Archive · 8 Dec 2025
Indian Car Makers Focus on Facelifts in 2026
In 2026, car companies in India are planning to make small updates to their existing cars instead of launching brand new ones.
This is because they are being careful about new rules that will come into effect in 2027.
They are focusing on making their current cars better with new features and designs.
Most of the activity will be in the SUV segment, especially cars that cost between 10 to 20 lakhs.
Electric vehicles will also be a big part of their plans, but not all segments will adopt them quickly.
Different companies have different plans for updates and new models, but the main idea is to keep their current cars relevant and appealing to buyers.
Indian car manufacturers will focus on facelifts and updates in 2026 due to caution ahead of CAFE 3 norms in 2027.
Most activity will be in the compact and midsize SUV categories, especially in the 10-20 lakh price band.
Tata Motors will launch the Punch facelift and Sierra EV, while Maruti Suzuki will introduce the eVitara and Urban Cruiser EV.
Mahindra will update the XUV700 and Scorpio N, and Hyundai will facelift the Verna and Exter.
Luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz will also update important models in their line-up.
- Who
- Passenger vehicle manufacturers in India
- What
- Prioritizing facelifts and updates over new models in 2026
- When
- 2026, with CAFE 3 norms expected in April 2027
- Where
- India
- Why
- Caution ahead of strict CAFE 3 norms and focus on the 10-20 lakh SUV segment
- Year
- 2026
- Key Segment
- 10-20 lakh SUV segment
- CAFE 3 Norms
- April 2027
- Tata Motors
- Punch facelift, Sierra EV
- Maruti Suzuki
- eVitara, Urban Cruiser EV, Brezza, Grand Vitara, Baleno, Fronx
- Mahindra
- XUV700 facelift, Scorpio N facelift
- Hyundai
- Verna, Exter, i20, Punch EV rival
- Kia
- Sorento, Syros EV
- Renault
- Duster, Duster-based Tekton SUV, MPV derived from the Triber
- Honda
- ZR-V SUV, Prelude coupe
- Volkswagen and Škoda
- Taigun, Kushaq, Virtus, Slavia, VW Tayron
- VinFast
- Limo Green, electric MPV
- Audi
- Q3, A6 e-tron
- BMW
- i5 LWB, iX3, 7 Series, i7
- Mercedes-Benz
- CLA EV, mid-cycle revisions