In this article, we take a look at some of the facelifts launched this year but in no particular order
Manufacturers will not be able to release a new car every year, so they make some modifications to the design, add some features and release them as improved models. Here are the 10 noteworthy facelifts from this year:
1. Honda City facelift
One of the oldest and most popular sedans, the Honda City, was launched in a new avatar in 2020 and looked great while still retaining the legendary 1.5-litre VTEC petrol engine. In the facelift launched this year, there were some minor changes in terms of design, ADAS technology was added to the non-hybrid models, and a new variant of the hybrid model was introduced.
2. Tata Nexon/Nexon EV
The Tata Nexon was first launched in 2017, and since then this is the second time it has received a facelift, and this time Tata has taken things up almost two levels above the competition. The facelift launched this year feels like a generational update rather than a facelift because a lot has changed. The only things that remain the same are the chassis, engine and transmission options while a new DCA automatic gearbox has been added to the fleet.
It has received major changes to the exterior design making it look more modern, with all-new interiors that feel more premium along with a new dashboard layout consisting of larger touchscreen systems. The Nexon EV also benefits from exterior and interior changes, and without making too many changes to the battery and motor, it has managed to increase range.
3. Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier is a spacious five-seater with a sturdy build that complements the exterior design language. Now with the Harrier facelift, it looks even more modern, and they’ve upped the desirability factor of this beast. It had a great presence on the road and now it has increased exponentially with the help of the new design. Likewise, the interiors also received a fresh new look with larger touchscreen units and a more premium-looking dashboard.
Although most of the mechanicals remain the same, the most significant change comes in the form of the Electric Power Power Steering (EAPS) system that replaces the hydraulic unit, and makes a big difference to the car being more city-friendly as well as city-friendly. Driving on highways. It also has ADAS safety technology and managed to score a commendable 5 stars in global NCAP crash tests.
4. Tata Safari
The Safari being the 7-seater version of the Harrier received the same number of changes with some styling tweaks to differentiate it from the Harrier. It also received a 5-star rating in the global NCAP crash tests under the new system, and higher-end models come with ADAS technology as well.
5. Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos has remained almost the same since its launch in 2019. Just this year, it received a mild facelift to keep things fresh, but they didn’t want to change too much because it was already a great car in terms of stylish SUV design with plenty of features and options. Multiple powertrains including the diesel engine which has an automatic transmission option as well. The new Kia Seltos received some modifications to the exterior design, some changes to the interior, a panoramic sunroof, and a larger turbocharged gasoline engine.
6. Mercedes GLE
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has received a minor facelift with some exterior updates, a newly designed steering wheel, and the latest MBUX infotainment unit. Engine options include 2.0-litre diesel, 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. Higher models now have the option of air suspension and are offered with a long list of features.
7. Hyundai i20
The new Hyundai i20 received a facelift this year and now looks more closely related to the Euro-spec models. It got new LED headlights and taillights, new features and removed the diesel engine option. It now gets just one 1.2-litre NA petrol option, and those who want the 1.0-litre turbo will have to opt for the i20 N-Line.
8. MJ Hector/Hector Plus
The MG Hector and Hector Plus have undergone facelifts before but this year it’s been quite a big jump, and the models now look more premium inside and out. The exterior looks bolder with a massive front grille that has plenty of chrome elements, while the interior has become more premium and now includes a larger touchscreen unit. Both vehicles now get ADAS Level 2 technology which increases the safety of these vehicles.
9. BMW X7
BMW’s class-leading SUV gets a facelift this year with changes to both the exterior and interior. The front is now more modern and bolder, while the interiors now get the latest curved displays powered by BMW’s latest iDrive 8 system. Powertrain options remain the same, with the SUV also being offered in all-wheel-drive design and mild-hybrid options.
10. Audi Q8 e-tron
The Audi Q8 e-tron is a facelift of the Audi e-tron with some design changes. The biggest change to the electric SUV is the larger battery pack that allows the feature-packed Audi to go an extra mile before stopping to recharge.
11. Kia Sonet
The 2024 Kia Sonet received a new exterior design, new features, and brought back the manual gearbox for the 1.5-liter diesel engine. It gets a new digital instrument cluster, more features, and ADAS safety technology too.
