About Hyundai Aura S AMT

Buying a new car in India is a big decision. You have to think about so many things: How much will it cost? Is it safe for my family? Will it be expensive to maintain every month? Does it have all the latest features I need? And importantly, is the company service reliable? These are all valid questions, and finding a car that ticks most of these boxes can be a challenge.

But what if we told you there's a compact sedan that tries to balance all these needs, especially for city driving and first-time car buyers? Today, we are taking a close look at the Hyundai Aura S AMT. This car promises convenience, efficiency, and the trusted Hyundai experience, making it a strong contender in the bustling Indian automotive market. Let’s dive in and see if it’s the right fit for you.

Main Highlights of the Hyundai Aura S AMT

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Hyundai Aura S AMT is its efficient petrol engine, designed for smooth city commutes and decent highway performance.

• Engine Type: 1.2L Kappa Petrol
• Cylinders: 4-cylinder
• Maximum Power: 83 PS (at 6000 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 113.8 Nm (at 4000 rpm)
• Transmission: 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The Aura boasts a modern and attractive design, striking a balance between elegance and sportiness. It carries Hyundai’s signature design language, making it instantly recognizable.

• Front Fascia: Features Hyundai’s signature cascading grille with chrome elements and boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights).
• Side Profile: A sleek profile with a coupe-like roofline, giving it a distinctive look in the compact sedan segment.
• Rear Design: Stylish Z-shaped LED tail lamps and a sculpted boot lid add to its premium appeal.

Interior Design

Step inside, and the Aura S AMT welcomes you with a practical and comfortable cabin, designed for everyday convenience.

• Dual-Tone Theme: A pleasing dual-tone grey interior theme creates an airy feel.
• Comfortable Seating: Ergonomically designed seats offer good support for both city drives and longer journeys.
• Practical Layout: All controls are well-placed and easy to reach, enhancing the driving experience.
• Spacious Cabin: Offers decent legroom and headroom for a compact sedan, making it comfortable for four adults.

Key Features (Hyundai Aura S AMT)

While the Aura offers many features across its range, the S AMT variant focuses on essential comfort and convenience.

• Infotainment: 2-DIN Audio System with Bluetooth connectivity, USB, and FM radio. It comes with 4 speakers.
• Steering Mounted Controls: For audio and calls, ensuring you keep your hands on the wheel.
• Air Conditioning: Manual AC with rear AC vents, a thoughtful addition for Indian summers.
• Power Windows: For all four doors.
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs: For easy mirror adjustments.
• Driver’s Seat Height Adjust: To find your perfect driving position.
• Cooled Glove Box: A practical feature for storing beverages.

Please note: Features like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, or a 360-degree camera are typically available in higher variants of the Aura, not the S AMT.

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Aura?

The Hyundai Aura offers a healthy ground clearance, suitable for varied Indian road conditions.

• Ground Clearance: 165 mm

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Aura?

For a compact sedan, the Aura provides a generous boot, making it practical for family trips or airport runs.

• Boot Space: 402 litres

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Aura?

Understanding the car’s dimensions helps in gauging its road presence and maneuverability.

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

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Aura is primarily offered with a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine. It comes with two transmission choices:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) – the focus of our review, offering clutch-free driving convenience.

Safety Features

Hyundai places importance on safety, equipping the Aura with essential features.

• Dual Airbags (Driver and Passenger)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Seatbelt Reminders for Driver and Passenger
• High-Speed Alert System
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts (in higher variants)

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings provide an independent assessment of a car’s crashworthiness. It’s important to note that the Global NCAP rating below is for the pre-facelift model of the Aura, tested under specific protocols.

Rivals of Hyundai Aura S AMT

The Hyundai Aura S AMT competes in a highly competitive segment against some strong players:

• Maruti Suzuki Dzire AMT
• Honda Amaze CVT/AMT
• Tata Tigor AMT

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of the Hyundai Aura S AMT to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages (Pros)

• Convenient AMT: The 5-speed AMT offers a smooth and hassle-free driving experience, especially in heavy city traffic, making it a great choice for daily commutes.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 1.2L Kappa engine is known for its excellent fuel economy, helping you save on running costs, a key factor for Indian car buyers.
• Comfortable Ride: The Aura offers a pliant ride quality, soaking up most road imperfections with ease, contributing to comfortable journeys.
• Spacious Cabin: For a compact sedan, it offers good space for occupants, particularly at the rear, making it suitable for small families.
• Hyundai Reliability & Service: Hyundai's widespread service network and reputation for reliable cars offer peace of mind to owners.
• Feature-Rich for the Variant: The S AMT variant includes essential features like rear AC vents, steering-mounted controls, and a cooled glove box, adding to convenience.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Global NCAP Rating: The 2-star Global NCAP rating (for the pre-facelift model) might be a concern for safety-conscious buyers, especially when compared to some rivals.
• Basic Infotainment in S AMT: While functional, the 2-DIN audio system in the S AMT variant lacks a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto, which are increasingly common expectations.
• Engine Performance on Highways: While adequate for the city, the 1.2L engine can feel a bit strained during quick overtakes or at high speeds on highways, especially with a full load.
• No Advanced Safety Features: It misses out on more advanced safety features like side/curtain airbags or ADAS, which are starting to appear in some competitor vehicles.
• AMT Jerks: Like most AMT units, there can be slight shift jerks at lower speeds, though Hyundai has improved its tuning over time.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Aura S AMT emerges as a very strong contender for anyone looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient, and convenient compact sedan in India. Its easy-to-drive nature, especially with the AMT, makes it an excellent choice for city commuters, first-time car buyers, and small urban families.

While it might not have the highest safety rating or the most cutting-edge infotainment in its S AMT trim, it truly excels in offering a comfortable ride, practical features, and the reliable ownership experience that comes with the Hyundai badge. If your priorities are ease of driving, low running costs, and a spacious cabin for everyday use, the Aura S AMT is definitely a car you should consider and test drive. It’s a practical, no-nonsense choice that offers good value for your hard-earned money.