2023 proved to be an exceptionally eventful year for auto enthusiasts, characterized by a wave of new car launches across different segments and price ranges. The automotive landscape witnessed not only several all-new products but also mid-life updates to highly popular models. Here, we highlight the top 13 cars that underwent major upgrades during the year.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Facelift
Hyundai Aura Facelift
Hyundai i20 Facelift
Hyundai Motor India kicked off the year with the launch of the Grand i10 Nios and Aura facelifts in January. The Grand i10 Nios hatchback, in the entry-level segment, received a new Spark Green color scheme and four airbags as standard features. Priced between Rs 5.84 lakh – Rs 8.51 lakh (ex-showroom), the model retained its exterior and interior design with minimal changes. The Grand i10 Nios is equipped with 1.2L petrol (83bhp/113.8Nm) and 1.0L turbo petrol (100bhp/172Nm) engine options, available with both manual and AMT gearboxes.
The Hyundai Aura subcompact sedan, available in five trim levels – E, S, SX, SX (O), and SX+ AMT – is priced between Rs 6.29 lakh – Rs 8.87 lakh. The model introduced a new Starry Night color, updated seat upholstery, instrument cluster, and footwell lighting. Under the hood, the new Aura features the same 1.2L petrol engine producing 83bhp and 114Nm, along with a CNG fuel option. The 1.0L turbo petrol engine was discontinued with this update.
The updated Hyundai i20 and i20 N Line featured noticeable cosmetic changes and feature upgrades while retaining their engine setups. The hatchback is now available with a single 1.2L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine and two gearboxes – 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic. The i20 N Line, available in N6 and N8 trims, is powered by the 1.0L turbo petrol engine, now equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox replacing the iMT unit.
Tata Nexon Facelift
Tata Harrier/Safari Facelifts
The new Tata Nexon and Nexon EV facelifts were introduced in September 2023 at starting prices of Rs 8.10 lakh and Rs 14.74 lakh, respectively. The subcompact SUV showcased design inspiration from the Curvv and Harrier EV concepts, featuring enhanced dimensions and a modernized interior. The Nexon’s updated model used the same 120bhp, 1.2L turbo petrol, and 115bhp, 1.5L diesel engine options. The Nexon EV came in two variants – MR with a 30kWh battery and LR with a 40.5kWh battery – offering ranges of 325km and 465km, respectively.
Both the Tata Harrier and Safari facelifts were launched during the festive season. Harrier prices start from Rs 15.49 lakh for the base variant and go up to Rs 26.44 lakh for the top-end variant. Featuring design cues from the Harrier EV concept, the SUVs received interior updates, including touchscreen options, steering wheels, drive selectors, and advanced features. Both SUVs are powered by the 170bhp, 2.0L diesel engine, available with manual and automatic transmissions.
MG Hector Facelift
MG Motor India updated its popular SUVs – Hector and Hector Plus – in January 2023. The Hector’s current prices range from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 22 lakh, while the three-row Hector Plus is available between Rs 17.80 lakh and Rs 22.73 lakh. The facelift brought major changes to the front and rear fascias and interior updates while maintaining the existing engine-gearbox combinations. Notable features include a larger 14-inch touchscreen, ADAS tech, an electric parking button, and an updated iSmart infotainment software. The new Hector and Hector Plus are powered by the 1.5L petrol engine, generating 143bhp and 250Nm.
Kia Seltos Facelift
Launched in July 2023, the new Kia Seltos facelift is currently priced between Rs 10.90 lakh – Rs 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom). The facelift introduced a new Pewter Olive color and dual 10.25-inch connected screens for the infotainment system and instrumentation. The redesigned center console features slimmer AC vents and new HVAC controls. Key highlights include an ADAS suite and a panoramic sunroof. No changes were made to the powertrain options, and the Seltos facelift continues to offer a 160bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol, a 115bhp, 1.5L petrol, and a 116bhp, 1.5L turbo diesel engines, along with unchanged transmissions.
Honda City Facelift
The fifth-generation Honda City, launched in July with a starting price of Rs 10.90 lakh, currently costs between Rs 11.63 lakh and Rs 16.11 lakh (ex-showroom). The facelift introduced a new 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine with a DOHC setup, along with a 1.5L NA petrol with an e:HEV strong hybrid powertrain, producing 126bhp and 253Nm. ADAS tech became standard across the City model lineup, while minimal changes were made to the exterior, featuring a new Obsidian Blue color scheme.
BMW X5 Facelift
The BMW X5 facelift, launched in January 2023, is available in four variants – xDrive 40i xLine, xDrive 30d xLine, 40i M Sport, and 30d M Sport – priced at Rs 95.20 lakh, Rs 97.20 lakh, Rs 1.06 crore, and Rs 1.08 crore, respectively. Major upgrades include a new twin-screen panel featuring a 14.9-inch infotainment system with BMW’s iDrive 8 OP and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Equipped with petrol and diesel engines, enhanced with a 48V mild hybrid tech, the X5 features an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Mercedes Benz GLE Facelift
The Mercedes Benz GLE facelift is offered in three variants – 300d 4MATIC, 450 4MATIC, and 450d 4MATIC – priced at Rs 96.4 lakh, Rs 1.10 crore, and Rs 1.15 crore, respectively. Buyers can choose from two diesel and one petrol engine options. The GLE 300d features a 2.0L, 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 269bhp and 550Nm, while the GLE 450 and GLE 450d come with a 381bhp, 6-cylinder turbo petrol, and six-cylinder diesel engine, respectively. Key features include an S-Class-inspired multi-function steering wheel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and more.
