HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026: Upgrade of the Year Nominations

One of the key categories this year is ‘Upgrade of the Year’ which focuses on models that have received significant updates last year. These updates may include revisions to powertrains, feature additions, safety upgrades or changes in variant structure aimed at improving overall product relevance. Here’s a quick overview of the nominees:

Also Read: HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026: Electric Scooter of the Year Nominations

Citroen Basalt X

Last year Citroen expanded its X Series lineup in India with the introduction of the Basalt X. The Basalt X is offered with two engine options - the 1.2L 3-cyl NA petrol engine producing 81bhp and a 1.2L 3-cyl turbo petrol engine producing 108.49bhp.Updates include changes to feature list and interior equipment. Citroen Basalt X has a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 8.55 lakh.

Mahindra updated its iconic Thar last year. The Thar continues to be offered with three engine options - the 1.5L diesel engine, the 2.0L turbo petrol engine and the 2.2L turbo diesel engine. It is available with manual and automatic transmission options. It is also available with RWD and 4x4 configurations. Currently the Mahindra Thar has a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 9.99 lakh.

The Altroz is a premium hatchback from Tata Motors which also received an update last year. The Altroz is currently the only hatchback in India which is offered with a diesel powertrain. Tata Motors offers the Altroz with a 1.2L 3-cyl NA petrol engine producing 86.79bhp and 115Nm of torque and a 1.5L turbo diesel engine producing 88.76bhp and 200Nm of torque. It is also available with twin-cylinder CNG technology from the factory. Tata Motors currently offers the Altroz with a starting ex-showroom price tag of Rs 6.29 lakh.

Renault released the first major update of the Kiger last year in India. The new updated Kiger is available with the 1.0L 3-cyl NA petrol engine producing 71bhp and 96Nm of torque and the 1.0L 3-cyl turbo-petrol engine producing 98.6bhp and 160Nm of torque. The updates in the Kiger included feature additions and revised trims. Renault currently offers the Kiger with a starting ex-showroom price tag of Rs 5.80 lakh.

Last year the Skoda Kushaq received its first major facelift since its launch back in 2021. The Kushaq facelift was introduced with revised design, features and a new transmission option. It is offered with a 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 114.32bhp and 178Nm of torque; this engine is paired with either a 6-speed MT or a 8-speed AT. It is also available with a 1.5L turbo-petrol engine which produces 147.94bhp and 250Nm of torque; this engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG. The Skoda Kushaq is currently offered with a starting ex-showroom price tag of Rs 10.69 lakh.