From VW Taigun Facelift launch to Kia’s mega planning! These are the 5 big news of this week

Many big events took place in the Indian automobile sector in the last one week. Volkswagen launched the facelift of its popular Taigun SUV, while VinFast entered the electric MPV segment. Renault started the delivery of the new Duster and also announced big plans for the future.

Apart from this, Kia India has confirmed new EVs and hybrid models. All these updates reflect the Indian customers’ move towards better options, advanced features and electrification. It is clear from these news of this week that companies are focusing on design, technology and sustainability. Let’s take a look at the big news of the entire week.

Launch of Volkswagen Taigun Facelift

Volkswagen India launched the 2026 Taigun Facelift on 9 April 2026. Its starting price is ₹ 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The facelift model gets minor changes on the exterior, like new LED headlamps, reworked bumpers and illuminated VW logo. Ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof and updated features have been added to the interior.

The special thing is that with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, the option of 8-speed automatic gearbox is now available, which will give better efficiency and driving experience. This update will strengthen Taigun in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, where it will compete with Renault Duster and other models. The company is hoping to achieve 20-25% more volume.

VinFast VF MPV 7 launched

Vietnamese EV maker VinFast has launched its third model VF MPV 7 in India on 15 April 2026. This spacious electric 7-seater MPV is available at a price of ₹24.49 lakh (ex-showroom). It has a 60.13 kWh battery pack, which gives 201 bhp power and 280 Nm torque. ARAI-claimed range is up to 517 km.

The model has comfort features like theatre-style seating, AC vents in all three rows and leatherette upholstery. VinFast’s focus is on Indian family and fleet users. It will compete with vehicles like BYD eMax 7 and Kia Carens Clavis EV. The company is going to start delivery soon

Renault Duster delivery begins

Renault India has started customer deliveries of the new Duster to be launched in March 2026. The first delivery took place in Chennai in the presence of the company’s CEO François Provost. Currently, only turbo-petrol variants are being delivered, while deliveries of the hybrid version are expected to begin by Diwali 2026.

It is built on the new CMF-B platform and has modern features, better safety and adventure capability. Price starts from ₹10.49 lakh. Along with delivery, the company is also strengthening its retail network, which includes new ‘R’ stores. The hybrid variants have already been sold out through bookings.

Kia India’s mega planning

Kia India has announced its ambitious plans for India at the 2026 CEO Investor Day. The company will expand its portfolio in India to 10 models by 2030, out of which 8 will be electrified (EVs and hybrids). Especially Syros EV, Sorento Hybrid and Carnival Hybrid have been confirmed to be brought to India.

Syros EV may be launched in 2026, while hybrid models will arrive by 2030. Kia’s focus is on the budget EV segment and hybrid technology, so that hybrid option can be available in popular vehicles like Seltos also. There is also a plan to increase the dealer network to 800 locations. This step has been taken keeping in mind the fast development of the Indian EV market.

Renault’s future plan

Renault India announced to bring 7 new vehicles in India by 2030 under the FutureReady India plan. The company aims to achieve 5% market share. The focus will be on two new platforms – RGEP (Renault Group Entry Platform) and RGMP.

RGEP is meant for entry-level and affordable cars, which will support the successors of models like Kiger and Triber. This platform will come with petrol, CNG, AMT and CVT options. Renault is also planning to make the Chennai plant a global export hub, with an annual export target of ₹2 billion. The new models will also include strong hybrid and full electric powertrains.