Hyundai Aura

Exterior

The dominating face and most of the elements from the Grand i10 Nios have been carried over. The sculpted bonnet, projector headlamps with halogens, that massive Cascading grille, and the triangular inserts for the projector fog lamps work well here too. Viewed from the front, the Aura’s only distinguishing element remains to be the double boomerang-shaped LED DRLs.

In profile, the Aura resembles its smaller sibling to a larger extent. From the C-pillar onwards, the boot nicely merges into the tail, without making it just a slap-on boot modification. The alloy wheels are new as well, although they are similarly-sized. The rear sees the addition of sizeable LED taillamps and neatly tucked spoiler. Taking into consideration its segment and price, Hyundai Aura does seem a bit narrower than the rest.

Variants

The Hyundai Aura variants are as follows: E, S, SX, SX Plus, and SX (O). Safety-wise, the compact sedan gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, speed-sensing door locks, reverse parking sensors, driver and passenger seat belt warnings as standard.

Moreover, it also gets some nice-to-have features such as push-button start with keyless entry, projector headlamps, projector fog lamps, LED DRLs, LED taillamps, 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and chrome-outside door handles. Then there’s an 8.0-inch touchscreen with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging pad, a 5.3-inch MID, steering-mounted audio controls, reverse parking camera, rear aircon vents, cruise control, Arkamys sound system, climate control, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.

Interior

The Hyundai Aura’s interiors, too, draw its inspiration from the Grand i10 Nios. As discussed above, the sedan is loaded to the gills with equipment and nice-to-have features. The driver sits facing a part-digital instrument cluster, replete with an analogue tachometer and a 5.3-inch digital MID.

Taking the centre stage is an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, which also doubles up as feed for the reverse parking camera. It also gets Android Auto and Apple Carplay support. The seats are nice and supportive, and amongst the best in the class. The increased wheelbase results in a livelier rear seat, translating into ample of legroom and knee room for the rear passengers.

Engine Specifications & Performance

The Hyundai Aura comes with three engine options. The entry-level engine is the company’s 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated Kappa petrol unit, which is good for 82bhp and 113Nm of torque. It comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. You can also spec it up with a factory-fitted CNG. As for the diesel, it’s also the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit, capable of churning out 74bhp and 190Nm of torque. It, too, comes mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT transmission.

The talking point here, however, is the 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder petrol engine. Available only in the decently-specced SX Plus trim, it demands a significant more of Hyundai Aura on-road price in comparison to its naturally-aspirated counterpart. It produces 99bhp and 172Nm of torque and comes mated to a sole 5-speed manual gearbox.

Competitors

The Hyundai Aura takes on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Ford Aspire, Honda Amaze, Tata Tigor and Volkswagen Ameo.