THESE days, the lifecycle of a car is pretty well defined. The unveiling of a new product is preceded by years of development and testing, which often continues throughout a long and drawn-out launch phase. Then three to four years down the line comes the hotly anticipated facelift – a necessary nip and tuck designed to keep things competitive and fix any flaws.
It’s seen as a lifeline for manufacturers trying to keep pace in an ever-changing market. Consumers are constantly looking for the next big thing, tempted by treats from the east, plus the relentless and unabating onslaught of electrification. The humble facelift, then, is arguably more important than ever; what would have historically comprised minor aesthetic changes now spans key features ranging from infotainment to engines, and everything…