As it should be, in addition to the new generations of models being commercialized, such as the introduction of new (and even unpublished) models in the brands' portfolio, there could also be updates to models already in commercialization. In 2020 there will be many models with a clean face, that is, we will see a series of facelifts, restylings or, as we have seen this year, many technological updates.
Such is the pace of today's automotive industry that waiting for a new generation of a model to introduce new technologies or reinforce existing ones — whether in terms of electrification, connectivity or driver assistance systems — can be too long.
optimize and strengthen
Just look at the updates of some models for 2020 (already unveiled in 2019) that focused essentially on introducing more technology (security and connectivity). In more specific cases, such as in some electric cars, the highlight was an update of… software, as if it were the operating system of our computer or smartphone.
Audi e-tron
Among the latter, the Audi e-tron , whose new Sportback variant brought several optimizations (hardware and software) to the rest of the range, allowing it to gain 25 km of autonomy. THE Jaguar I-Pace he was subjected to an identical treatment — an update of the battery management software — which made him gain 20 km. In addition to these, the “master of updates” or updates, the Tesla Model 3 also received several, allowing power/performance gains and new features of its infotainment system.
THE Honda Civic enter 2020 with some new features: now there are… buttons — yes, buttons… — to assist in controlling the infotainment system. There are also more options in terms of comfort equipment, such as seats with electrical adjustment. Expect a few light touches on the Civic's face — revised design air intakes and LED headlamps are now standard.
The (still) flagship of the German brand, the Opel Insignia , also receives an almost imperceptible aesthetic revision at the front, but gets a new rear camera, and with it, a boost in the level of assistants to the driver.
Honda Civic 2020
Finally, “O” MPV Renault Space It also received a new technological package and LED Matrix Vision optics, a first for the French brand. And the interior has been given a new center console that also integrates Renault's latest infotainment system, Easy Connect.
clean-faced
In addition to the technological reinforcements, we will effectively see models with a clean face next year. We start with the Mitsubishi Space Star whose face is 100% new — already revealed and… already conducted —, arriving in Portugal in March.
THE Citron C3 It will also see its face renewed, remaining fresh against heavy domestic competition, namely Clio and 208, which should take the segment by storm in 2020.
Furthermore, by keeping the old PF1 platform — the new 208 uses the new CMP — electrification will not be within the reach of the C3 so it will have to resort to other arguments. For this reason, a greater focus on comfort is to be expected — the introduction of suspensions with progressive hydraulic stops has been one of the most popular possibilities — which will allow it to stand out from its rivals.
Going up a segment, it's the Hyundai i30 preparing to receive a restyling that, it seems, will be more pronounced than the norm. New will be the introduction of a plug-in hybrid, as well as the latest infotainment and driving aid systems.
A plug-in hybrid will also be the big news of the renewed Renault Megane . If on the outside big changes are not expected, on the inside, as in Espace, it should receive the new infotainment system, debuted on the Clio.
Hyundai i30 N Project C
Changing the typology, to the unavoidable SUV, and starting with the Peugeot 3008 , the goose that lays the golden eggs of the Sochaux builder, will have aesthetic revisions at the ends that should bring it closer to the latest 508 and 208. Also recent are the rechargeable hybrid versions Hybrid and Hybrid4, so not much more is expected from the point of mechanical view. The 5008 will receive the same updates except, apparently, the availability of hybrid engines.
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Moving to the Volkswagen group, it will be the SEAT Ateca the one that should receive the biggest changes, by adopting a front to Tarraco's image. THE Skoda Kodiaq it's the Volkswagen Tiguan will also receive revised fronts, but the biggest news will be the introduction of a hybrid plug-in version for both, using the same solution that we have seen applied (also) in Tarraco. Still referring to Tiguan, the R version, originally scheduled for 2018, should arrive with restyling.
SEAT Ateca
Also in the German group, the Volkswagen Arteon it will be updated in the same way as we saw in the already presented — and also conducted — Volkswagen Passat. More focused on technology, the surprise may come from the addition of a van variant. In medium saloons, the restyling of the Renault Talisman , which will receive the same updates already seen on Espace.
Clean-faced, premium edition
The so-called premium brands are no different from the rest, and there are several fresh-faced models that we will see in 2020. Opening up the “hostilities”, the arch-rivals BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be updated in 2020.
