Khyati Sharma 2026-10-08
October 2026 is turning out to be a busy month for the Indian automobile market, with several new cars, facelifts, hybrids and premium SUV cars scheduled to arrive during the festive season.
While some important models, including the Honda Elevate facelift and Skoda Slavia facelift, have already been launched earlier this month, several major introductions are still lined up. The upcoming list includes the Toyota Glanza facelift, new-generation Audi Q3, Renault Duster E-Tech hybrid and Hyundai Bayon, along with new Volvo electric models.
Here is a look at the major car launches still expected in India during October 2026.
|
Model |
Expected Date |
Segment |
Key Highlight |
|
Volvo ES90 |
46307 |
Electric sedan |
106kWh dual-motor EV |
|
46307 |
Electric SUV |
Premium 3-row electric SUV |
|
|
46309 |
Premium hatchback |
New styling and powertrain |
|
|
46311 |
Luxury SUV |
New-generation model |
|
|
Renault Duster E-Tech |
46312 |
Hybrid SUV |
Strong-hybrid powertrain |
|
Mid-to-late October |
SUV |
New SUV between Venue and Creta |
|
|
Volkswagen Virtus Facelift |
Late October |
Sedan |
Updated styling and features |
|
VinFast VF3 |
October |
Compact EV |
Small electric city car |
The Toyota Glanza facelift is one of the most anticipated mainstream launches of October.
The updated hatchback is expected to follow the changes introduced with its Maruti Suzuki counterpart. The facelift could bring a redesigned front grille, revised bumpers, new alloy wheel designs and fresh exterior detailing.
Inside, the overall dashboard layout is expected to remain familiar, although Toyota could introduce updated upholstery and additional equipment.
Expected Powertrain Changes
One of the biggest changes could be under the bonnet.
The facelifted Glanza is expected to move away from the current 90hp 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and adopt a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. A CNG version is also expected to continue as part of the range.
Transmission options could include a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT, depending on the variant.
The updated Glanza could also receive additional technology and safety features, potentially including advanced driver assistance features, depending on the final India-spec configuration.
The Volvo ES90 is expected to bring a new premium electric sedan offering to India.
The model is based on Volvo's dedicated electric architecture and uses a large battery pack with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
The ES90 is aimed at buyers looking for a luxury electric vehicle with long-distance capability, premium cabin technology and strong performance.
It will be joined by the EX90 SUV, giving Volvo two major electric introductions in India during October.
The Volvo EX90 is the SUV counterpart to the ES90 and will sit at the premium end of India's electric SUV market.
The electric SUV is based on Volvo cars SPA2 architecture and is expected to use a 106kWh battery with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.
The EX90 offers seating for up to six occupants in certain configurations and focuses heavily on safety, connected technology and premium comfort.
Its claimed WLTP range is around 625 km, while the dual-motor version can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.3 seconds.
Audi cars is preparing to launch the third-generation Q3 in India on October 16.
The new Q3 is larger than its predecessor and receives a substantially redesigned exterior. The design includes split LED headlamps, a wider grille, new alloy wheels and a full-width rear light treatment.
The cabin is also significantly more modern, with a large central touchscreen and digital driver's display.
Expected Audi Q3 Features
The India-spec model is expected to offer equipment such as:
12.8-inch infotainment display
11.9-inch digital instrument display
Panoramic sunroof
Sonos sound system
360-degree camera
Dual-zone climate control
Ambient lighting
Wireless smartphone connectivity
Advanced driver assistance systems
The new Q3 is expected to continue with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing around 204hp and 320Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
One of the biggest mainstream launches of the month will be the Renault Duster E-Tech 160 strong hybrid.
Renault will introduce the hybrid powertrain to the Duster lineup on October 17, adding a third powertrain option to the SUV.
The system combines a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery pack.
The hybrid system produces around 160-162hp, depending on the specification quoted, with 172Nm of torque. It will be paired with a dedicated automatic hybrid transmission.
Duster Hybrid: What Makes It Different?
The E-Tech system is designed to maximise electric driving during urban use.
Renault cars says the system can allow a significant proportion of city driving to take place using electric power, which could help reduce fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic.
The Duster hybrid will be particularly important for buyers who want the practicality of an SUV but are not yet ready to switch completely to an electric vehicle.
The hybrid variant will sit above the existing turbo-petrol versions in the Duster lineup.
The Hyundai Bayon will be one of the most important new mainstream SUVs arriving in India this month.
Hyundai cars has confirmed the Bayon name for India and positioned it as a new addition to its SUV portfolio. The model is expected to slot between the Venue and Creta in terms of positioning.
Bookings for the Bayon have already opened, while its full reveal and launch are expected during the second half of October.
Hyundai Bayon Expected Powertrain
The Bayon is expected to use a 1.5-litre petrol engine, with a CNG version also likely to be offered.
Transmission choices are expected to include a manual and automatic option, although final variant-wise details will be confirmed closer to launch.
One of the interesting aspects of the India-spec Bayon could be its CNG packaging, with the model expected to use an underbody CNG tank arrangement.
Design and Interior
The Bayon is expected to feature Hyundai's latest design direction, with distinctive LED lighting at both ends and a more crossover-oriented silhouette.
Inside, the SUV is expected to receive a modern dashboard with a curved dual-screen layout, a new steering wheel and a vertically oriented centre console.
The new model will target buyers who want something larger and more premium than a sub-four-metre SUV without moving all the way into the larger Creta segment.
The Volkswagen Virtus facelift is also expected to arrive toward the end of October.
The updated sedan is likely to receive exterior styling revisions and additional equipment while retaining the core platform and powertrain lineup.
The Virtus has established itself as one of the more driver-focused sedans in its segment, and the facelift is expected to strengthen its appeal with refreshed styling and additional technology.
The exact launch date and India-specific specifications are yet to be confirmed.
VinFast cars is also expected to introduce the VF3 in India during October.
The VF3 is a compact electric city car designed primarily for urban mobility. Its small dimensions could make it particularly suitable for crowded Indian cities where parking and manoeuvrability are major concerns.
The model will target customers looking for a relatively compact and accessible electric vehicle.
Final India-specific pricing, battery specifications and delivery details will determine how competitive the VF3 will be against existing small EVs.
Not every model on the original October launch calendar is still upcoming.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class facelift and Skoda Slavia facelift have already entered the October launch cycle, while the Honda Elevate facelift has also been launched and is now available for customers.
This means buyers looking at the remaining October calendar should focus on the models that are still awaiting their Indian introduction.
