March 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most action-packed months in India’s automotive calendar. From an eagerly awaited mass-market SUV comeback to Toyota’s first-ever electric vehicle and a fire-breathing Audi performance machine, the March 2026 car launch lineup has something for every kind of buyer — whether you have a budget of ₹10 lakh or ₹1.5 crore.
In this article, we break down every confirmed and expected car launch in India in March 2026, covering expected prices, key specifications, and what makes each model worth watching.
Table of Contents
- Renault Duster (3rd Gen) — Launch: 17 March 2026
- Skoda Kushaq Facelift — Launch: March 2026
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella — Expected: March 2026
- Nissan Tekton — Expected: March 2026
- Audi SQ8 — Launch: 17 March 2026
- Kia Syros EV — Expected: March 2026
- Why March 2026 Matters for Indian Car Buyers
- Quick Comparison Table
- FAQs
1. Renault Duster (3rd Generation) — The Most Anticipated Launch of March 2026 {#renault-duster}
Confirmed Launch Date: 17 March 2026 Expected Price: ₹9.50 lakh – ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom) Segment: Compact SUV
After years of absence, one of India’s most beloved SUV names returns in a completely reimagined avatar. The third-generation Renault Duster was unveiled at a massive stadium event in January 2026, generating enormous buzz, and now its official pricing is set to be announced on March 17.
Built on Renault’s modern CMF-B platform, the new Duster is a significant step up in terms of safety, ride quality, and in-cabin technology. The platform underpins a more rigid structure that is designed to meet upcoming stricter crash test norms.
Key Highlights:
- Engine options: 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (manual and automatic) and a 1.8-litre strong hybrid powertrain
- Claimed fuel efficiency (hybrid): ~22–25 kmpl
- Feature set: 10.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ADAS Level 2 suite, panoramic sunroof
- Ground clearance: Higher than the previous generation, reinforcing its SUV character
The new Duster is expected to go head-to-head with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the freshly facelifted Skoda Kushaq. Ahead of the price announcement, dealer stock has already started arriving across the country, indicating a smooth rollout.
Who Should Wait For It? Anyone looking for a feature-rich compact SUV with hybrid efficiency at a sub-₹15 lakh price point. The Duster’s heritage brand value combined with fresh tech makes it a strong proposition.
2. Skoda Kushaq Facelift — Mid-Cycle Refresh Adds Premium Touches {#skoda-kushaq-facelift}
Expected Launch Date: March 2026 Expected Price: ₹11 lakh – ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom) Segment: Compact SUV
Skoda India has already commenced production of the updated Kushaq, and market deliveries are expected to begin in March. The 2026 Kushaq facelift retains the proven 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI engine options but wraps them in a noticeably refreshed exterior and a more premium interior.
What’s New in the Kushaq Facelift:
- Redesigned front fascia with an illuminated grille — a first for the Kushaq
- Larger panoramic sunroof (extended coverage over rear passengers)
- Updated seat upholstery with rear-seat massage function on top variants
- New exterior colour options
- Level-2 ADAS suite (Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking)
- 360-degree surround-view camera system
The Kushaq has consistently been a favourite among buyers who value European build quality and driving dynamics. This facelift reinforces that proposition with added luxury and safety tech that were previously missing.
Who Should Wait For It? Buyers comparing the VW-Skoda ecosystem against Korean rivals. If you prioritise solid build, precise steering, and driving engagement, the facelifted Kushaq deserves a test drive.
3. Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella — Toyota’s First Electric SUV in India {#toyota-ebella}
Expected Price Announcement: March 2026 Expected Price: ₹16 lakh – ₹19.50 lakh (ex-showroom) Segment: Electric Compact SUV
Toyota makes history in India with the Urban Cruiser Ebella — its first-ever battery electric vehicle in the country. Co-developed with Maruti Suzuki (sharing the platform of the e Vitara, which launched in February 2026), the Ebella is expected to have its pricing confirmed in March.
