New Car Facelifts Launched in 2023

Buying a new car is one of the best feelings you can get. The excitement is even bigger when the car itself is brand new in the market. Rolling out in a car that not many people have owned or even seen yet can be quite a gratifying experience. However, since it’s not something you buy often, you have to make sure that the new car is going to deliver what it promises for years to come. And in most cases, only time can tell whether the newly launched car is going to be a hit or a flop. Buying a tried and tested car that’s been on the market for a long time becomes a tempting option in that case. But there’s a third option that combines the best of both worlds, and that is a facelifted car.

Facelifted cars usually retain the same mechanical components under their hoods and come with a fresh new look and sometimes even more features. As a result, a facelift gets you a brand-new appearance, updated features, and familiar reliability and performance in the same package. If that is something you are looking for, then here’s a list of new car facelifts launched in 2023.

Tata Safari

Tata rolled out quite an extensive list of updates to its cars this year, including the Safari. Being a capable three-row SUV, the Safari is the most expensive offering from Tata, starting from Rs. 16.19 Lakh ex-showroom. The Safari used to be a macho car that focused mainly on its performance capabilities. However, with the new update, the Tata Safari is now more accessible to a vast array of people while still retaining its macho character.

The Safari now comes equipped with a full host of tech features, a striking new design, and the safety that comes with the badge of Tata Motors. The Safari sadly misses out on an All-Wheel Drivetrain, but it does have some futuristic goodies in the form of both its exterior and interior design and ADAS functions. The Safari also seats adults comfortably, even in the third row, and offers quite a bang for its buck in the uber-popular SUV segment.

Tata Safari Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic (TC), 6-Speed Manual 
• Mileage: 14.5 to 16.3 km/l
• Airbags: up to 7
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 6 & 7

Tata Harrier

The Harrier is a relatively new car from Tata, debuting in January 2019. Although its launch wasn’t that long ago, the Harrier received a significant update along with other cars in the Tata Motor’s lineup. However, we are not complaining since the new design of the Harrier makes it look more like it’s a concept car that didn’t have to go through any changes for the Indian roads. The Harrier sits right below the Safari with identical width and wheelbase, albeit with lower height and length figures.

The Harrier comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine with the options of a manual transmission and a torque converter automatic to choose from. Much like the Safari, the Harrier also receives a revamped cabin, impeccable road presence, ample cabin space, and a substantial exterior styling overhaul. All of that, combined with a powerful motor, generous feature list, and reassuring safety, makes the Harrier a splendid choice for Indian roads.

Tata Harrier Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic (TC), 6-Speed Manual 
• Mileage: 14.6 to 16.8 km/l
• Airbags: up to 7
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

2023 Tata Nexon

The 2023 Nexon Facelift is the third Tata vehicle on this list to get drastic changes this year, and it’s by no means a small deal. The Nexon has been a top-rated compact SUV thanks to its expert blend of safety, performance, and features. The new Nexon gets updates in the form of bi-functional LED headlamps, LED taillamps running across the entire width, sequential LED DRLs, and a new bumper design at the front and back.

The inside is also a completely different story from the previous Nexon. Inside the 2023 Nexon, you will find clean-cut edges in the cabin, multi-colour upholstery, a renewed steering wheel (especially around the horn bass area), and a large infotainment screen in the middle of the dashboard. The 2023 Nexon has received some major updates in the tech features and safety department, too. The Nexon facelift gets paddle shifters, 4 extra airbags (total 6 now), a blind view monitor, a 360-degree camera, and height adjustability for the front passenger seat. Overall, Tata aims to make the Nexon one of the, if not the most feature-loaded, compact SUV in the market.

2023 Tata Nexon Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic (AMT), 7-Speed Automatic (DCT), 5-Speed Manual 
• Mileage: 17.01 to 24.08 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

Hyundai i20

The i20 is Hyundai’s iconic hatchback that has entertained the Indian audience for 15 years. In 2023, the i20 received a new update with some minor changes to both the exterior and interior. The outer body saw changes in the shape of a new bumper design with a large parametric grille, LED headlamps, and inverted DRLs. It also got a new skid plate design and got rid of the fog lamps.

The i20 remains largely the same on the inside except for the change from an all-black interior to a black and beige two-tone colour scheme. The previous i20 used to get a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol. This time, Hyundai reserved the turbo motor for the sportier i20 N Line while saving the naturally aspirated 87 PS, 1.2-litre for this one. Emphasizing safety, Hyundai now ensures that all their new vehicles come with six airbags as a standard feature. Notably, the i20 takes it a step further with safety enhancements like the Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for optimal braking, Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management to keep the vehicle in control at all times, and Hill-start Assist for stopping and starting on steep roads.

Hyundai i20 Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
• Transmission: Automatic (CVT), 5-Speed Manual 
• Mileage: 19.65  to 21 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

Kia Seltos

Hyundai-owned Kia entered the Indian market with the Seltos in 2019, and it enjoyed tremendous popularity. In 2023, Kia decided that the Seltos was due for an update, and it’s a big one. The Seltos received a facelift as well as new features. The exterior gets minor changes at the front end, with the headlamps and grille slightly revised. From the side, you’ll notice a changed design of the alloy wheels, and the rear now gets a single taillight running the entire width. 

