The Bayon’s launch is perhaps the most tempting for budget‑savvy shoppers. It starts at ₹9 lakh and comes standard with a 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a CVT, while a factory‑fitted CNG option is ready for the city commuter. This combo gives the lowest starting price in the compact SUV bracket, making it a strong challenger to the older Maruti‑Suzuki and Tata‑SUV lineup.
The Skoda Slavia facelift stays on the compact sedan track but upgrades its 1.0‑litre TSI to an eight‑speed torque‑converter automatic, giving smoother city driving. The 1.5‑litre TSI still uses a seven‑speed DSG. Prices slide between ₹11 lakh and ₹15 lakh. The Honda Elevate facelift, meanwhile, keeps its 1.5‑litre petrol engine but pairs it with either a manual or CVT gearbox; the automatic will remain the same unit, and a strong‑hybrid powertrain hasn’t been confirmed yet. Its price range overlaps Skoda’s at ₹11 lakh‑₹17 lakh, so buyers will weigh interior refinement against the Bayon’s lower cost.
Audi’s new Q3 breaks into the premium crossover space with a 2.0‑litre turbo‑petrol and a seven‑speed dual‑clutch automatic, plus Quattro all‑wheel drive. The 55‑60 lakh price tag places it far above the other October arrivals, appealing to buyers who want a luxury badge, AWD, and a high‑end infotainment suite. It’s the only option that offers a rear‑wheel‑drive base, so those who want pure performance will notice.
Renault’s Duster Hybrid arrives on October 17, blending a 1.8‑litre petrol with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery to deliver 160 bhp and 172 Nm. An eight‑speed dedicated hybrid transmission manages the power flow, and the SUV can run up to 80 % of city trips in electric mode. With a starting price of ₹19 lakh, it sits above the Bayon but below the Q3, targeting buyers who want a hybrid but at a more affordable cost than the premium crossover.
Across all five models, the common theme is a shift from manual to automatic or CVT gearboxes, reflecting consumer demand for effortless driving and the Indian government’s push for cleaner, electrified fleets. Import duties on foreign‑built hybrids and the upcoming EV tax incentives will make the Duster Hybrid a more attractive option for city dwellers keen on lower running costs. Buyers can expect bookings to open in early October, with delivery windows starting in the last quarter of 2026 for all but the Q3, which will roll out a month earlier.