January never believes in easing in, and 2026 was no different. Car brands came in fast, throwing launches and reveals across every segment possible. Some felt well-timed, some felt rushed. For buyers, options exploded. For clarity, not so much. Exciting month, but also slightly overwhelming.
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Renault Duster Makes a Comeback, With Baggage
The Duster name still means something in India. I’ve seen buyers trust it blindly years ago. The 2026 version keeps the boxy SUV stance and adds modern tech inside. Looks promising, but Renault’s past with software still worries me. Engines look right. Execution will matter.
Also read : Why Renault skipped Diesel for the Duster—and Is AWD Coming Back?
Kia Seltos Sticks to What Works
The new Seltos feels familiar, and that’s intentional. Bigger, sharper, and loaded with features. Kia hasn’t reinvented anything here. The improved rear seat finally fixes an old complaint. Engines remain unchanged, which feels safe. Not exciting, maybe. But this approach keeps sales ticking.
Also read : New Kia Seltos at Rs 10.99 Lakh Sounds Perfect, Until You Look a Little Closer
Skoda Kushaq Facelift Plays It Safe
This facelift is subtle. Easy to miss if you blink. Small design changes, better interiors, and a few added features. Rear seat massage feels unnecessary, while missing ADAS feels outdated. The new automatic gearbox is the real update here. Owners will appreciate that more than anything else.
Also read : 8 First-Time Features in the All-New 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift
Tata Punch Facelift Means Business
Punch was already strong, yet Tata still went back to the drawing board. The cleaner design helps. The bigger touchscreen and 360 camera feel almost unreal for this size. The turbo-petrol engine changes the driving promise. Add CNG with AMT, and versatility becomes its biggest weapon.
Also read : 2026 Tata Punch Facelift Achieves 5 Stars in Bharat NCAP Safety Tests
Mahindra XUV 7XO Same SUV, New Name
The name change confused many, including me. Sit inside though, and confusion fades. Triple screens dominate the cabin. Features are everywhere. Road presence remains massive. Engines stay unchanged, which is fine. AWD still being offered deserves credit. Mahindra knows its audience, clearly.
Also read : Mahindra XUV 7XO Bookings Now Open at Just Rs. 21,000 – Dont Miss Out!
Mahindra XUV 3XO EV Quietly Steps In
This EV launch didn’t shout for attention. It just arrived. Familiar design, sensible cabin, and thankfully, physical buttons still exist. Claimed range sounds realistic, not exaggerated. Charging infrastructure will decide how well it performs in real life. The car itself feels well thought out.
Also read : Mahindra XUV 3XO EV Launched at Rs 13.89 Lakh: Should You Really Care?
Toyota Ebella EV Takes the Calm Route
The Ebella EV feels exactly how you’d expect a Toyota EV to feel. Calm, sensible, predictable. No flashy drama inside. Controls feel familiar. Rear seat floor feels a bit high though. Range claims are ambitious. Real-world efficiency will decide whether this EV truly makes sense.
Tayron R-Line and Kodiaq RS Are Emotional Choices
These SUVs aren’t bought logically. The Tayron feels mature and premium. The Kodiaq RS feels playful and fast. Performance numbers excite instantly. Prices bring you back to reality just as quickly. Great cars, no doubt. But they appeal more to the heart than the head.
Also read : 7-Seater VW Tayron R-Line India Full Specs, Performance, Features & Everything You Need to Know
Harrier and Safari Petrol Finally Fix a Gap
The petrol versions were long overdue. Tata finally acted. The new turbo-petrol suits city driving far better than diesel for many buyers. Performance feels adequate, not aggressive. Combined with feature updates, both SUVs feel refreshed. Late move, yes. But still a necessary one.
Also read : 2026 Tata Harrier Petrol Starts at 12.89 Lakh — Variant-wise Explained for Every Buyer
Quick Take Before You Decide
January 2026 threw everything at buyers. Too many options, too much noise. Launch events look great, but daily life doesn’t care. Traffic, service quality, fuel bills matter more. Think beyond the stage lights. That’s where a car’s real story begins.
