tata Sierra and the new Kia Seltos. Hyundai has started testing the next-gen Creta, which will grow in size and will offer better value-for-money proposition.
 

Likely to be launched by the end of next financial year, the next-gen Hyundai Creta will also receive a hybrid powertrain. It is likely to get a strong hybrid engine comprising a 1.5L NA petrol engine, two electric motors and a small battery pack. It will take on the likes of the Maruti Grand Vitara hybrid, Toyota Hyryder Hybrid and the Maruti Victoris hybrid. 

Nissan Tekton

Just like the Duster, the Tekton will be a make or break product for Nissan in India. The Japanese brand is currently selling the Magnite SUV in our market, and it needed a game changer to increase the market presence. The Tekton and the Granite MPV are the next big launches from the Japanese brand. The Nissan Tekton is based on the new Duster’s platform and will get the performance-oriented 163hp, 1.3L turbo petrol engine. It will also get a hybrid powertrain.

Also See - Tata Sierra Faces Long Waiting Period Due to Strong Demand