5 Times Facelifts Worked Brilliantly
I’m going to come out and say it: I’m rather fond of the way the newly revealed 2018 Ford Mustang looks. The changes have sharpened up the car nicely without wrecking the whole retro homage thing, and I can’t wait to see it in the metal. But, not everyone is as keen.
The mixed reception to the 2018 ‘Stang got me thinking. Facelifts that have ‘ruined’ particular cars is a subject that’s been visited plenty of times, but what about mid-life refreshes that deserve to be celebrated? It’s not something you see happen all that often, so without further ado, here are some automotive facelifts that get a nod of respect from us.
Note: all facelift cars appear on the right of each image
2017 Nissan GT-R
Let’s start off with a recent one. Revealed at the New York Auto Show last year, critics were quick to lambast the 2017 Nissan GT-R’s facelift as being barely noticeable. But they were missing the point: the changes were subtle, but very effective.
The new side intakes got rid of those chubby-looking ribbed sections on either side of the front bumper, while the larger grille upped the aggression nicely.
BMW E46 3-series
Yep, once upon a time BMW actually did facelifts that were noticeable to the naked eye. A prominent example was the E46 3-series, which received a well-judged nip and tuck which included the addition of sleeker headlights and larger, more shapely kidney grilles. The pre-facelift cars are looking quite dated now, but the updated cars still look fresh even today.
Jaguar XF
The pre-facelift Jaguar XF wasn’t exactly ugly, but changes in 2011 freshened up the 5-series rival considerably. This was mostly thanks to the original, goofy headlamps being chucked in the bin, replaced by a much slimmer set that brought the XF’s design much closer to that of the C-XF concept.
The XF R’s transformation was the most dramatic, with the shouty super saloon gaining a radically altered front bumper with chunkier intakes.
Peugeot 306
Like the pre-facelift XF, the ‘Phase I’ 306 is still a handsome thing, but its headlights and slatted front grille firmly linked it to Peugeots of the past. The Phase II brought the styling in line with the curvier 406, with a new grille, bumpers and curvier headlights.
The Phase III update was more minor, but it resulted in the 306 GTI-6 lending its fancier front bumper to ‘lesser’, sporty-ish models like the D Turbo XSI. Isn’t that generous?
Mazda MX-5 2.5
After the ‘Mk2.5’ facelift the second-generation MX-5 was still a cutesy-looking thing, but a new front bumper, new-ish headlights and some new wheel options freshened the car up while adding a little dash of aggression. The Mk3’s design dropped the cuteness levels even further, but the 2.5 that came before it was certainly a step in the right direction.
What other successful facelifts can you think of? And do you disagree with any of our choices? Comment below with your thoughts!
Comments
Pre face lift is much better looking in my biased opinion…
Ian Wright
Imma agree
Agree
I think so too. I just don’t like the indicators on the facelift version.
For coupe and convertible, the pre-facelift front is best. I dislike the facelift front they got.
But for wagon and sedan, facelift looks better.
From an old man’s land barge
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ys2WsB6Gpy8/maxresdefault.jpg
to a luxurious supercar killer.
http://www.motorward.com/wp-content/images/2015/01/Cadillac-CTS-V-naias-3.jpg
500! Also, 997 911
4th generation Acura TL facelift is a HUGE improvement in looks compared to the 4th generation pre-facelift Acura TL.
As an owner of a 2012 SH-AWD 6-speed, I agree completely.
Another good one
All of those are better than the older 300
Disagree with the E46 and 306
What about the recent abarth facelift?
The 500 needs way more than just a facelift. I can never ever understand person who choose a 500 over a Mini.
I think the BMW X5 facelift was cool too. (The one that was in production from 2003-2007)
i still fancy the pre-facelift e46…
Agreed! Looks so much cooler
My favorite car the Sebring coupe (yes this is my legitimate favorite car. Im a simple man.) Had a very nice faceift. Here’s a post facelift model.
Topics
Sponsored Posts