
The main differences between the 2021 and 2020 Magotan models are as follows: 1. Headlights: The 2021 model features a new headlight design. While the 2020 Magotan was equipped with halogen headlights, the new model comes with full headlights across all variants. 2. Interior: The 2021 Magotan has undergone changes in the steering wheel and center console layout, making it appear more youthful compared to the 2020 model. 3. Grille: The facelifted 2021 Magotan adopts a raindrop-style chrome grille, seamlessly connected to the full LED matrix Matrix headlight assembly consisting of 32 independent lighting units. Combined with the horizontal chrome trim above, it effectively extends the visual width of the front fascia, offering more aesthetic appeal than the 2020 model.

As a car owner who frequently keeps an eye on new models, I noticed that the 2021 Magotan has particularly striking changes to its front fascia. The new grille is wider and more three-dimensional, paired with sharper headlight designs and newly styled daytime running light strips, giving the overall appearance a much younger vibe. The rear features newly designed smoked taillight clusters, with a cool flowing turn signal effect when illuminated at night. The wheels have been upgraded to 18-inch dual-tone turbine-style alloys, and even the base models now come with newly designed aluminum wheels. Two new paint options, Dolphin Gray and Starlight Gold, add a premium feel—especially the Starlight Gold, which shifts colors under sunlight. Inside, the infotainment screen has been upgraded to a 9.2-inch touchscreen with significantly faster response times than the previous model. For safety, a pre-collision system comes standard across the lineup, while higher trims gain a lane-change assist feature. Storage space has been optimized, with door panels now accommodating larger water bottles. These upgrades make the 2021 model look more dynamic and practical.

After comparing the two actual vehicles, the upgraded interior materials of the 2021 model impressed me the most. The dashboard now features stitched soft-touch materials, and the steering wheel has been upgraded to genuine leather wrapping, offering a much more substantial grip. The newly added 30-color ambient lighting is significantly more premium than the old single-color setup, especially adding a nice ambiance for nighttime driving. The most practical upgrade is the infotainment system, which now comes with the latest connectivity system, allowing voice commands to control air conditioning temperature. In terms of driving assistance, traffic sign recognition has been added across the lineup, and the top trim includes an automatic parking 3.0 system that enables remote parking via smartphone. The wireless charging pad is now more conveniently positioned compared to the older model, with dual Type-C ports placed nearby. The panoramic sunroof's sunshade has also been upgraded with better heat insulation. However, the removal of the old mechanical gauges is a minor drawback, though the full digital instrument cluster offers clearer displays. Overall, the cabin is noticeably quieter while driving.

The differences in the specifications are quite substantial. The 2021 base model comes with a rearview camera as standard, while it was an optional feature in the older version. Starting from the mid-range trim, a full LCD instrument cluster and front seat heating are standard, with steering wheel heating now available in more models. The powertrain still offers a combination of 1.4T and 2.0T engines, but the 2.0T models have been upgraded with the DQ381 transmission, making gear shifts noticeably smoother. There's a major upgrade in active safety features, with adaptive cruise control now supporting full-speed range follow-to-stop, making automatic following in traffic much easier. Rear side airbags have also been added. The touch-sensitive climate control panel with haptic feedback is more user-friendly than the old rotary knobs. The lifetime free data for the connected car services is a thoughtful addition. Although the price is a few thousand higher, the extra features make it worth the cost.

From a daily driving perspective, the 2021 model's detailed improvements are most considerate. The rear USB ports increased from 1 to 2, preventing family members from fighting over charging. The cup holder depth was increased, preventing bulky water bottles from tipping over. The center console storage compartment was redesigned with better partitions, making it much easier to organize documents and receipts. The center control buttons were upgraded to touch-sensitive backlit ones, improving nighttime operation convenience. The front seats now offer greater lumbar support adjustability, significantly enhancing comfort on long drives. The enlarged rearview mirrors provide a wider field of vision. The auto-hold function responds half a second faster, eliminating the need to keep the foot on the brake at red lights. The upgraded digital tire pressure monitoring system is more intuitive than the old warning light display.

For those focused on performance, while the 21 model-year's low-power version maintains unchanged specs, the throttle response in the initial stage has been tuned to be more sensitive, making urban overtaking noticeably quicker. The optimized auto start-stop system now generates much less vibration, reducing annoyance during traffic jams. The gearbox's sport mode features improved shift logic with more decisive downshifts. The newly adjusted shock absorbers in the chassis provide better filtration over manhole cover bumps without compromising cornering support. Fuel consumption tests show approximately 0.3L savings on the same route. The new alloy wheels reduce unsprung mass, resulting in lighter steering. The upgraded braking system offers more confidence during initial braking. Engine noise control at idle has shown significant improvement.


