Hyundai Aura First Look Review - Is The Xcent Successor Any Better?

Hyundai launched the Aura in January 2020 and in no time the Maruti Dzire rival gained its likeness towards the Indian market. Hyundai Aura is a successor to the Xcent and comes with loads of features, more wheelbase, better styling and in this first look review, we will share all about it.

Introduction

Hyundai launched the Aura in January this year and was the first BS6 compliant diesel car from the South Korean manufacturer. The design of the car is simply focused on the 'love or hate' philosophy as some just love this model while the others are dissatisfied with the inappropriate proportions. Nonetheless, the compact sedan is Xcent successor and offers plenty of new-age technology, features and a roomier cabin than the Xcent. Let us find out its engine options first!

Engine Options

What's new is the inclusion of a turbo petrol unit which is borrowed from the Venue. The detuned 1.0L motor now makes 99 bhp with a peak torque of 172 Nm. The engine gets mated to a 5-speed manual unit and it delivers an ARAI certified mileage of 20.5 km/l. A car with good performance yet fuel-efficient! That's a factor played well by Hyundai for the Indian market.

The second engine is the BS6 compliant of the 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol which makes 83 bhp and is seen on the Nios, Xcent and Grand i10. It also offers a 5-speed stick shift and Hyundai provides a CNG variant too with this 1.2L petrol. When paired with CNG the power drops down to 69 bhp and 95 Nm of peak torque. Hyundai also provides an AMT unit but only with the 1.2L petrol and not the CNG variants.

Next-up is for those who love the smaller 1.2L diesel engine from Hyundai. The peppy motor makes the city driving easier and if pushed hard can cruise well on the highways too. This motor is capable of churning 75 bhp and 190 Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to both 5-speed manual and an optional AMT gearbox. The ARAI certified mileage on this one is rated at 25.35 km/l for the MT and 25.40 km/l for the AMT.

Exteriors

Now, sharing our info on the design then it doesn't look that bad, or does it? Do let us know what you think about Aura in the comments section below. The front profile looks similar as found in Nios but to differentiate between the two, the Aura gets tweaked grille design along with placement of dual boomerang LED DRLs on either side of the grille.

The side profile shows the roofline straightly merging into the boot which might not go well with some buyers. Also, the new alloy wheel design grabs for attention now. It is the rear design which is a bit of overdone but then again, you surely will notice the compact sedan if it is moving on the road. The angular bumper design at the rear looks sporty and the only odd thing is the presence of rear two parking sensors instead of the four. It surely will add a fuss when someone parks it in a very tight space.

Interiors

It is no doubt that the interiors of Hyundai Aura borrow its design cues from the Grand i10 Nios. The only difference here is the presence of dashboard trim above the glovebox which is available in satin bronze finish. The dual-tone black and grey colour scheme looks good but it is the interiors of 1.0L turbo petrol which gives a sporty appeal. It gets an all-black interior with red inserts on the AC vents and gear knob. The seats come in an all-black pattern and get honeycomb styling.

Features

Hyundai has excelled in terms of features with the Aura. It now gets a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen unit which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, it gets a 5.3-inch MID screen also. Furthermore, it gets wireless charging, cruise control, rear AC vents, 12V charging socket and Hyundai's iBlue system which allows you to control the stereo via your smartphone.

Safety features on this one include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, emergency stop signal, high-speed alert system, front seat belt reminder and among others.

Prices
Hyundai Aura starts from Rs 5.81 lakh and goes up to Rs 9.24 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. It competes with Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, Ford Aspire and Tata Tigor. In the table given below, the prices of all have been mentioned!