10 Cars That Went From Below Average To Amazing Through The Years

In the Indian automotive industry, time and the product are equally essential to compete with rivals. Where the time is a non-changeable identity, the product, in this case, the vehicle, can undoubtedly be changed if something goes wrong or was not at all expected. Hence, responsible carmakers do make changes to the customer feedback and reviews. This is where a below-average vehicle turns into a fantastic vehicle. From plenty of vehicles, there are 10 that we think to belong to this list. In no particular order, here goes nothing.

1. Jeep Compass
   

   

   Starting the list is the Jeep Compass. It was in 2017 Stellantis (then FCA) launched the Jeep Compass. For the money, the vehicle offers exceptional off-road capabilities and drivability. But what it lacked were some crucial features and a dashboard to complement the price.

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   Well, Jeep in Jan 2021, Jeep thoroughly updated the Compass. With the facelift, the vehicle came with the same things that it lacked before. Starting with a premium dashboard with a 10.1-inch infotainment system, ventilated seats, tyre pressure monitoring system, 360-degree camera, etc.

2. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
   

   

   In the 2014 Auto Expo, the Indian automotive giant showcased a concept of its C-segment sedan, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. The vehicle was looking stunning and out of this world. But as usual, apart from the basic design, the complete vehicle was different. Over the years, the carmaker, after hearing many feedbacks and reviews, altered the Ciaz and launched a facelift in 2018.

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   With the facelift, the vehicle got headlights and taillights similar to the concept from 2014. Also, with the design change, the company also replaced the older 1.4-litre petrol engine with a new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol. The engine could generate a peak power of 103bhp and 138Nm of torque and be pampered with a mild-hybrid system.

3. Mahindra XUV500 (XUV700)
   

   

   Back in 2011, Mahindra came up with its then flagship SUV XUV500 in India. The facelifted vehicle had the same features and the engine. And in the reign of about a decade, the vehicle went through a couple of facelifts and updates. Here we are, after the one that was launched in 2018.

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   What changed were the vehicle’s aesthetics, from the front and the back. Now, the engine and especially the NVH levels were outdated. To capture the market again, Mahindra launched the successor of the XUV500, the Mahindra XU700. The new vehicle needs a minimal introduction of what it packs.

4. Mahindra Thar
   

   

   Up next is another vehicle from the renowned SUV manufacturer, Mahindra Thar. Well, the vehicle when it was launched in 2010 had an image to be robust and purposeful. The same was the case with the facelifted Thar that was launched in 2015. It was until the late 2020s the carmaker thoroughly update the vehicle.

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   Now, Mahindra Thar is not only an off-roader but also a much better and more mature vehicle that can also do city and highway duties with equal ease. Even the diesel and the turbo petrol engines are new. The upgraded interior, more features and a global NCAP rating of 4 stars make the vehicle more compelling to buy this time around.

5. Tata Tiago
   

   

   Up next, we have the Tata Tiago. The hatchback was launched in 2016 and came with a 1.2-litre 3 cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. With time, the vehicle got many customers for the vehicle. But what it lacked was some unique features and had higher than usual NVH levels.

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   Tata does listen to its customers. In the first half of 2022, Tata launched the Tata Tiago facelift. This is where engine vibration was a little dialled down. With that, it got some new features, including, a premium sound system, an all-digital instrument cluster. And the latest is the option to run the hatch on CNG and projector headlights.

6. Tata Nexon
   

   

   Nexon sure is a well-engineered vehicle. Then why is it on the list? Well, back then, it had issues like substantial panel gaps and also lacked vital features. Also, many customers have also complained about the AMT stalling at times. Well, that was all in 2016 when the vehicle was new. But now, from 2020 to 2022, Tata has thoroughly updated, rectified all significant issues and also introduced many new features.

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   For instance, in 2020, with the facelift, the Nexon got a new and bold design with features like a tyre pressure monitoring system, sunroof and more. Now, with the Kaziranga edition, the Nexon also gets features like an air purifier and even ventilated seats taking the level even higher.

7. MG Hector
   

   

   The following vehicle on the list that got better with the facelift is the MG Hector. Back when it was launched in 2019, it was considered to be a value for money option. But with weird vehicle designs and disproportionate alloy wheels, less people were wiling to buy this soft-roader.

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   But with time, MG through update the Hector to bring it at power with its competitors in 2021. For example, the facelifted Hector comes with wireless charging, enhanced thigh support, ventilated seats, remote control via smartwatch, and an auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror.

8. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
   

   

   The next vehicle was not downright bad, but it became even better with the facelift. In September 2013, Hyundai launched the first i10 for the Indian market. The vehicle was promising and a decent buy for the money. But what it lacked was fuel efficiency and power. Even the successors of the i10 suffered from the same problem until the current generation, that is, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.

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   With the facelift, almost everything changes, from the interior to the powerhouse under the hood. For instance, on the inside, the Grand i10 Nios gets a better screen on the inside and also an all-digital instrument cluster is a bonus. Under the hood, this time around for all those looking for performance, there is a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

9. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
   

   

   It’s a rare occasion, a vehicle from Maruti Suzuki not selling in significant numbers. Well, Maruti Suzuki Celerios is among those vehicles. The biggest problem of Celerio was that it was competing with another vehicle, WagonR from the same carmaker that belonged to the same segment.

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   Having the same engine and a more streamlined design, it’s surprising, people didn’t pick the Celerio. Nevertheless, in 2022, Maruti Suzuki has made the Celerio a lot better. Though it shares the same engine, it gets many upgrades. These include a larger track, better aesthetics and a lot more features on the inside.

10. Tata Safari
    

    

    Moving to the last vehicle on the list, we have the Tata Safari. The 2021 Safari has a love and hate relationship with many people, including me, but it is actually a better vehicle. When viewing the Safari as an individual vehicle and not comparing it with any other vehicle (like the Harrier and the old Tata Safari), it just starts to become a vehicle worth buying.

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    Harrier was already in the market for a couple of years, sharing the same components mainly, it is refined and reliable. Also, over the older Safari, it gets a monocoque which provides better ride quality. Even the Stallantis source engine is better than before. Possibly the only flaw has to be the absence of a 4X4 drivetrain. But who knows, Tata might launch one late.

So, these were the vehicle we think became a lot better than before. Let us know in the comment section, which one is your favourite. Don’t forget to mention why.