The Ebella is offered in two battery configurations, catering to buyers with different range needs and budgets:
| Battery Pack | Claimed Range (ARAI) |
|---|---|
| 49 kWh | Up to 420 km |
| 61 kWh | Up to 543 km |
Both variants use a single front-mounted electric motor and benefit from a charging architecture that supports fast DC charging. The larger-battery Ebella can add a meaningful amount of range in under 30 minutes on a 50 kW DC fast charger.
Key Highlights:
- Based on the Suzuki/Toyota joint BEV platform
- Spacious, SUV-like stance with high ground clearance
- Loaded with connected car features and over-the-air (OTA) update capability
- Expected to challenge the Tata Nexon EV, MG Windsor EV, and the Hyundai Creta Electric
The Ebella carries the halo of the Toyota brand’s reliability reputation — a factor that could push fence-sitters in the EV segment toward making the switch.
Who Should Wait For It? First-time EV buyers who want a peace-of-mind electric vehicle with a trusted service network and a strong range claim.
4. Nissan Tekton — The Alliance’s Compact SUV Contender {#nissan-tekton}
Expected Launch: March–April 2026 (pricing likely March) Expected Price: ₹10 lakh – ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom) Segment: Compact SUV
The Nissan Tekton is another product born from the Renault-Nissan Alliance and shares its underpinnings with the new Renault Duster. It arrives as Nissan’s second significant 2026 launch in India, following the Gravite MPV that arrived earlier in the year.
Positioned as a mid-size compact SUV to take on Korean dominance in the segment, the Tekton will need to carve its own identity beyond being a badge-engineered Duster. Nissan is expected to differentiate it through distinct styling, a different variant structure, and potentially exclusive feature packs.
Expected Powertrain Options:
- 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (shared with Duster)
- Possible strong hybrid option depending on trim levels
Pricing is expected to be competitive with the Duster, which is critical for Nissan to gain traction after years of low market share in India. A three-row derivative is reportedly planned for 2027.
Who Should Watch This? Buyers who prefer the Nissan brand identity but want a product with the modern Renault-Duster’s underlying quality and engineering.
5. Audi SQ8 — High-Performance German Luxury Lands in India {#audi-sq8}
Confirmed Launch Date: 17 March 2026 Expected Price: ~₹1.50 crore (ex-showroom) Segment: Luxury Performance SUV
On the same day as the Renault Duster launch (March 17), Audi India will introduce the SQ8 — marking its first new product of 2026. This is Audi’s performance-focused interpretation of the full-size Q8 SUV, slotting below the RS Q8 in the brand’s performance hierarchy while still delivering exceptional performance.
Performance Specifications:
- Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol
- Power output: ~507 bhp
- All-wheel drive: Quattro AWD system
- 0–100 km/h: Under 4.5 seconds
The SQ8 combines everyday SUV practicality with sports car acceleration — a combination that appeals to buyers who want one vehicle to do everything. The cabin continues to feature Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a dual-screen MMI system, and a broad suite of driver assistance technologies.
Who Should Buy It? Affluent buyers currently looking at the BMW X5 M Competition or Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 who prefer Audi’s design language and technology focus.
6. Kia Syros EV — Compact Electric SUV for Budget-Conscious EV Buyers {#kia-syros-ev}
Expected Launch: March 2026 (estimated) Expected Price: ₹15 lakh – ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom) Segment: Compact Electric SUV
The Kia Syros EV is expected to be among the most affordably priced electric SUVs from a Korean OEM in India. With an estimated driving range of around 370 km on a single charge, the Syros EV positions itself as a practical urban and highway EV for buyers on a tight budget.
While full specifications are yet to be officially confirmed, the model is expected to carry Kia’s latest connected car suite, OTA update capability, and the brand’s strong dealership network — addressing a traditional concern EV buyers have about service accessibility.
Who Should Watch This? Buyers who want an electric SUV under ₹20 lakh with a credible brand backing and a reasonable real-world range.
