There is a clear and growing demand for sporty cars and SUVs in the Indian market. Manufacturers are now actively exploring this space with products that are much fun-to-drive. The trend is set to continue as at least five new launches are expected in the near term. Here is a closer look at what lies ahead.
Skoda is working on a sportier version of its best-selling model in the Indian market- the Kylaq. Called the Kylaq Sportline, it will become the new range-topping variant when launched. Prestige Plus, the current range-topping variant has ex-showroom prices of Rs 11.99 lakh for the manual and Rs 12.99 lakh for the automatic variants. The Sportline will likely be priced at Rs 13.65 lakh, ex-showroom.
Clearly, this will not be a performance upgrade. The Sportline will use the same 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine as the standard Kylaq. Power and torque figures will remain unchanged- 113hp and 178Nm. However, the current six-speed automatic transmission is likely to be replaced with a new eight-speed unit. The Kylaq is quite fun to drive- thanks to its promising power-to-weight ratio and well-tuned suspension.
Changes on the Sportline will mostly be cosmetic. It will have a sharper, blacked-out look both inside and out. Even the alloy wheels will be finished in Black. Inside, you will get sport-themed upholstery and trims, differentiating it from the Prestige+. The market launch is expected in September this year.
Nissan will launch the Tekton mid-size SUV in India on July 9, 2026. The Tekton will be Nissan’s version of the new Duster. It will share its platform (RGMP) and engine options with the Renault SUV. Higher trims will thus be powered by the 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine making 160hp. It will be offered with two transmission choices- a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed wet-clutch DCT.
The 1.3 turbo, as we have experienced on the Duster, is a strong engine. The suspension there, is well-engineered as well. If Nissan takes a similar approach with the Tekton, it will turn out to be a sporty SUV.
On the design front, the Tekton will differ sharply from the Duster. It will align with Nissan’s SUV design direction. Even inside, there will be clear visual differentiation. The feature list is likely to be shared with the Renault counterpart.
Skoda will launch the Kodiaq RS on June 22, 2026. This performance-focussed version of the SUV will come with a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, capable of making 263 hp and 400 Nm- an increase of 60 hp and 80 Nm over the standard Kodiaq. Mated to this engine will be a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The SUV will have All Wheel Drive as well.
This SUV does the 0-100kph sprint in just 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 231kph. It will also come with upgrades brakes features ventilated and slotted discs and larger two-piston calipers finished in Red. Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is offered on the RS in global markets. It remains to be seen if these would be brought to the Indian shores.
The Kodiaq RS will have a sportier and more aggressive design than the regular version. It will ride on 20-inch wheels and will feature several Blacked-out trims. The cabin will have an all-Black theme and feature sports seats at the front.
Another launch expected this year is the next batch of Skoda Octavia RS. The performance sedan was launched in India last year as limited-number CBU imports. The response has been overwhelming, making the carmaker decide to launch more units this year. The second batch is expected to arrive around the festive season.
Powering the Octavia RS is the 2.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine, in a tune that makes 263 hp and 370 Nm. It will be paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The car will have a top speed of 250kph.
Finally, Volkswagen will launch the second batch of Golf GTI in India this year. The first batch of 250 units were sold out almost immediately, last year. On the Golf GTI, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine makes 263hp and comes mated to the 7-speed DSG gearbox. The hot hatch can do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 267kph.
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