October 2026 is shaping up to be an active month for India’s passenger-car market, with several facelifts, new-generation models and electric vehicles expected around the festive season.
The list includes the Honda Elevate facelift, new Skoda Slavia, Toyota Glanza facelift, Volvo EX90, Volvo ES90 and next-generation Audi Q3. Some launch dates have been reported by automotive publications, while other details remain subject to official confirmation.
For buyers planning a festive-season purchase, the important question is not simply which cars are launching. It is which updates are confirmed, which features are still expected and whether waiting for a new model makes sense. This page is a quick launch-calendar overview; for a more detailed breakdown of confirmed versus expected October launches, see our October 2026 car launches: confirmed vs expected guide.
October 2026 Car Launch Calendar
| Model | Expected/Reported timing | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Elevate facelift | October 6 | Reported |
| Skoda Slavia facelift | October 6 | Confirmed new model; launch timing reported |
| Volvo EX90 | October 12 | Listed for October |
| Volvo ES90 | October 12 | Listed for October |
| Toyota Glanza facelift | October 14 | Expected/reported |
| Audi Q3 | October 16 | Listed for October |
| Hyundai Bayon | October | Expected; timing may vary |
Launch trackers currently list the Honda Elevate and Skoda Slavia for October 6, Volvo’s EX90 and ES90 for October 12, the Toyota Glanza facelift around October 14 and the Audi Q3 around October 16. CarDekho
Because launch schedules can change, buyers should confirm the final date with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a booking.
Honda Elevate Facelift
The Honda Elevate is expected to receive its first major facelift in October 2026.
Automotive reports indicate that the update could concentrate on styling and equipment rather than a major mechanical change. Expected changes include revised exterior elements and additional comfort and convenience features. Autocar India reports that the facelift is expected to retain the existing mechanical setup while adding features such as ventilated front seats. Autocar
Other reported possibilities include:
- Revised grille and lighting
- Updated bumpers
- New alloy-wheel design
- Ventilated front seats
- 360-degree camera
- Additional cabin convenience features
These should be treated as expected features until Honda officially confirms the final Indian specification.
For buyers considering the current Elevate, the facelift could make waiting worthwhile if the additional equipment is important to them.
New Skoda Slavia
The new Slavia is one of the more clearly documented updates in this list.
Škoda Auto India has officially announced the updated Slavia with revised exterior styling, new LED lighting, new alloy designs and refreshed interior themes. The company has also introduced a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic with the 1.0 TSI engine. The 1.5 TSI continues with the seven-speed DSG, while a six-speed manual is also available. Škoda Auto India
The updated Slavia also adds features including:
- Rear-seat massage function
- 360-degree Area View camera
- Updated infotainment system
- AI Companion powered by Google Cloud
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Revised exterior lighting
- New alloy designs
This makes the Slavia update more than a cosmetic refresh because the transmission and equipment package have also changed. Škoda Auto India
Toyota Glanza Facelift
The Toyota Glanza is expected to receive an update during October.
Current industry reports indicate that the facelift will bring styling and equipment changes, with the model expected to follow some of the updates introduced on its Maruti Suzuki counterpart. Launch trackers currently place the Glanza facelift around the middle of October, with October 14 being reported by several sources. V3Cars
Potential changes reported for the updated Glanza include:
- Revised exterior styling
- Updated lighting
- New wheels
- Additional driver-assistance features
- Updated cabin equipment
Some reports also mention changes to the engine and a possible CNG configuration. However, these details should not be treated as final until Toyota publishes the official Indian specifications.
For buyers considering a premium hatchback, it makes sense to compare the final Glanza specification with the updated Baleno and existing Hyundai i20 before booking.
Volvo EX90
Volvo’s EX90 represents the premium electric SUV side of October’s expected launches.