7. Why March 2026 Matters for Indian Car Buyers {#why-it-matters}
March 2026 is not just another busy car launch month — it reflects three macro shifts in India’s automotive landscape:
A. The Democratisation of EVs With the Toyota Ebella and Kia Syros EV arriving in the ₹15–20 lakh range, electric vehicles are no longer exclusive to premium buyers. The segment is becoming genuinely competitive, which is great news for consumers.
B. The SUV Wave Continues Every major launch in March 2026 is an SUV. Hatchbacks and sedans are largely absent from launch calendars, underlining the irreversible dominance of the SUV body style across all price points.
C. Technology as Standard, Not Premium Features like ADAS Level 2, 360-degree cameras, OTA updates, and large touchscreens are becoming standard even in entry-level variants — a dramatic upgrade from the India market of just 3–4 years ago.
8. Quick Comparison Table — March 2026 Car Launches {#comparison-table}
| Car | Launch Date | Expected Price | Fuel Type | Key USP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Duster (3rd Gen) | 17 March 2026 | ₹9.50L – ₹19L | Petrol / Hybrid | Strong hybrid option, CMF-B platform |
| Skoda Kushaq Facelift | March 2026 | ₹11L – ₹19L | Petrol | Illuminated grille, rear seat massage |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella | March 2026 | ₹16L – ₹19.50L | Electric | 543 km range, Toyota reliability |
| Nissan Tekton | March–April 2026 | ₹10L – ₹18L | Petrol / Hybrid | Duster-based, distinct Nissan identity |
| Audi SQ8 | 17 March 2026 | ~₹1.50 Crore | Petrol (V8) | 4.0L twin-turbo V8, Quattro AWD |
| Kia Syros EV | March 2026 | ₹15L – ₹20L | Electric | ~370 km range, Kia brand trust |
9. FAQs About March 2026 Car Launches in India {#faqs}
Q1. Which is the most affordable car launching in March 2026? The Renault Duster is expected to be the most accessible new launch at a starting price of ₹9.50 lakh, making it the best bet for buyers with a sub-₹10 lakh budget.
Q2. Which electric car is launching in March 2026? Two electric cars are expected in March 2026 — the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella (up to 543 km range) and the Kia Syros EV (around 370 km range).
Q3. Is the Audi SQ8 worth the price in India? At approximately ₹1.50 crore, the Audi SQ8 offers a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with Quattro AWD — comparable in performance and price to its German rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. For a performance-first buyer, it is a strong consideration.
Q4. Should I wait for the Renault Duster or buy the Hyundai Creta now? If your purchase is not urgent, waiting for the Duster’s pricing (March 17) makes sense, especially if the hybrid variant is in your budget. The Creta remains a safer, proven choice if you need to buy immediately.
Q5. When will deliveries of the Renault Duster start? While prices will be announced on March 17, initial deliveries are expected to begin rolling out from late March or early April 2026 for customers in major cities.
Q6. How many cars are expected to launch in India in all of 2026? As of February 2026, over 35 confirmed and expected launches are on the cards for India this year across SUVs, EVs, sedans, luxury cars, and pickup trucks.
Final Word
March 2026 is a buyer’s month in India. Whether you are hunting for an efficient everyday SUV, making the switch to electric, or looking to splurge on a performance machine, there is a compelling option arriving in showrooms. The Renault Duster, in particular, could be one of the most disruptive launches in the compact SUV space in years, while the Toyota Ebella marks a watershed moment for electric mobility from one of the world’s most trusted brands.
Bookmark this page for updates — we will keep prices and dates refreshed as official announcements come in.
Disclaimer: All prices mentioned in this article are expected/estimated ex-showroom figures based on industry sources and official teasers as of February 28, 2026. Actual prices will be confirmed at the time of official launch. Specifications and launch timelines are subject to change at the discretion of respective manufacturers.