Updates and upgrades are normal industry practices. Manufacturers choose to upgrade their products because of technological advancements. An upgraded version helps keep a product in competition with newer models. The automotive industry is no exception. Many car models receive timely upgrades on the exterior and interior to reflect modern tech and design in the vehicles. Auto brands facelift cars and present them with enhanced features and aesthetics.
We will do a detailed overview of facelifting in cars and see why it is a common practice in the automotive industry.
What is a Facelift
A facelift in cars means a model is redesigned with some major changes. Auto manufacturers facelift cars to give the models a fresh look. This usually includes the addition of new car technology and upgrades in the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
A great facelift can breathe new life into a car. Whether it be the interior or exterior, a modern design usually attracts more eyeballs. Timely modifications and facelifts have put some vehicles on the prestigious list of cars with the longest production runs.
Let’s go through some common changes automakers make when they facelift cars:
EXTERIOR CHANGES
Changes in the car exterior are the most prominent feature of a facelift. The front and rear usually receive upgrades – giving the vehicle a fresh look. Other common upgrades the exterior receives in a facelift are as follows:
- A new set of lights
- Reshaped grilles
- New set of brake and headlights
- Rear top and tail redesigns
- Redesigned bumpers
- Newly styled alloy wheels
- New colour schemes or shades of paint
INTERIOR CHANGES
As the exterior receives upgrades when automakers facelift cars, the interior also gets some changes. As cars with big screens continue to gain popularity, a facelift may include an increase in the size of the infotainment screen.
Moreover, interior changes in a facelift may also include upholstery upgrades or a technologically advanced dashboard or with a minimalist look. The addition of ambient lighting, new air vent design and or different trim parts and components is also another method used to facelift cars’ interiors.
MECHANICAL CHANGES
Speed and performance are perhaps the most sought-after feature of a car. The mechanical changes in a facelifted car usually include engine tweaks to increase efficiency.
In some cases, automakers may increase the engine horsepower and torque to enhance performance. Occasionally, there might be a complete change of engine. Some other changes may include fewer emissions or improved gearboxes.
For electric cars, a car facelift may include a bigger battery pack or improved range. All in all, the changes in a facelift depend on the type of car updated,
TECHNOLOGICAL UPGRADES
Adaptation to technological advancements keeps a car in competition and increases its production run. That said, a facelifted model usually receives some major technological upgrades.
These upgrades are mostly seen on the car’s infotainment screen and instrument cluster. Just as a smartphone is updated, software upgrades are rather easy to implement. Other updates may include upgraded brake warning lights or connectivity features.
Moreover, some car manufacturers may add some new performance or safety features to further enhance the model’s performance.
Why Do Auto Manufacturers Facelift Cars?
Usually, auto manufacturers launch several generations of specific models every six to eight years. The period may vary depending on the model. However, the time span between the launch of the next generation is crucial. Usually, there are a myriad of features introduced in other competitor models.
Therefore, it becomes important to keep the existing model in the contest. Certain features may become obsolete or less attractive because of the introduction of new technology. For instance, the history of car safety features shows how these have evolved with technological advancements.
That said, a facelift levels the playing ground for older models. It provides some extra years to a car heading out of its youth. Moreover, with facelifts, older car models get the much-needed media exposure, launch and advertising events to further enhance a model’s running life.
Another reason automakers facelift cars is to overcome any shortcomings. For instance, some useful features of a car infotainment system may not function properly or any performance-related issue may be common in some models. With facelifting, car manufacturers can overcome such issues and introduce error-free models.
When Does a Facelift Happen?
Many vehicle models receive facelifts halfway through their lifecycle; however, there isn’t a certain time frame. A model may not receive a facelift in its entire production life. On the other hand, some models may be upgraded within the early years of production.
A good example is the Toyota Yaris history which includes two major facelifts throughout the car’s production run.
Difference Between Facelift and Generation Change
During a facelift, a vehicle goes through some minor changes on the interior, exterior and performance specifications. Facelifting is a cost-effective method of keeping a model relevant until a new generation is introduced.
On the other hand, during a generation change a model goes through major changes. The exterior and interior may entirely be upgraded – giving the vehicle a new look. Additionally, a generation change may also come with an engine, drivetrain or any other part.
This was everything about facelifting in cars. Auto manufacturers facelift cars to increase a model’s running life and keep it relevant in the industry. With several future car technologies expected to appear in vehicles, facelifts can help manufacturers increase a model’s production life. Facelifted vehicles can be a viable option as it comes with added upgrades such as exterior and interior changes. Moreover, you can get better performance features such as fuel economy, towing capacity and added engine power.
That said, you can find several pre-owned versions of facelifted cars. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and select from a large variety of vehicles listed.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for information about car upgradation processes and more.
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