We have compiled a list of some of the popular cars that will be launched in their facelifted avatar in the coming months
While the Indian automobile industry is going through a major slump facing an all-time record low sales for the past few months, the coming months and years seem bullish considering a slew of new products offering various technologies and EV options are waiting to make their debut in India.
Having said that, the traditional cars hold and equal importance in the market and it will take time for new buyers to switch from IC engine powered cars to electric cars, or for that matter, new brands. This, in turn, raises expectations from the established Indian auto brands, who are planning to launch facelifted versions of their already existing cars to make them relevant in today’s time. Here’s a look at the top 5 upcoming facelifts in India-
1. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is best sold compact SUV of India, doing incredibly good numbers in terms of sales. However, the SUV is only available with a diesel engine and with Maruti Suzuki management announcing the demise of diesel engines post the new emission norms applicable from 1st April, 2019.
India’s largest car manufacturer has no option left other than offering the Brezza in a petrol version. And with this Maruti Suzuki will also add some minor nips and tucks to the popular SUV. Expect the facelifted version to launch somewhere around the festive season with Sunroof, curtain airbags.
2. Tata Tiago
The popular Tata Tiago compact hatchback changed the fortunes for the Indian automaker thanks to its unique design, features and attractive pricing. However the car is yet to receive any facelift for long now, and Tata might soon launch the facelifted Tiago with a new BS-VI engine, refreshed design and added features.
Tata Tiago directly competes against the Hyundai Santro and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, both of which were launched in a new avatar very recently.
3. Tata Tigor
Another Tata on our list is the Tiago based compact sedan Tigor. It has been reported that the Tata Tigor facelift will do away with the 1.05-litre diesel engine and instead add a BS-VI 1.2 litre petrol engine. Expected to launch by the end of the year, Tata Tigor will get a updated and more aggressive design on the lines of soon to be launched Altroz premium hatchback.
The cabin is also expected to get a host of new age features including added safety and connectivity features. Interestingly, Tata updated the Tigor only last year in October, adding some style elements to the sedan.
4. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Cross
Last on our list is yet another Maruti Suzuki product – the Ertiga MPV. The popular budget MPV was recently given a new generation, so the facelift version doesn’t make a sense. What Maruti Suzuki will instead do is launch a BS-VI compatible petrol engine, eliminate the diesel unit and also introduce a Ertiga Cross version.
The Cross is a more sporty, rugged variant of the Ertiga and is currently under test outside India. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Cross is expected to launch by the year end.
5. Renault Kwid Facelift
Renault will be launching the facelifted Kwid in the coming months and it has already been spied testing a number of times. This will be the biggest update in the small hatchback’s lifespan yet as the increased competition and the advent of new crash test standards have forced Renault to come up with changes. The exterior has taken a new-age approach to design as it’s more aligned with the Kwid’s EV concept while the engine will be carried over with BSVI compliance.
6. Renault Duster Facelift
Another big launch from Renault will be the updated Duster. While a brand new generation has long been expected to replace the current SUV, Renault has planned otherwise and decided to extend the life-cycle of the existing Duster by introducing cosmetic changes. The interior will also get its share of updates while the engine options will be upgraded to meet BSVI emission regulations. Expect it to arrive towards the end of this year.