In case of BMW 5 Series an exterior upgrade as dramatic as we saw in the Series 7 in early 2019 is not anticipated. However, it will get new optics and a more pronounced grille, in addition to the usual tech upgrades. Still without absolute certainty, there is talk of yet another hybrid plug-in variant, positioned above the current 530e. Of course, also the M5 will be updated — there is the possibility of also receiving a new engine…
BMW M550i
To Mercedes-Benz E-Class , the same type of intervention. The differences should be concentrated at the front, with a revised grille-optics set, and we will see the introduction of the MBUX system in the range. As in the Series 5, it will probably have an increase in the hybrid offer — there are already two proposals, gasoline and diesel —, as we saw in the GLE which, thanks to a battery with much greater capacity, offers 99 km of 100% electric autonomy.
Not coming from the same segment, the Swedes too Volvo S90 and V90 will be updated. If on the outside, the moves will be more contained than on the Germans (they seem to be confined only to optics), on the inside the highlight is the introduction of a new Android-based infotainment system, which includes the Google Assistant, which we've already seen firsthand. in Polestar 2. No mechanical innovations are expected, except for the introduction of mild-hybrid systems. Ahh… and from 2020, all Volvos will be electronically limited to 180 km/h.
Still in the field of saloons, but rising in level, is the Porsche Panamera which will be updated. The Stuttgart brand isn't given to major visual tweaks in these mid-cycle updates, but the surprise may lie in the introduction of a new top-end hybrid version, positioned above the 680 hp Turbo S E-Hybrid — the so-called “Lion” project . Rumors indicate… 800 hp.
Mercedes-AMG GT Concept, 2017. It already anticipated the future hybrid version with 800 hp
The right machine for a duel against the already confirmed 4-door Mercedes-AMG GT 73 , which will also have a power value around that value, resulting from the combination of hydrocarbons with electrons.
Jumping into the SUVs, the Audi Q5 receives a “face wash” in 2020, joining the already revealed Audi A5 . Expect an intervention identical to that which occurred with the A4 for the German SUV — perhaps with more contained aesthetic changes —, with the focus being on an enhanced infotainment system, as well as the introduction of mild-hybrid engines.
2020 goal: renew everything
There are still cases in which we will see the entire range of a builder — or at least the vast majority — being updated with cosmetic, mechanical and technological innovations.
Jaguar is one of those cases, and after the XE, which is already on sale, the restyling of the F-Type was recently unveiled — a new front, digital instrument panel and reorganized engine range, with Europe losing the V6 but gaining a V8 — with the rest of the range to follow in 2020.
Jaguar F-Type, 2020.
THE F-Pace should be the first to emerge, with some aesthetic revisions, and rumors indicate the introduction of the new Ingenium inline six-cylinder petrol, as well as the introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant, in the image of the Range Rover P400e. THE E-Pace it has also been seen in street tests, as well as the XF , whether the saloon or van. The latter will be more deeply revised, both on the outside and inside, in the image of what we saw in XE.
Further south, in Italy, the FCA — which was recently in the news for confirmation of the merger with PSA — sees 2020 as a year of change. After too many years with few new features in Europe, next year will be particularly full, between absolute new features and many updates to existing models.
You Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio — expected to receive a more in-depth update in 2021 — enter 2020 with several technological updates. From the infotainment system — a new version and the screen becomes tactile — to the driving assistance systems (they are now level 2 on the autonomous driving scale). With the announced end of the 4C and the expected end of the Giulietta in 2020, Alfa Romeo is reduced to two models.
You Fiat Panda, Fiat 500 and Fiat Type They're getting ready to get new mild-hybrid (12 V) powertrains in 2020 — emissions need to be cut urgently — and an updated infotainment system.
Fiat Panda Trussardi
In the case of the Panda and 500, an atmospheric version of 1.0 Firefly will debut — the same as the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X. The Panda, according to rumors, will be subject to a more in-depth aesthetic overhaul both inside and out. In the case of Type, it will mean the adoption of 1.0 Firefly Turbo and possibly 1.3 Firefly Turbo, always with mild-hybrid (12 V). This electrified option can also be extended to the Fiat 500X.
Maserati Levante and Maserati Ghibli
Finally, Maserati will have an atypical 2020, with a lot of activity. In addition to the hybrid super sports car, the entire range, Ghibli, raise and Quattroport , will be renewed. Of the little that is known about these renovations, the reinforcement of the driving assistance systems is one of the highlights (improved level 2 of autonomous driving), but it will be the plug-in hybrid version of the Ghibli that focuses the attention.
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