Top 5 Car Facelift Launches Of The Year 2018
Here, we have listed the top 5 car facelift launches of 2018.
In 2018, the Indian automobile industry has witnessed some really big launches from different car manufacturers. Besides all-new models, the companies introduced facelifts of their popular cars with minor design and feature upgrades. Here, we have listed the top 5 car facelift launches of 2018.
1. New Hyundai Elite i20
Hyundai India rolled out the Elite i20 facelift at the Auto Expo in February, 2018. The updated version receives subtle design changes along with a new Flame Orange colour scheme. Some of its key features include new black cascading grille, revised headlamps with LED DRLs, new bumpers and fog lamps and diamond cut alloys. Inside, the car gets a larger, more responsive touchscreen infotainment system with inbuilt navigation.
Engine setup has been carried over from the old model – i.e. 82bhp, 1.2L Kappa dual VTVT petrol, 99bhp, 1.4L VTVT petrol and 89bhp, 1.4L U2 CRDI diesel. While the diesel motor comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 1.2L and 1.4L petrol units are available with a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox respectively. The CVT automatic gearbox is available only with the 1.2L petrol models.
2. New Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
Aiming to boost sales of its highly popular mid-size sedan, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) gave the first comprehensive update to the Ciaz in August, 2018. Similar to the old model, the new one comes in four variants – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. For 2018 model year, the sedan receives a new grille and sweptback headlamps, revised bumper, alloys and LED taillamps.
The new Maruti Ciaz also receives ‘Suzuki Connect’ telematics system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new steering wheel and upholstery and cruise control. Under the hood, the facelifted model gets a new 1.5L K Series petrol engine with SHVS mild hybrid technology instead of the old 1.4L motor. Though, it continued to feature the 89bhp, 1.3L turbocharged diesel engine.
3. New Ford Aspire
The American carmaker introduced the Aspire facelift with a host of updates, both cosmetic and mechanical, in October, 2018. Ditching the old powertrains, the new Ford Aspire get two new Dragon Series petrol motors – 1.2L, three-cylinder (sourced from the FreeStyle) and 1.5L, three-cylinder (sourced from EcoSport). The former makes 95bhp with 120Nm and the latter one delivers 123bhp with 150Nm.
The diesel version, on the other hand, comes with a 1.5L TDCI engine making 99bhp with 215Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter. The design highlights of the new Aspire include a new honeycomb grille, revised headlamps, round fog lamps, new multi-spoke alloy wheels and revised taillamps. Interior has also been revised with new infotainment system, auto climate control, new aircon vents with illuminated USB sockets and a start-stop button.
4. Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta, the popular compact SUV from the South Korean carmaker, received its first update in May, 2018. Interestingly, the carmaker removed the SX+ trim from the 2018 facelift model lineup. While the new top-spec SX (O) variant is available across the 1.6L petrol and diesel engines, the E+ and S trims are offered with 1.4L diesel engine only. The 1.6L petrol motor develops a peak power of 121bhp and the 1.6L CRDI diesel unit makes 126bhp. Both powertrains come with a 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox options. The 1.4L diesel mill delivers power worth 88bhp.
All variants of the SUV get dual airbags and ABS as standard. The new Hyundai Creta facelift is the first car in its segment to offer smart electric sunroof and 6-way powered driver auto door lock, sliding front armrest and height adjustable driver’s seat. It also gets a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Mirror Link along with the iBlue Audio Control App. The updated model also receives minor styling changes along with a new Passion Orange shade.
5. New Mahindra XUV500
In April 2018, Mahindra & Mahindra introduced the XUV500 facelift with a more powerful diesel engine, improved styling and better features. The SUV’s updated version comes with 2.2L, four-cylinder mHawk petrol and diesel engine. The oil burner is now boosted with the sixth-generation ECVGT (electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger) and produces a maximum power of 153bhp with 360Nm of torque. The petrol unit, on the other hand, delivers 138bhp and 320Nm of peak torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and an Aisin sourced 6-speed automatic unit.
Interior changes of the new Mahindra XUV500 include new seat upholstery, new dual-tone theme, dashboard integrated 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Connected Apps and Ecosense. While dual airbags and ABS with EBD are standard, the six airbags are reserved for the top-spec trim. On the outside, it gets new larger chromed grille, new projector headlamps with LED DRLs and 17-inch (standard)/18-inch (optional) alloy wheels.
