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Introduction
India’s car market is heading into an interesting phase, and while 2027 is expected to be a blockbuster year for many brands, 2026 will quietly set the foundation.
In the first round, we already spoke about Tata, Honda, and Nissan. This time, the spotlight shifts to Hyundai, Renault, and Volkswagen, three brands that are preparing some strategic and market-shaping launches for India in 2026.
The list may not look long on paper, but each model serves a clear purpose — from facelifts that fix weaknesses to all-new SUVs that could redefine brand positioning.
Hyundai: Fewer Launches, Bigger Impact
Hyundai has already made it clear that its real product onslaught begins after 2027, which means 2026 will be a relatively calm year in terms of numbers.
That said, the launches planned are far from insignificant, as Hyundai is expected to enter new segments and technologies it hasn’t explored before in India.
Hyundai has already confirmed its long-term roadmap for India, focusing on premium products and new powertrain technologies over the coming years, as highlighted on its official India website.
Hyundai Verna Facelift (2026)
The Verna is finally due for a much-needed facelift, and Hyundai is expected to refresh both the design and feature list in 2026.
While the powertrain options are likely to remain unchanged, the update should bring the Verna closer to Hyundai’s latest design language, possibly inspired by newer global models.
Even though sedans aren’t the hottest segment anymore, competition remains strong. The Honda City, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus continue to fight for relevance — with Slavia and Virtus also set to receive updates around the same time.
Read More. Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara SUV coming in 2026.
India-Specific Hybrid SUV Between Alcazar & Santa Fe
This is where things get interesting. Hyundai is expected to introduce a brand-new hybrid SUV developed specifically for India, positioned between the Alcazar and the upcoming Santa Fe.
This model is likely to replace the Tucson in Hyundai’s India lineup and will mark the brand’s first proper hybrid offering for the country. Production is expected at Hyundai’s Talegaon facility, with exports also on the cards.
While official details are still under wraps, expectations include:
- A feature-heavy cabin
- At least one AWD variant
- Both 5-seat and 7-seat configurations
If priced right, this could become a very important volume and image builder for Hyundai.
Hyundai Santa Fe Returns to India
The Santa Fe nameplate is set to make a comeback, and this will easily be Hyundai’s most premium offering in India in 2026.
Expected to be priced around the ₹40 lakh mark, it will be the largest and most expensive Hyundai sold under its own badge here.
Powertrain options are likely to include petrol and petrol-hybrid setups, along with AWD capability and possibly three-row seating.
In terms of rivals, the Santa Fe will go head-to-head with:
- Skoda Kodiaq
- Volkswagen Tiguan / Tayron
- Petrol versions of the Toyota Fortuner
This launch will clearly signal Hyundai’s intent to play in the premium SUV space.
Renault: Betting Big on a Familiar Name
Renault Duster (Next-Gen)
For Renault, 2026 could be a make-or-break year, and everything revolves around the return of the Duster.
Once a segment icon in India, the new-generation Duster is expected to help Renault reset its brand image in the country.
Based on its Dacia sibling, the India-spec model is expected to feel more premium, with:
- Better interior quality
- A richer feature list
- Updated turbo-petrol engines
A hybrid powertrain is also expected to join later, especially when Renault brings a localised version of its three-row Boreal SUV. If executed well, the Duster could once again become Renault’s backbone in India.
Volkswagen: Facelifts and a Big-SUV Comeback
Volkswagen Taigun & Virtus Facelift
Volkswagen is planning important updates for both the Taigun SUV and Virtus sedan in 2026. These facelifts are expected to mirror what Skoda did with the Kushaq and Slavia.
Updates will likely include:
- Revised exterior styling
- Interior improvements
- New and more modern features
These updates are crucial, especially since next-generation versions are expected post-2027, with Skoda even hinting at a three-row layout for future models.
Volkswagen Tayron (Three-Row SUV)
The final and perhaps most significant VW launch will be the Tayron SUV, marking Volkswagen’s return to the three-row premium SUV segment in India.
The Tayron will be:
- Locally assembled
- Positioned above the Tiguan
- Sharing powertrains and feature sets with it
This move will allow Volkswagen to once again compete in a space it has been missing from for years.
According to established automotive publications, premium SUVs will play a key role in India’s market growth over the next few years.
Final Thoughts
While 2026 may not look explosive at first glance, it’s a strategic year for Hyundai, Renault, and Volkswagen.
From hybrids and premium SUVs to carefully timed facelifts, these launches will decide how strong these brands enter the post-2027 era.
For buyers, this means better technology, more choices, and stronger competition — especially in the SUV-heavy Indian market.