Volvo’s India website already provides specifications for the EX90. The India-specification page lists a twin-motor all-wheel-drive configuration, a 106kWh nominal battery, up to 625km electric range on the listed configuration, 456hp, and a six-seat layout. Volvo Cars
The EX90 also features:
- 800V electrical architecture
- 14.5-inch central display
- Google built-in
- Over-the-air updates
- Advanced driver-assistance technology
- Air suspension
- Ventilated seats
- Bowers & Wilkins audio system
Volvo says the updated EX90 benefits from an upgraded 800V electrical system and additional computing capability, with software and safety improvements delivered through over-the-air updates. Volvo Cars
However, Indian pricing and final launch configuration should be checked when Volvo officially opens the model for purchase.
Volvo ES90
The Volvo ES90 is the electric sedan expected to accompany the EX90.
Volvo’s India website describes the ES90 as a fully electric sedan and currently lists it as coming soon. Volvo Cars
The ES90 is aimed at buyers looking for a premium electric sedan rather than an SUV. Volvo also lists ES90 support and vehicle information for India, indicating that the model is part of the company’s Indian product ecosystem. Volvo Cars
The final Indian equipment, pricing and variant details should be checked when Volvo announces them.
Audi Q3
The next-generation Audi Q3 is also listed among the cars expected in India during October 2026.
Current industry launch trackers place the Q3 around October 16. CarDekho
The Q3 will be relevant to buyers considering a premium compact SUV. However, exact Indian specifications, variant structure and pricing should be confirmed by Audi India before being treated as final.
What Buyers Should Check Before Booking
With several launches arriving close together, comparing cars only by launch date can be misleading.
1. Confirm the final specification
A feature reported before launch may not necessarily be available on every variant.
Check:
- Engine or motor
- Transmission
- Safety equipment
- ADAS features
- Camera system
- Infotainment
- Seat functions
- Battery capacity for EVs
2. Compare the new car with outgoing stock
A facelift does not automatically make the outgoing model a poor purchase.
Dealers may offer discounts on existing inventory when a facelift arrives. Compare the actual on-road price of the outgoing model against the new version rather than comparing only ex-showroom prices.
3. Look at the powertrain first
Features are easy to compare, but the engine, transmission or electric powertrain will have a much larger effect on long-term ownership.
For example, the updated Slavia’s new 8-speed automatic is a confirmed mechanical change, while several powertrain details reported for other upcoming models remain subject to confirmation. Škoda Auto India
4. Check delivery timelines
A launch date does not necessarily mean immediate delivery in every city.
Before paying a booking amount, ask the dealer about:
- Variant availability
- Waiting period
- Expected delivery date
- Test-drive availability
- Insurance cost
- Registration and on-road price
October 2026 Launches: What Matters Most
The October launch cycle covers several different types of buyers.
For SUV buyers: Honda Elevate facelift, Volvo EX90 and Audi Q3 are among the models to watch.
For sedan buyers: The updated Skoda Slavia and Volvo ES90 offer different approaches to the segment.
For premium-hatchback buyers: The Toyota Glanza facelift is one of the key upcoming updates.
For electric-car buyers: Volvo EX90 and ES90 bring premium EV options to the October calendar.
The important distinction is that not every detail currently reported about these cars is officially confirmed. Buyers should use early reports to create a shortlist, then verify the final specification and price before booking.
Final Takeaway
October 2026 could be an important month for new-car buyers in India, particularly because several launches are concentrated around the festive season.
The Skoda Slavia already has a detailed official specification from Škoda, including its new eight-speed automatic and additional technology. Škoda Auto India The Volvo EX90 also has detailed specifications available through Volvo’s India website. Volvo Cars
For the Honda Elevate, Toyota Glanza and Audi Q3, buyers should distinguish between reported launch information and final manufacturer specifications.
If you are planning to buy a car in October, the safest approach is to compare the final on-road price, variant equipment, powertrain, waiting period and warranty rather than booking solely because a model is new.
Sources & Further Reading
- Škoda Auto India — New Slavia official announcement
- Autocar India — Honda Elevate facelift
- CarDekho — Upcoming cars in October 2026
- V3Cars — October 2026 upcoming cars
- Volvo Cars India — EX90 specifications
- Volvo Cars India — ES90
