Automotive Facelifts - For Better or Worse

[Centroid]

Fiat facelifted the 2007 design 500 (again) for the EV models. Not sure how I feel about it. Some might like it and some don't. Looks like they're trying to go away from the more 'cute' look the 500 is known for.

Technically it is not a facelift. It is a totally new car. It just looks a lot like the old one.

 

[Sabertooth]

For worse:

The Mercedes AMG GTR:

And now the newer GTR Black Series:

I can't express how much I hate this new design. The AMG GTR was one of my favorite cars before they released this monstrosity. Yes, I know that the Black Series and the GTR are not technically the same model, but AMG has made it obvious enough that future GT models will follow this design. This design being the ugly new headlights, and the even uglier massive front grille.

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

If I'm honest, I only liked how those AMG GTs looked in base or GTS trim.

Those line grilles never interested me.

 

[GranTurNismo]

The facelift for the Kia Amanti/Opirus was definitely a much-needed improvement.

 

[FT-1]

For Worse: Citroen C3 Aircross.

Before:

After - The original car looked weirdly tall, the new front end emphasizes that:

 

[ScottPuss20]

For Worse: Citroen C3 Aircross.

Before:

After - The original car looked weirdly tall, the new front end emphasizes that:

It looks upset

 

[MedigoFlame]

I found the W213 E-Class to be rather pretty, up until they did the recent facelift.

Before:

After:

I feel like previous MBs had a great look, but they've recently been ruining their designs. The E-Class was one of my favorites, but they ruined it with the 2021 facelift. The rear end was the worst change for me.

 

[Sabertooth]

They tried to go for an aggressive design on a car that didn't need one. It's a luxury car, and it should look like one. Now it just looks like an angry sports sedan.

 

[ToyGTone]

Now the Y62 Patrol isn't exactly a looker to begin with but it's one that were improved slightly with the first facelift but then completely ruined later on thanks to a second facelift.

The Original design 2010-2014

The First facelift 2015-2019

The Second facelift 2020+

On the other hand, the 2018's S550 Mustang facelift were an improvement IMO

Mustang 2015-2017

Mustang 2018+

 

[anlis]

Alfa Romeo 166 before facelifting on left and after facelifting in 2003 on right.

 

[TexRex]

The Second facelift 2020+

Mustang 2018+

Angery.

I deliberately misspelled that because it seemed appropriate.

 

[ToyGTone]

Angery.

I deliberately misspelled that because it seemed appropriate.

Everything have to be "aggressive" these days...

 

[MedigoFlame]

The current fourth gen Hyundai Santa Fe was pretty decent looking.

But when they did the 2021 facelift to sort of go towards the Palisade doesn't really work.

 

[FT-1]

BMW X3 M & X4 M - While I reckon the X3 has changed for better....

... The X4 hasn't. They've gone overboard with the black bumper panels!

 

[05XR8]

I found the W213 E-Class to be rather pretty, up until they did the recent facelift.

Before:

After:

I feel like previous MBs had a great look, but they've recently been ruining their designs. The E-Class was one of my favorites, but they ruined it with the 2021 facelift. The rear end was the worst change for me.

The after looks like it's holding its breath to fit that 38 waist in those 36s.
Before is in those old 38s, "Ahhhhh, I can breathe..."

 

[TexRex]

What the **** is that?!

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

... The X4 hasn't. They've gone overboard with the black bumper panels!

Wow, they managed to take an ugly car and make it even uglier.

 

[ScottPuss20]

What the **** is that?!

I personally don't find it that offensive, but that's not to say it's good.

 

[conic]

The facelift of the Nissan Kicks made it even worse.
Before:

After:

 

[Tornado]

I dunno. It still doesn't look great, but the original had the exact kind of awkward puffy proportions that also graced the Buick Encore and Ford Ecosport; where it looks like they took something that already would have looked like a complete :censored:box economy car (like an Aveo or Mirage) and inflated it vertically. The new one is lousy with generic edgy overstyling elements like the "diffuser", but if anything they fit the shape and character lines of the body better than the amorphous blob headlights and grill.

 

[GranTurNismo]

I just don't understand why the US market gets the Kicks over the Juke.

 

[NotThePrez]

I just don't understand why the US market gets the Kicks over the Juke.

Is the Juke super popular here? I never see them on the road.

 

[GranTurNismo]

Is the Juke super popular here? I never see them on the road.

Not exactly, but neither is the Kicks.

 

[MedigoFlame]

The current fifth gen Subaru Forester was inoffensive, but nothing too special. Fairly decent looking at least.

But the 2022 facelift doesn't work. Weirdly too vertical and it almost seems like it's unfinished, like they were trying to copy the rear taillights with the boomerang shape, but stopped before they finished the bottom part.

 

[TexRex]

rear taillights

The Department of Redundancy Department approves.

 

[05XR8]

The current fifth gen Subaru Forester was inoffensive, but nothing too special. Fairly decent looking at least.

But the 2022 facelift doesn't work. Weirdly too vertical and it almost seems like it's unfinished, like they were trying to copy the rear taillights with the boomerang shape, but stopped before they finished the bottom part.

I'm fine with the new. Looks fresh as the old.. well... it looks old.
Not sure about the chrome bars above the foglights. Might have put another set of off-road lights there.

 

[conic]

The current fifth gen Subaru Forester was inoffensive, but nothing too special. Fairly decent looking at least.

But the 2022 facelift doesn't work. Weirdly too vertical and it almost seems like it's unfinished, like they were trying to copy the rear taillights with the boomerang shape, but stopped before they finished the bottom part.

With those new lights the car looks taller than it looked before.
Also, they make the new (and obviously sharp and bigger) grille stand out. It looks bigger than it probably is.

 

[MedigoFlame]

The Department of Redundancy Department approves.

As opposed to front taillights. /s

Yeah...that was redundant.

 

[TexRex]

As opposed to front taillights. /s

Yeah...that was redundant.

It was. I hope you know I only point it out in jest.

I've let rip some serious brain farts.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Barely see early pre-facelift Fiestas around. Couldn't help but be reminded of it when looking at photos of Team O'Neil's beginner training cars.

Pre-Facelift:

Facelift:

Much prefer the pre-facelift look.