Car manufacturers are working to update their ageing cars to the latest industry standards. It seems like mid-life facelifts are the only way to do it and some popular mid-size SUVs will soon get major updates
The Indian automotive industry is going through some drastic changes, whether it is increasing focus on electrification or stricter emission norms coming into play. In line with this, car manufacturers are rapidly updating their line-up, in order to get them to the 2023 standards. While there are a lot of updates coming up in the year 2023, in this article, we discuss about the 4 popular mid-size SUVs which will get major updates in India.
1. Kia Seltos
Kia debuted in the Indian market with the launch of Seltos as its first offering. It was the year 2019 and now fast forwarding to 2023 the mid-size is ready to receive its first facelift soon. Although the new model has been launched globally, the Seltos Facelift will debut around June-July 2023 in the country. The India-spec model will be slightly different from the global model, both in terms of design as well as equipment on offer.
Talking about the changes, the front and rear end design will receive the majority of changes along with a new set of alloy wheels towards the sides. The cabin layout will also be updated with changes to the dashboard trim, a fully digital instrument cluster and more. In terms of features, the updated car will get two new additions, namely, a panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS. Under the hood, the existing powertrain combinations will be retained, along with a new 1.5 litre tGDi engine putting out 158 bhp and 253 Nm of peak torque.
2. Hyundai Creta
The second generation of Hyundai Creta debuted in the year 2023, and after the launch of the facelift model globally in 2021, it was speculated that the updated model will make it to the Indian shores by the end of 2022. However, it was later said that the Creta Facelift will be showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo, followed by its market launch in the first half of 2023. Later, it was confirmed that the Hyundai Creta Facelift’s launch has been postponed to early 2024.
The Indian spec model will carry a different design as compared to the international model, and this is one of the reasons for the delay. Along with this, Hyundai will also launch the Creta N-Line model in the country. Talking about the updates, the new model will carry a new front and rear design, along with a few changes to the interiors. Level 2 ADAS is highly likely and a new fully digital instrument cluster could be a part of the package.
3. Tata Harrier and Safari
Sitting on the top of Tata Motors’ line-up, the Harrier and Safari have received a number of special editions over the year, the latest one being the Red Dark Edition which brought a host of updates to the table. Now, it is time for a proper facelift model of both SUVs and if everything goes right, the updated models will launch around September 2023. As expected, the new model will get a new front fascia, inspired by the Curvv concept SUV.
Inside the cabin, a new fully digital driver’s display along with an improved 10.25-inch infotainment unit will be a part of the package. Tata Motors could also introduce a 2 spoke steering wheel in the facelift models, which was spotted in the Nexon facelift’s test mule. The powertrain will remain the same, however, the new 1.5-litre tGDi petrol engine could debut with the Harrier and Safari facelifts.