5 Popular Cars Getting Big Updates! » MotorOctane

Something exciting is happening in the Indian car market right now. Some of the most popular cars on Indian roads, the ones you see every single day, are quietly getting ready for big upgrades. New engines, smarter tech, better safety, and fresh looks. And while the automakers haven’t announced everything officially yet, the spy shots, leaks, and early reports are enough to get any car lover excited. Here is all you need to know. 
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1. Hyundai Creta – Upcoming Car Launches

If there is one car that defines the mid-size SUV segment in India, it is the Hyundai Creta. It has been the top-selling SUV in the country for 10 straight years and for good reason. The Creta hits the sweet spot in terms of looks, features, and value. The next-gen Creta will not be left behind. It is expected to feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. The spy images have also confirmed an electric Boss Mode seat feature and adjustable headrests for all three rear passengers. Beyond that, expect smarter AI-based voice assistance, better connected car features, over-the-air updates, and a more intuitive UI overall. Flush door handles, a new steering wheel with Hyundai’s modern four-dot logo, and a completely redesigned interior are also on the cards. This will feel like a brand new car inside and out.

It comes with three engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol producing around 113 bhp and 144 Nm, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol delivering up to 158 bhp and 253 Nm, and a 1.5-litre diesel offering about 114 bhp and 250 Nm. A new, more powerful hybrid powertrain is also expected, likely based on the 1.5-litre petrol engine, to improve fuel efficiency while maintaining smooth performance. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, an IVT, a torque-converter automatic, and a 7-speed DCT automatic. There is also a Hyundai Creta EV with a claimed range of up to 510 km. Prices start at approximately Rs 13 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) for the base variant and go up to around Rs 25 lakh for the top-spec N Line variant. A full-generation facelift is expected around the first half of 2027.

Also Read: Hyundai’s Answer To The Mahindra XUV7XO!

2. Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet stands out as a bold and feature-rich offering in the sub-4-metre SUV segment, with multiple engine options catering to a wide range of buyers. It continues to raise the bar by combining sporty styling with a premium feel that goes beyond its price point. Along with that, Kia may also update the feature list on the Sonet. The new-gen SUV will likely come equipped with dual 12.3-inch curved screens for infotainment and instrument cluster, powered driver seats, ambient lighting, rear AC vents, reclining rear seats, ADAS and more in its package. 

It is offered with three engine choices: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol producing 82 bhp and 115 Nm, a 1.0-litre turbo petrol delivering 118 bhp and 172 Nm, and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel offering 114 bhp and 250 Nm. These are paired with multiple transmission options, including a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed iMT, a 7-speed DCT, and a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. Its prices range from approximately Rs 8.55 lakh for the base petrol manual to Rs 17.08 lakh for the top diesel automatic variant. Kia is also reportedly working on a Sonet EV, expected to arrive by the end of 2026.

Also Read: Upcoming Fortuner Rivals To Look Out For!

3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno – Upcoming Car Launches

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has consistently been one of the highest-selling hatchbacks in the country, backed by its strong reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, low cost of ownership, and Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network. The upcoming facelift is expected to further enhance its appeal with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen (up from the current 9-inch unit), a fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, a possible single-pane sunroof, and 6 airbags as standard across all variants. The current model already offers features such as a head-up display, push-button start, automatic climate control, and cruise control, making it a well-rounded package.

Mechanically, the Baleno is expected to get Maruti’s newer 1.2-litre Z-series 3-cylinder engine, similar to the one used in the Swift, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The CNG variant is also likely to continue, and there are reports of a potential hybrid version aimed at delivering over 25 kmpl of fuel efficiency.

Currently priced between Rs 7.03 lakh and Rs 10.57 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), the facelifted model is expected to see a modest price increase of around Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, with a possible launch timeline around mid to late 2026.

Also Read: 2 New Japanese Cars For India – Launch Confirmed!

4. Tata Nexon 

The Tata Nexon has been a landmark product for Tata Motors, becoming the first Indian car to achieve a 5-star safety rating and setting a strong benchmark in the segment. Now, Tata is preparing to take it a step further with the next update, focusing on improved safety, technology, and overall capability. The Nexon also stands out as the only turbocharged petrol-CNG SUV in its segment, adding to its versatility.

The current model offers a well-rounded feature set, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof with voice control, a JBL sound system, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS (on higher variants), wireless charging, and 6 airbags as standard, along with a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. The upcoming update is expected to build on this with a more advanced triple-screen setup featuring a 12.3-inch main display, along with additions like dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, and an electronic parking brake. The next-generation Nexon is also likely to move to Tata’s newer ARGOS platform, which should offer a stronger structure, better refinement, and support for future hybrid powertrains, potentially including a petrol-hybrid option for improved efficiency.

The Nexon is expected to continue with multiple powertrain options: a 1.2-litre turbo petrol producing around 118 bhp and 170 Nm, a 1.2-litre turbo CNG delivering approximately 99 bhp and 170 Nm, and a 1.5-litre turbo offering about 114 bhp and 260 Nm. These will be paired with a range of transmission options, including 5-speed and 6-speed manuals, a 6-speed AMT, and a 7-speed DCA. The updated Nexon is expected to be priced between Rs 9 lakh and Rs 18 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), with a likely launch timeline by early 2027.

5. Maruti Suzuki Brezza – Upcoming Car Launches

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza has crossed 11 lakh cumulative units since its launch in 2016, reflecting strong, consistent demand in the segment. Maruti Suzuki is now preparing a significant update for the Brezza, expected to bring notable changes in design, features, and powertrain options.

The 2026 Brezza facelift is likely to introduce a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat, connected LED tail lamps, updated alloy wheel designs, and a revised front grille and bumper. There are also expectations that Level 2 ADAS will be introduced in higher variants. One of the key highlights could be the underbody CNG tank, which helps free up usable boot space, an approach already seen on models like the Maruti Suzuki Victoris.

On the powertrain front, the Brezza is expected to move to a smaller 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine to better align with tax regulations. The CNG option is also expected to continue as part of the lineup. Pricing for the updated Brezza is expected to start at around Rs 9.5 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), likely to be slightly more competitive due to the new engine, and go up to approximately Rs 15.5 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) for the higher variants. The launch is anticipated between May and June 2026, ahead of the festive season.

Also Read: Upcoming Fortuner Rivals To Look Out For!