Hyundai Aura: The Hyundai Aura is one of the most value for money compact sedans in the Indian car market.

Sitting below the Hyundai Verna, it is based on the Grand i10 Nios platform, and it packs style, features and frugality into a sub-4m package.

It is smartly designed for the urban couple, the working executive and the value-seeking customer who aspires to own more than a hatchback, but without buying in to the premium space.

With different choices of powertrain, a feature-rich cabin, and Hyundai’s tested brand value the Aura somehow provides you more car for less money.

Modern styling with understated elegance

The Aura has been nicely designed in the new age Hyundai way and it’s stylish enough to catch the eye of both young and old buyers.

The wide cascading grille, sharp projector headlamps and the integrated LED DRLs contribute in enhancing its urban stance at the front end.

The sculpted hood upfront and the feline character lines along the side present it with well-proportioned stance, at the back it comes with Z-shaped LED tail lamps and chrome highlight strip across the boot to make it look more stylish.

The Aura is far from fancy, but it appears more upscale than you might expect for a budget sedan, especially in two-tone color pairings. The 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (available on higher trims) enhance the car’s premium look.

Premium Touches Inside and Out

Climb into the Aura and you’re welcomed by a two-tone cabin that feels inviting and solidly constructed.

The dashboard is unadorned and the texturing of the materials gives a pleasant aesthetic lift. It doesn’t seem sparse or low-rent, with nice design touches such as satin-silver trim and a fashionable instrument cluster.

Fuel efficiencyAt the time of its launch, the Kia Seltos is one of the most fuel efficient cars in the segment coming in at 16.5kpl for the petrol variant with the manual while the automatic returns 16.8kpl, and the diesel betters it with a claimed postive 20kpl for the manual (17.8kpl for the AT).

It gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charger are also available along with automatic climate control and rear AC vents and keyless entry with push button start and cruise control.

The seats also provide good support and are nice and comfortable. One or two small families can fit in, thanks to good leg and head space for both front and back seats.

The boot is a capacious 402 litres, enough for the weekly shop and luggage.

Numerous Engine Choices and Seameless Drive

The Hyundai Aura is offered with multiple engine options catering to different requirements:

1.2L petrol (83 PS, 114 Nm) with 5-speed MT or AMT

1.2L CNG (69 PS, 95 Nm) with 5-speed MT

1.0L turbo petrol (Phased out in recent new versions, although popular with the enthusiasts)

The 1.2L petrol motor is a refined and silky unit that is best suited for city commutes.

It is good enough for daily use and will manage around 20km/litre of torpedo juice in the dealThe AMT gives the aforementioned people convenience if they are to wade through daily traffic.

And, of course the gas provides an option for low running cost enthusiasts.

While driving, the Aura remains smooth and confident. Its suspension is nicely calibrated to soak up city bumps, while the light steering makes parking and maneuvering a breeze.

Safety and Technology

The Aura gets dual airbags (as standard), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, rear-view camera and ISOFIX mounts.

Four airbags, ESC and Hill Start Assist on the other hand are available in higher trims to make the car safer.

Also Hyundai offers a solid warranty plan of upto…wait, 5 yrs or 1,00,000 kms along with RSA and network-wide service presence.

Hero Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0 – Dhakad mileage bike come for daily use in budget price

Pros

Attractive and modern design

Classy looking cabin with feature rich and segment first tech

Economical and maneuverable engines

Budget CNG model for commuting

From there, the boot’s vast and the seating comfy.

Cons

Turbo petrol officially goes off the menu in all but one trim

Rear seat better for two adults (third can be cramped)

Construction quality is good, but not best in class

AMT is not as seamless as conventional automatics

Doesn’t provide much excitement on the highway

Hyundai Aura: Verdict

Hyundai Aura is definitely worth considering in the compact sedan space. It’s sleek, capable, feature-rich and supported by Hyundai’s extensive service network.

Whether you’re an urbanite in the market for a daily driver or a family that wants comfort and utility at a modest price, the Aura ticks most of the right boxes.

It’s a clever mix of economy and elegance — just right for contemporary urban India.