The interior sees heavy changes, mainly in the form of the large single screen that serves as both the instrument cluster and the infotainment unit. The facelifted Seltos gets features like halogen projector headlamps, digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, and 6 airbags standard even in the base variant. Post the facelift, you have three engine options and two fuel options to choose from, so it’s safe to say that there’s a Seltos for (almost) everyone.

Kia Seltos Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
• Transmission: Automatic (CVT), 6-Speed Automatic (TC), 7-Speed Automatic (DCT), 6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Clutchless Manual (IMT)
• Mileage: 17 to 20.7 km/l
• Airbags: up to 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

2023 Hyundai Verna

The Hyundai Verna is one of the most popular sedans available in the market today, and it has been so for a long time. This year, Hyundai updated the Verna along with the i20 and the Grand i10 Nios. Compared to the previous one, the new Verna is more expensive, but for that extra cash, the new Verna looks drastically different and gains a good amount of safety and tech features.

The new Verna gets a major facelift and, along with it, a new front look with a single grille-running LED headlamp, a new front grille, a chiselled side profile and a new rear bumper. More importantly, it’s the inside where you get most of your money’s worth. To compete with the Slavia, Virtus, and City, the Verna gets 6 airbags, TPMS, keyless entry and ignition, electrically adjustable driver seat, Ventilated and heated front seats, and an electrically adjustable sunroof. Moreover, the new Verna is one of the few midsize sedans in India to come with ADAS features.

2023 Hyundai Verna Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre Petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-Petrol
• Transmission: Automatic (CVT), 7-Speed Automatic (DCT), 6-Speed Manual
• Mileage: 18.6 to 20.6 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

2023 Honda City

The fifth-gen Honda City got a facelift this year, and it offers something that no other car in India offers: ADAS with a manual transmission option. The Honda City is a household name in India, a sedan that’s been around since 1998 and has captured the hearts of plenty of gearheads and casual drivers alike. This year, the City gets ADAS, an auto-dimming IRVM, a wireless charger, a PM2.5 air purifier, and 6 airbags.

Compared to the previous generation City, and compared to the competing Verna, Virtus, and Slavia, the City comes off as a decent choice that can do what you ask of it and deliver a reliable and hassle-free ownership experience. One of the strongest selling points of the Honda City is its brand value and the hugely popular iVTEC engine. The iVTEC technology allows both an efficient ride and a spirited performance depending on the need, and hence, it is generally a more accessible choice for people looking for a bit of both.

2023 Honda City Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre Petrol
• Transmission: Automatic (CVT), 6-Speed Manual
• Mileage: 17.8 to 18.4 km/l
• Airbags:4 to 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is an attractive hatchback that allows people to enjoy the luxury of an automatic transmission and some comfort & convenience features at an affordable price. In the update that Hyundai rolled out this year, the Grand i10 Nios ditched the diesel and turbo petrol engines in favour of a CNG motor and retained the 1.2-litre kappa petrol engine. The Grand i10 Nios also got a fresh new look, though one might mistake it for a Santro from a distance. In terms of features, there are only a few of them that are new to the hatchback, like the 8-inch touchscreen display, as the outgoing model had a plentiful list of features already.

Overall, the Grand i10 Nios tries to punch above its weight with features like a wireless charger, automatic headlamps, cruise control, keyless ignition, and 6 airbags at an effective price. Not only does it rival the Tiago and Swift, but it might also attract potential Wagon R and perhaps even i20 buyers into checking this one out.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre Petrol, 1-2-litre CNG
• Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic (AMT), 5-Speed Manual
• Mileage: 20 to 21 km/l | 27 km/kg
• Airbags:6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5

MG Hector

MG Motors launched the Hector and the Hector Plus in India in 2019, and merely a few years later, in 2023, the Chinese-owned British brand launched a facelift for the first MG to break cover in India. The Hector was already one of the smartest SUVs with plenty of advanced tech features when it first came. The facelift now introduces even more tech. Appearance-wise, the Hector is a big car, and the Hector Plus is even bigger. The facelift doubles down on its large and bold stature with a dominating chrome grille. There are no major mechanical differences between the old and new Hectors, so it retains the turbocharged petrol and diesel motors.

However, the facelift gets new features like new LED-connected blade tail lights, a new and sleeker OS for the large vertical touchscreen infotainment system, Level 2 ADAS with Traffic Jam Assist, pedestrian protection, bend cruise assistance, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and new intelligent auto turn indicators. The new Hector also gets a four-way powered passenger seat, digital key sharing, group travelling mode, and an automatic powered tailgate. It’s got an impressive list of smart features, especially for an SUV in this price segment. 

MG Hector Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbo-Petrol, 2.0-litre turbo-Diesel
• Transmission: Automatic (CVT), 6-Speed Manual
• Mileage: 12.34 to 15.58 km/l
• Airbags: 2 to 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

Summary

2023 has been a prolific year for facelifts with big names such as Tata and Hyundai dishing out multiple facelifts this year. The Safari, Harrier, and Nexon brandish Tata’s new-age technology and design while staying true to their roots as safe and value-for-money SUVs. Hyundai made a big leap in terms of updating their catalogue not only with new cars such as the Exter but by refreshing their existing heavy hitters like the Verna and i20.

Overall, 2023 saw the arrival of facelifts in all segments across hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs in both budget and luxury segments. Now, with a grateful heart, we look forward to what the year 2024 brings us in terms of facelifts and new cars.