October is shaping up to be a busy month for the Indian car market, with several new models and major updates expected to arrive. The list includes a facelift for Honda’s mid-size SUV, new electric models from Volvo, the next-generation Audi Q3 and updates to popular mass-market cars.
Some of these launches have announced dates, while others are currently expected to arrive during the month. Here is a look at the upcoming cars and what is expected from each model.
Honda Elevate
Expected launch: October 6
Honda is preparing to introduce an updated version of the Elevate mid-size SUV. The facelift is expected to bring several exterior and interior changes while retaining the existing mechanical package.
The revised model could receive an updated grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, revised lighting elements and new alloy wheel designs. Additional colour options could also be introduced.
Inside the cabin, the updated Elevate is expected to receive several technology and comfort upgrades. These could include a larger touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, updated upholstery, an improved ADAS package, a 360-degree camera and ventilated front seats.
The powertrain is expected to remain unchanged. The SUV could continue with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 119bhp and 145Nm.
Volvo ES90
Expected launch: October 12
Volvo is expected to expand its Indian electric vehicle range with the ES90 and EX90. The models would add larger premium EVs to a portfolio that already includes the EX30 and EC40.
The ES90 and EX90 are expected to feature Volvo’s familiar design elements, including the company’s “Thor’s hammer” LED daytime running lights. Other equipment is expected to include a glass roof with adjustable opacity, full-LED lighting, four-zone climate control and a 360-degree camera.
A 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and Level 2 driver assistance technology are also expected to be offered.
The dual-motor setup is rated at 456bhp and 670Nm. A 106kWh battery is expected to provide a claimed range of up to 625km, while the 0-100kmph acceleration time is listed at 5.5 seconds.
Audi Q3
Expected launch: October 16
The refreshed Audi Q3 is expected to arrive in India as the third-generation version of the premium SUV.
Bookings have opened for a token amount of Rs. 1 lakh through Audi’s official website and authorised dealerships.
The Q3 is expected to use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 200bhp and 320Nm. Power is expected to be sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Q3 will continue to compete in the premium compact SUV segment, including against models such as the BMW X1.
Audi is expected to position the updated Q3 around a combination of new design elements, technology and its four-cylinder petrol powertrain.
Skoda Slavia
Expected: October
The Skoda Slavia facelift is also expected to arrive around October, although an exact launch date has not been specified.
The updated sedan is expected to retain the basic design that has become familiar on the current Slavia. Changes are likely to focus more on equipment and functionality than on a major redesign.
One notable addition is expected to be a 360-degree camera. The 1.0-litre version is also expected to receive a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The engine lineup is expected to remain unchanged. The Slavia could continue with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 114bhp and 178Nm, along with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit producing 148bhp and 250Nm.
Renault Duster
Expected: October
The Renault Duster is expected to return to the Indian market with a hybrid powertrain, adding an electrified option to the SUV’s lineup.
The anticipated version could use a 1.8-litre strong-hybrid system producing 160bhp and 172Nm. The setup is expected to be paired with a 1.4kWh battery.
The battery can also recover energy through regenerative braking, allowing the hybrid system to use energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration.
The Duster has previously been identified as an important upcoming SUV for Renault in India. The introduction of a strong-hybrid option would give the model a different proposition in the mid-size SUV segment.
However, final specifications, pricing and launch details will depend on Renault’s official announcement.
Hyundai Bayon
Expected: October
Hyundai’s Bayon is another model expected to attract attention in October. The 4.2-metre crossover has been repeatedly teased by Hyundai India, although the company is yet to confirm all details.
The Bayon could occupy a position between smaller Hyundai models and the Creta, depending on its final pricing and variant lineup.
The crossover could potentially use Hyundai’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which produces 113bhp and 143.8Nm in its existing applications. A CNG version is also a possibility, although final powertrain details have not been confirmed.
If launched, the Bayon could overlap with higher variants of the Venue and Venue N Line, as well as selected Creta variants. Its positioning and pricing will therefore be important factors in determining how Hyundai places it within its existing range.
Lineup
The October launch calendar covers a broad range of segments, from mainstream SUVs and sedans to premium electric vehicles.
| Model | Expected timing | Key update |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Elevate facelift | October 6 | Exterior, cabin and feature updates |
| Volvo ES90/EX90 | October 12 | Premium electric models |
| Audi Q3 | October 16 | New-generation premium SUV |
| Skoda Slavia facelift | Expected | Equipment and transmission updates |
| Renault Duster Hybrid | Expected | Strong-hybrid powertrain |
| Hyundai Bayon | Expected | New crossover |
Launch dates for models listed as “expected” may change, and some specifications remain subject to confirmation from the respective manufacturers.
For buyers planning a new car purchase, October could therefore bring several options across different price and vehicle categories. The Honda Elevate and Skoda Slavia updates focus on existing products, while the Volvo ES90 and EX90 add premium electric models. The Duster Hybrid and Hyundai Bayon could also expand choices in the SUV market if their expected launches take place.
As always, final prices, specifications, variant details and launch dates should be confirmed through the manufacturers before making a purchase decision.
