The automotive landscape in India is currently witnessing a fascinating tug-of-war. As I analyze the sales charts for January 2026, it’s clear that while the roar of the internal combustion engine (ICE) remains loud, the silent hum of the electric motor is quickly becoming an assertive attempt at dominance. From the frantic activity on the manufacturing assembly lines to the bustling footfall at dealerships, the narrative is shifting.
Based on my observations, the first month of 2026 has been nothing short of a blockbuster. Total top-10 volumes surged past 1.29 million units, a healthy jump from last year. But numbers only tell half the story. As an analyst with skin in the game, I see a market that is both maturing and becoming increasingly polarized.
The Sales Ledger: Jan 2026 vs Jan 2025
| Rank | Model | Jan 2026 Units | Jan 2025 Units | YoY Growth |
| 1 | Honda Activa | 2,71,924 | 1,66,739 | 63% |
| 2 | TVS Jupiter | 1,29,744 | 1,07,847 | 20% |
| 3 | Suzuki Access | 69,042 | 54,587 | 26% |
| 4 | TVS iQube (EV) | 37,560 | 25,049 | 50% |
| 5 | TVS Ntorq | 36,596 | 23,795 | 54% |
| 6 | Bajaj Chetak (EV) | 28,216 | 21,045 | 34% |
| 7 | Hero Destini 125 | 27,782 | 14,094 | 97% |
| 8 | Suzuki Burgman | 23,474 | 25,607 | -8% |
| 9 | Ather Rizta (EV) | 20,155 | 11,978 | 68% |
| 10 | Yamaha RayZR | 19,815 | 15,209 | 30% |
The Great Indian Scooter Shakeup: January 2026 Sales Deep Dive
The automotive landscape in India is currently witnessing a fascinating tug-of-war. As I analyze the sales charts for January 2026, it’s clear that while the roar of the internal combustion engine (ICE) remains loud, the silent hum of the electric motor is quickly becoming an assertive attempt at dominance. From the frantic activity on the manufacturing assembly lines to the bustling footfall at dealerships, the narrative is shifting.
Based on my observations, the first month of 2026 has been nothing short of a blockbuster. Total top-10 volumes surged past 1.29 million units, a healthy jump from last year. But numbers only tell half the story. As an analyst with skin in the game, I see a market that is both maturing and becoming increasingly polarized.
The Sales Ledger: Jan 2026 vs Jan 2025
My Personal Experience: The “Default” vs. The “Disruptors”
As per my knowledge, the Honda Activa continues to be the undisputed leader, practically a marque in its own right. A 63% YoY jump is staggering. In my opinion, this isn’t just organic growth; it’s a calculated tactical maneuver by Honda to capture the replacement market. When I test-rode the latest iteration, the refinement in the transmission and the smoothness of the acceleration reminded me why it’s the “safe” choice for the Indian middle class.
However, I am slightly concerned about the Suzuki Burgman. It’s the only one in the red (-8%). I would advise Suzuki to look closely at their marketing and quality control (SPC). While the maxi-scooter chassis is comfortable, the lack of modern features in the lower trims is letting it down against the tech-heavy EVs.
Evolution of a Legend: Hero Destini 125 (Old vs. New)
The Hero Destini 125 is the “comeback kid” this month with a 97% growth. Here is how it has evolved from its prototype roots to the current model:
| Feature | Old Destini (Pre-2024) | Current Destini 125 (2026) |
| Wheels | 10-inch Steel | 12-inch Alloy (ZX/ZX+) |
| Lighting | Halogen Bulb | LED Projector with DRL |
| Body Work | Standard Fiber/Metal mix | Premium Metal Body with Chrome |
| Tech/Dashboard | Basic Analog | Full Digital with Bluetooth/Navigation |
| Fuel Tech | Carburetor/Early FI | i3S & XSense Fuel Technology |
As per my opinion, the move to a full metal body was a stroke of genius. In a market where most automakers are shifting to plastic to save weight, Hero’s body shop went the other way to offer a sense of “solid” reliability.
The EV Power Struggle: iQube vs. Rizta vs. Chetak
The acceptance of electric vehicles is accelerating faster than a catalytic converter heats up. The TVS iQube has successfully “invaded” the top 5, even beating its sporty sibling, the Ntorq.
| Specification | TVS iQube ST | Ather Rizta Z | Bajaj Chetak 3501 |
| Real World Range | ~120 km | ~140 km | ~120 km |
| Battery Tech | 5.1 kWh Li-ion | 3.7 kWh Li-ion | 3.2 kWh Li-ion |
| Storage (Underseat) | 32 Liters | 34 Liters | 35 Liters |
| Braking | Disc/Drum | Disc/Drum | Drum/Drum |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 8 Years (Optional) | 5 Years |
My personal experience with the Ather Rizta has been quite positive regarding family practicality. The supply chain for Ather seems robust, and their R&D in software (Magic Twist regen) puts them ahead. But if you want a tank, the Bajaj Chetak’s metal chassis and quality control are hard to beat.
Segment Comparison: Scooters vs. Compact Cars (The Entry-Level Battle)
In 2026, the price of a top-end EV scooter often overlaps with the financing monthly payments of a base-model entry-level car. Let’s look at the “Commuter Segment” cross-shopping.
| Attribute | Premium Scooter (iQube/Activa 125) | Entry-Level Micro-Car (A-Segment) |
| Avg. On-Road Price | ₹90,000 – ₹1,70,000 | ₹4,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
| Fuel Cost/Running | ₹0.20 – ₹2.50 / km | ₹5.00 – ₹7.00 / km |
| Maintenance | Low (Basic tune-up) | Moderate (Repair shop visits) |
| Safety Features | CBS/ABS, Bank Angle Sensor | Airbags, ABS, Crumple Zones |
| Parking Ease | High (Tight spots) | Low (Needs dedicated space) |
Predictive Outlook: What’s Next?
As per my knowledge, we are reaching a saturation point for 110cc petrol scooters. The automaker that fails to transition its assembly line toward 125cc or Electric by the end of this year will likely see a suspension in growth.
I would advise buyers to look beyond the shiny wheels and check the safety ratings and real-world range. While the Honda Activa is the king today, the Ather Rizta and TVS iQube are the young princes waiting for the crown. The battle in the sales and service network will determine the winner of 2026.
