What is the story about?
The last week of 2025 has stayed relatively quiet for the automobile market. While there were no full-scale launches, a few model-year updates in the two-wheeler space kept things moving. Kawasaki and Bajaj led the week's auto wrap, while Renault and Mahindra kept attention alive with teasers and sightings.
Kawasaki rolled out two updated 650cc models - the Ninja.
The 2026 Ninja 650 was launched on December 24. The new model comes with a refreshed Lime Green paint job, minor graphics tweaks, and an E20-compliant engine. Mechanically, it stays the same with the 649cc - twin-cylinder unit, KTRC traction control, and the 4.3-inch TFT display. Price starts at ₹7.91 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kawasaki Versys
The Versys 650 (2026) arrived with a dual-tone Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black finish, some small updates, and the same E20 compatibility. It now costs ₹8.63 lakh (ex-showroom). Both the Kawasaki models remain mid-segment tourers rather than new models.
Pulsar 150
Bajaj also brought in an update to the Pulsar 150, keeping the familiar frame but adding modern touches. It now gets a full-LED headlamp setup, DRLs, and indicators - the first time the classic Pulsar gets an all-LED treatment. Pricing starts between ₹1.08 lakh and ₹1.15 lakh, depending on the variant.
Car Teasers and Spy Sightings
While no car launches took place this week, Renault and Mahindra set the tone for early 2026.
Renault’s new-generation Duster continued teasing through short clips released on December 25. The glimpses showed connected LED tail lamps, wide DRLs, and hints of the original model’s design language. The SUV is expected to debut on January 26, 2026, likely with turbo-petrol engines and new cabin features.
Mahindra Thar
Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift stayed in the spotlight with fresh spy shots shared on social media. No confirmation on the launch yet, but updates are expected to include a revised grille and other features - possibly influenced by the recently shown Thar Roxx.
This final stretch of 2025 was light on big launches but heavy on hints. Two-wheelers saw E20-ready updates, while carmakers prepared their 2026 rollouts. January could see momentum build again, starting with the new Duster and a refreshed Thar.
Kawasaki rolled out two updated 650cc models - the Ninja.
The 2026 Ninja 650 was launched on December 24. The new model comes with a refreshed Lime Green paint job, minor graphics tweaks, and an E20-compliant engine. Mechanically, it stays the same with the 649cc - twin-cylinder unit, KTRC traction control, and the 4.3-inch TFT display. Price starts at ₹7.91 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kawasaki Versys
The Versys 650 (2026) arrived with a dual-tone Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black finish, some small updates, and the same E20 compatibility. It now costs ₹8.63 lakh (ex-showroom). Both the Kawasaki models remain mid-segment tourers rather than new models.
Pulsar 150
Bajaj also brought in an update to the Pulsar 150, keeping the familiar frame but adding modern touches. It now gets a full-LED headlamp setup, DRLs, and indicators - the first time the classic Pulsar gets an all-LED treatment. Pricing starts between ₹1.08 lakh and ₹1.15 lakh, depending on the variant.
Car Teasers and Spy Sightings
While no car launches took place this week, Renault and Mahindra set the tone for early 2026.
Renault’s new-generation Duster continued teasing through short clips released on December 25. The glimpses showed connected LED tail lamps, wide DRLs, and hints of the original model’s design language. The SUV is expected to debut on January 26, 2026, likely with turbo-petrol engines and new cabin features.
for India, adventure began with one car. now, it begins again, with new #Renault #Duster the icon is back. #ComingSoon. 26/01/26. pic.twitter.com/cLp7ZXF347
— Renault India (@RenaultIndia) December 25, 2025
Mahindra Thar
Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift stayed in the spotlight with fresh spy shots shared on social media. No confirmation on the launch yet, but updates are expected to include a revised grille and other features - possibly influenced by the recently shown Thar Roxx.
This final stretch of 2025 was light on big launches but heavy on hints. Two-wheelers saw E20-ready updates, while carmakers prepared their 2026 rollouts. January could see momentum build again, starting with the new Duster and a refreshed Thar.
