Cars that changed dramatically with a new generation

More often than not, carmakers are naturally calibrated to take some of their boring-looking vehicles and turning them into something better. Unfortunately, there have been cases where the previous generation looked better, which is can be quite paradoxical considering the main aim of redesigning a car is to make it look better than its predecessor.

Of course, you and I will have to agree that styling is all up to the individual palette. A five for me could well be an eight for you and vice versa. But one thing we can all agree on is how the following cars have been restyled so dramatically that we can hardly recognise it on first glance.

1. Aston Martin Vantage

Yes, admittedly the second generation Aston Martin Vantage went through the biggest change from the first Vantage that was launched in the late 70s, but stating that as a qualifier for this story would force us to list down almost every single car that we've ever know. Just imagine the Mini turning into a MINI. Or the Fiat. Or the Beetle. You get the drift.

In all fairness and honesty, we like the looks of the previous generation Vantage. The strong snout, sleek headlamps and subtle lines on the bonnet gave it a more 'silent killer' appearance.

That's not to say the all new recently launched Aston Martin Vantage looks bad. With its wide-eyed headlamps, larger-than-life grille and strong, bold lines on its bonnet, the latest Aston on the block shares the same design language as the DB12 and is certainly more antagonistic. And that's certainly a big change.

2. BMW 4 Series Coupe

The grille. It's mostly the grille.

Of course, the rest of the external changes can obviously be spotted via the head and taillights, but the grille... that takes the cake. While that may sound like a negative thing, it's actually far from it. The BMW 4 Series (F32) has always been a fine-looking car, with an undeniably sleek, sharp and sporty shape that can make even the most demanding enthusiast drool.

So when the new 4 Series (G22) was launched in the mid of 2020, most people had a natural reaction of disapproval, complaining about how unnecessarily big the grille was. Fact of the matter is the car isn't as offensive in the metal as it is in photos. Sure, it's mostly the grille that majorly changed the looks of the car, but the 4 Series still sports strong muscularity of the rear haunches, low-slung roofline and a sexy silhouette.

3. Hyundai Avante

The Hyundai Avante has always been perceived as the 'boring uncle' kind of sedan. It looks dull, has a mediocre drive and it just never really evoked any of your senses. Even when the car went through a facelift back in 2018, the car didn't really take off... not till the all-new model saw daylight a year later. 

The design change was so massive, and positively if we may add, it immediately became the favourite in its class, outranking even its strong peers like the Toyota Altis, Mazda 3 Sedan and the Honda Civic. It became the car to own if you wanted a well-specced car to ferry your family around without looking out of place.

Hyundai's new design language, with its huge grille, bold lines and overall exciting sheet metal, continues onto other models in its lineup as well. 

4. Land Rover Defender

Ah... yes. This list wouldn't have been complete without the Land Rover Defender. The boxy, rugged-looking off-roader of the past remains to be an iconic car that many men aspire to own. 

So when the all-new Defender was introduced to the world back in 2019, it had that 'MINI' effect, where people were quick to judge the new and side the old. But thankfully, the car is still instantly recognisable as a Defender, with a mix of modern luxury and original rugged functionality. It certainly became a modern-day vehicle, as it should be, but it remains to be unpretentious and cool.

Like the original Defender, the current model also has both the 90 short wheelbase as well as the 110 long wheelbase variants. Talk about not messing with a successful formula.

5. Mazda 3 Sedan

Another car that went through a huge change from one generation to another is the Mazda 3. Admittedly, the carmaker's entire lineup went through a major overhaul, which allowed the brand to revamp itself from water to wine. 

From the 2014 model to the 2019 model, the Mazda 3 Sedan went through a change that allowed the car to appear more refined and more gracious. Gone is the sinister smiling face that has been replaced with a wider, larger grille that goes really well with the sleek-looking headlamps.

Of course the sheet metal is now admirably simple and executed perfectly, with no visual interruptions from unnecessary waistlines and wild creases like before. Big change? Yes. Better than before? Oh, most definitely.

6. Toyota Camry

And then you have the recently launched Toyota Camry Hybrid. This all-new ninth generation model is nothing short of a big change, inside and out. It instantaneously looks more attractive, appealing and appetizing. Sure, many will think it's overdone, me included, but you cannot deny the massive change in terms of its design.

With the new design language, you can expect Toyota to have a lineup that's similar to the Camry Hybrid. From the all-new Toyota Prius Hybrid to the Crown Hybrid, buyers will be able to enjoy a new look, new feel and new fit and finish will be on par with the more luxurious and sumptuous Lexus brand.

Yes, you read that right.