Why do Car Companies Run Facelift Models? The advantages of a Facelift Car Explained
The automotive sector is a dynamic and evolving one, and a manufacturer is continually launching new technologies, designs and features to win over customers. Creating an all-new generation vehicle, though, will take time and investment. This is where facelift models come into play.
A facelift is a new version of an old car that gets a few design changes, added feature enhancements and sometimes mechanical improvements without altering the basic platform. Over the years, many popular models like Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Creta, Tata Nexon, Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Brezza have seen a facelift.
So, what is the rationale behind the facelift vehicle, and what advantages do they provide? Let's find out.
What is Facelift Model?
A facelift model is a mid-cycle model that is given to the vehicle during its production life. Manufacturers prefer to make changes to the vehicle's design, technology, comfort and safety equipment as opposed to creating a new generation.
The typical facelifts involve the following enhancements:
- Redesigned front grille
- The design of new headlamps and tail lamps.
- Updated bumpers
- New alloy wheels
- Refreshed interior styling
- Larger infotainment systems
- Additional safety features
- Improved connectivity technology
Typically, the core platform, engine options and dimensions are not changed.
What are the reasons that companies introduce facelift models?
1. To help keep the product as fresh as possible
Customers' tastes shift rapidly. An up-to-date-looking car five years ago can begin to seem like a relic when new rivals arrive.
Facelift features enable manufacturers to maintain the visual appeal and relevance of their products in the marketplace.
2. To Compete with Rivals
The car industry is very competitive. As new cars are released by the competition with improved features, manufacturers may release facelift versions of their cars.
A facelift enables companies to offer the same or improved vehicles without creating a whole new product.
3. To present new technology
Modern vehicles have a lot of fast-changing technology. Manufacturers can add a facelift:
- Larger touchscreens
- Connected car technology
- Digital instrument clusters
- Wireless charging
- These systems on the car are called advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
These enhancements comply with evolving customer needs.
4. To enhance safety features
Safety standards and consumer consciousness are still on the rise.
Lifted facelift models can be equipped with:
- Additional airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Advanced braking systems
- Their definitions are defined as Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS).
- ADAS safety technologies
This ensures the manufacturers meet regulations and enhances vehicle safety.
5. To Boost Sales
Once a driver has reached a certain age, car sales can start to decline. The facelift can reignite the interest among consumers, resulting in better sales performance.
Facing a new market can simply be the result of the launch of a facelifted model, where no new product is required.
Customers will benefit from the facelift models for a variety of reasons.
Even more stylish and affordable!
Customers receive a new and modern look on an existing model, and at a lower cost of purchase.
Better Features
In most cases, the improvements done in facelift models are related to the updated infotainment systems, the inclusion of connected technologies, the design of the interior and convenience features that were not offered in the previous models.
Improved Safety
Extra safety gear is added to many facelifted vehicles, adding value to the purchase.
Proven Reliability
As the platform and mechanicals have been used for years, most problems are likely to have been worked out. This often leads to increased reliability over a totally old-generation car.
Higher Resale Value
The car generally sells for longer in the used-car market and has a better resale value because it looks newer and newer than the previous generation.
Facelift vs New Generation Model
A facelift is where they are improving the vehicle, a new generation model is a total redesign.
- Facelift Model
- Updated design
- New features
- Improved technology
- Same platform
- Lower development cost
- New Generation Model
- Completely redesigned vehicle
- New platform
- Major mechanical changes
- Significant technology upgrades
- Higher development cost
Facelift models are typically added to the line-up in the middle of the car's life cycle before a total redo is offered later.
Do Facelift Models Make any sense?
Facelift versions are often the best of both worlds for many buyers, combining the latest technology with a track record of reliability. They offer all the benefits of the current vehicle with updated styling, better technology and increased safety.
A facelift model can be a great option if you're looking for a modern car with the latest technology right away, instead of waiting for its next generation.
Conclusion
The impact of the Facelift models on the automotive industry is great. They enable the manufacturers to maintain competition, promote new technology, enhance safety, and stimulate sales. Cars with facelifts have the benefits of improved features, safety, higher resale value, and enhanced styling for customers, but at a lower price point than a whole new generation car.
With the car market becoming ever more competitive, facelift launches will continue to be a staple in manufacturers' product arsenal for enticing customers and reviving popular designs.
