About Hyundai Aura S

Planning to buy a new car in India? That's an exciting journey! But before you sign on the dotted line, you're probably juggling a lot of questions. What's my budget? Is it safe for my family? How much will it cost me monthly for maintenance? Does it have all the latest features? And what about the company's after-sales service? These are all super important considerations, and rightly so. Today, we're going to take a deep dive into a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for Indian families: the new Hyundai Aura S. Let's find out if this compact sedan is the right fit for your garage!

Main Highlights of the Hyundai Aura S

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine
• Maximum Power: 83 PS (Petrol)
• Maximum Torque: 113.8 Nm (Petrol)
• Transmission: Available with 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and Smart Auto AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)
• Mileage: Expect impressive fuel efficiency, a strong point for Hyundai's compact cars, especially crucial for city commutes and long drives alike.

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The Hyundai Aura S has a sleek, modern look that stands out in its segment. It features a bold front grille, projector headlamps (on higher variants), and boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that give it a distinctive face. The sloping roofline gives it a sporty, coupe-like profile, while chrome accents add a touch of premium feel. The rear design is equally contemporary with Z-shaped LED tail lamps and a sculpted boot lid, giving it a sophisticated presence on Indian roads.

Interior Design

Step inside the Aura S, and you're greeted with a well-laid-out cabin. The dual-tone interior theme (typically black and beige or grey) makes the cabin feel airy and premium. The dashboard design is intuitive, focusing on driver convenience. Quality materials are used throughout, giving a comfortable and durable feel. The seats are supportive, making both short city drives and longer journeys pleasant.

Key Features

While the 'S' variant is usually a mid-spec trim, the Aura line-up offers a host of impressive features. Here's what you can expect, keeping in mind some top-tier features are in higher variants:

• Infotainment System: An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available in higher variants. The Aura S typically comes with a 2-DIN integrated audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and steering-mounted controls.
• Connectivity: USB charging ports, 12V power outlet.
• Sunroof: Please note, a sunroof is not available in any variant of the Hyundai Aura.
• 360-Degree Camera: This advanced parking assist feature is available in the top-end variants of the Aura.
• Wireless Charging: A convenient wireless phone charger is also a feature found in the higher-spec variants.
• Climate Control: The Aura S usually features a manual air conditioning system. Automatic Climate Control is available in higher variants.
• Other notable features: Rear AC vents (a huge plus for Indian summers), electrically adjustable ORVMs, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, and a multi-information display.

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Aura S?

The Hyundai Aura S offers a ground clearance of approximately 165 mm. This is generally sufficient to handle most urban potholes and speed breakers found on Indian roads with care.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Aura S?

One of the Aura's strong points as a sedan is its practical boot space. The Hyundai Aura S boasts a generous boot capacity of around 402 litres. This is ample room for your family's luggage for weekend getaways or regular grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Aura S?

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1680 mm
• Height: 1520 mm
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Aura S primarily comes with the efficient 1.2L Kappa Petrol engine. For those looking for even lower running costs, Hyundai also offers a factory-fitted CNG option with the 1.2L petrol engine, which is a very popular choice in India for its excellent mileage and affordability.

Safety Features

Hyundai has equipped the Aura with a range of safety features to protect its occupants:

• Airbags: The Aura S now comes standard with 4 airbags (dual front and dual side airbags).
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for improved braking control.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: For secure installation of child seats.
• Rear Parking Sensors: Standard for easier parking.
• Speed Alert System: Reminds you to drive within limits.
• Seatbelt Reminders: For both driver and front passenger.
• Higher variants may offer additional features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial. Here's a look at the Aura's (based on its platform sibling, the Grand i10 Nios) NCAP performance:

Rivals of Hyundai Aura S

The Hyundai Aura S competes in a highly competitive compact sedan segment in India. Its main rivals include:

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Known for its reliability, widespread service network, and fuel efficiency.
• Tata Tigor: Offers strong build quality, impressive safety ratings (4-star GNCAP), and a comfortable ride.
• Honda Amaze: Valued for its spacious interior, refined engine options, and comfortable ride quality.

How is the Car? - A Balanced Look at the Hyundai Aura S

Advantages (Pros)

• Feature-Rich Cabin: Even the S variant offers a decent set of features for its price, with higher variants being very well-equipped.
• Smooth Engine & Transmission: The 1.2L petrol engine is refined, peppy enough for city driving, and offers good drivability. The AMT option adds convenience.
• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: Both petrol and especially the CNG variant deliver impressive mileage, helping keep running costs low.
• Hyundai Service Network: Hyundai's extensive and reliable service network across India ensures peace of mind for maintenance and repairs.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian road conditions, offering a comfortable ride quality.
• Spacious Boot: A 402-litre boot space is a big plus for a compact sedan.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Rear Seat Space: While decent, very tall passengers might find rear knee room a bit snug on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
• Global NCAP Rating: The 2-star rating for its platform sibling (Grand i10 Nios) is a point of concern, though newer models with 4 standard airbags might perform better. We await specific BNCAP results.
• No Sunroof Option: For those who desire this premium feature, the Aura does not offer it.
• Higher-end features (like 360-cam, wireless charging) not in 'S' trim: If you're eyeing those premium features, you'll need to step up to higher variants, impacting the budget.
• No Diesel Engine Option: The Aura is available only with petrol and CNG powertrains; there's no diesel variant for those preferring that option.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Aura S emerges as a compelling package for Indian car buyers looking for a stylish, feature-loaded, and fuel-efficient compact sedan. It offers the trusted Hyundai reliability, a strong service network, and a comfortable experience for city commutes and family trips. While its Global NCAP rating from a few years ago might give pause, the inclusion of 4 standard airbags in current models is a significant step forward, and we hope to see improved results in future safety tests.

If your priorities are a modern design, good mileage (especially with CNG), a comfortable cabin with practical features, and excellent after-sales service, the Hyundai Aura S should definitely be on your test-drive list. It offers a balanced proposition in a competitive segment, making it a trustworthy choice for many Indian families.