Car restyling: what is it and why is it needed?
We explain in simple words how the updated version differs from the new model and what this means for the driver.
The word “restyling” has become firmly established in the everyday life of automakers. Every year, restyled models of different brands roll off the assembly line. Choose one of them or prefer the new series? Many motorists ask this question. In this article we will look at what car restyling is, as well as what its pros and cons are.
What does the concept of restyling include?
Each new generation of car is designed to last at least 5-7 years. However, during such a period of time, dozens of new competing models may enter the automobile market. In an effort to keep drivers' attention, manufacturers make local design or technical updates to the classic model. This modernization is called restyling. The concept is based on the English word restyling — literally translated it means “change of style.” Today it refers to the renewal of a car within one generation of the model.
Difference from the new generation
The difference between the restyled model and the new generation car lies in the scale of the changes. Each new generation of car involves a radical transformation of the exterior and interior, improving performance characteristics.
For example, between the release of the 4th and 5th generations of the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover, popular in Russia, the manufacturer completely changed the body design, redesigned the interior with the installation of digital devices and a new multimedia complex, and also introduced new engines and platform.
For comparison: the restyled model of the second generation Volkswagen Tiguan was released in 2020. Changes include new bumpers, reshaped headlights and taillights, a larger radiator grille, an updated steering wheel and a new multimedia system with a larger screen. However, the main platform, body and engine range remained the same.
How many restylings can a model have?
Within one generation, 1-2 upgrades are most often carried out, but sometimes more. For example, the Japanese manufacturer of the Toyota Estima minivan, after ten years of production, carried out its third update in 2016 - modernizing the bumpers, headlights and interior elements.
The update process can be planned or forced. The first is most often carried out in the middle of the car’s life cycle, 3 years after release. Unscheduled modernization is carried out if design flaws are identified. For example, in the II generation Hyundai Creta SUV in 2021, just 2 years after the premiere, the manufacturer changed the front part of the model. The reason was negative customer reviews.
What is changing / not changing
During the modernization process, the most expensive structural elements are preserved. These include the platform, power structure, and basic body components. As a rule, they are replaced during the transition from one generation of the model to the next.
Modernization often affects bumpers, optics, fenders and hood, colors, and rims. Interior elements and finishing materials are also being updated.
Sometimes there is an opinion that restyling a car concerns only the appearance. But manufacturers are increasingly deviating from this rule. For example, in 2017, after a restyling, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class executive sedan received new engines and even more electronic assistants in addition to its updated exterior.
Pros and cons of restyled cars
The answer to this question depends on the specific model. But we can highlight the general advantages of modernized cars:
- current design;
- thoughtfulness in detail;
- correction of shortcomings;
- richer options.
In addition, updating the model is cheaper than developing a new generation of cars, and therefore more affordable for the buyer. However, its life cycle may be shorter, since a new generation is expected on the way. In addition, manufacturers cannot always calculate the consequences of their innovations. For example, it has become a fairly common practice to introduce models with old engines to the market and then update them. At the same time, new units may turn out to be more “raw” than old proven ones.
Successful and unsuccessful restylings
An example of successful modernization is the release of the updated Hyundai iX35 model in 2013. The manufacturer added LED headlights and a version with bi-xenon, a fin antenna, multimedia with a touch screen, and a Supervision instrument panel. But the technical part has changed the most - a new 2.0 liter Nu series engine, a 6-speed manual transmission have been installed, and the suspension has been modified. At the same time, the list of configurations was changed. In the year of its release, the restyled iX35 overtook the popular Kia Sportage in sales.
The update of the BMW 5 Series (E60) can be called unsuccessful. In 2003, it was rolled off the assembly line with the M54 engine, which is still called the most reliable in the line. In 2005, units of the N52, N53, N54 series with very high oil consumption began to be installed under the hood. In the secondary market, motorists still prefer pre-restyling versions.
How is restyling different from facelift?
Today, many experts distinguish between three types of restyling - technical, redesign and facelift. A technical update is the modernization of the main units - engine, transmission, chassis. Redesign is understood as a serious update of the exterior and interior of a car, in which the technical part is preserved. The facelift includes minor changes to the exterior and interior. In reality, the line between these concepts is quite thin, and many simply perceive them as synonyms.
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