The Indian automobile market saw a great news, when Hyundai introduced the second generation Aura replacing the Xcent. Market Introduction Indian car enthusiasts have been closely following the development of the sedan, the latest offering from Hyundai’s stable to be placed as accessible yet premium compact sedan with an aggressive pricing starting at ₹5.8 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Table of Contents
Design Evolution: Given that the Aura is born out of the Xcent….
The design philosophy has made a big leap from the first-gen Xcent to the Aura. The Xcent came and served its purpose as a sedan on a budget but the Aura is bringing in premiumness to this segment that didn’t exist before. The outside would copy Hyundai’s latest Sensuous Sportiness design language, with a cascading grille to help set it apart from the competition.
The tidy LED headlamps with integrated DRLs also contribute to the Aura’s fresh, up-market look, which seems to defy its price point. Clean lines and balanced proportions ensure the side silhouette looks crisp, while the rear design with signature taillamps makes it easily recognisable in the correspondingly imposing crowd.
Inside Story The interior is beautifully made and full of tech.
Climbing inside the Aura you will be blown away, the interior is so much more than you’d expect from a company of Dethleffs position. In the cabin, premium materials and considered design give a strong feel of quality. This is enhanced by the two-tone beige and black color theme, with chrome accents to lift the cabin’s ambience without resorting to bling.
The dash is which is handsomely styled benfits from an 8-(inch touchscreen infotainment This results in perfect compatibility with smartphones – something very important for young the customers who make up a considerable share of the target group.
Comfort is bolstered by automatic climate control, rear AC vents and power windows with automatic down function. The seats offer good support, both in the front and the back, and the Aura would be comfortable to settle into for a long drive despite its smallish size. Rear seating has class-leading legroom, something potential buyers in the segment are concerned about.
Variants: Petrol and Diesel Performance:
The Aura gets both petrol and diesel engines giving buyers the option to choose as per their preference and use. The 1.2-litre Kappa petrol motor produces 83 PS and 114 Nm of peak torque which should be good for city jaunts and highway cruising. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or an AMT option as well.
For customers who demand more performance and fuel efficiency, namely fleet owners or high-mileage users, the 1.2-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine has been upgraded to produce 75 PS with 190 Nm. Both engine offerings boast strong fuel economy figures, offering an excellent option to buyers who want to keep their fuel costs to a minimum.
And both offer smooth driving with low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). The suspension is well-judged between good handling and comfort, it favours the latter a bit more for our comfort-oriented Indian roads though.
Safety Features: Safety First!
Hyundai has also offered several safety features on the Aura which were otherwise missing in the segment. The rest of the range gets dual airbags too, while the top models get some more safety gear. The vehicle gets ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and rearview camera for the safety of the commuters in the city.
The design of the body structure has been selected to meet crash safety standards, so that occupants can feel comfortable during everyday driving. These measures also help us to keep up with the trend that the Indian customer is willing to spend more at his end to drive home a car that is safe.
Rivals in the Compact Sedan Class
The Aura is competing against strong rivals in the compact sedan space of India. Its main competitors are the likes of Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, Tata Tigor and the Volkswagen Ameo. All of the players are positively formidable, which makes the category a competitive one.
But the Aura stands out for its contemporary design, feature-rich interior, and its strong value proposition. The function, form, and value all combined provide it an advantage over attempts by others who could do what we do in one of these areas but fail to deliver all three.
Market Positioning and Target Audience
Starting at ₹5.8 lakhs, the Aura is aimed at young professionals, small families and fleet operators searching for a dependable, feature-laden compact sedan. The pricing too has been made in accordance with Hyundai’s view of the Indian market, where VFM continues to be top of the mind for a majority of the buyers.
The car is for those who have moved up from hatchbacks and are looking for the extra boot space and prestige of a three-box vehicle. City drivers like the small dimensions that make it easy to park in tight spots and the very fuel efficient engine provides lots of options for buyers who need reliable transportation.
Technology Integration and Connectivity Integration of technologies and connectivity are essential.
The previous-generation Xcent’s infotainment is a major leap behind the Aura. Touchscreen interface is responsive, with clear graphics for each feature. Guidance Assist assists the drivers navigate through unfamiliar cities, voice command reduces the driver’s distraction.
It has an intuitive and integrated smartphone connection system that permits users to easily use their favorite apps, music and navigation as well as Siri Control through the display right on the dash. USB ports for your tablet and phone keep your devices charged during your rides to keep you connected to friends and family.
Build Quality and Reliability
Hyundai is known to have built cars that are reliable products and the Aura is no different. The vehicle has received enough attention to precision and build quality that makes easy to manage in Indian roads. The engine-transmission options are strong and proven in the Indian market, and hence buyers need not worry too much about maintenance.
The peace of mind is complemented by the Hyundai service network that spans the length and breadth of the country, which makes service and repair points easily accessible. And that reliability is a massive factor in the decision making process, particularly for first-time car buyers.
Future and Industry Prospects
The popularity of the Aura is a testament to this evolving trend in consumer preference in the Indian auto market. And those very buyers are also demanding more features, greater build quality, and stronger safety nets – even from the budget side of things. Hyundai’s introductory price points of the Aura make life tough for competition and competition may have to either up the ante or lose some market share.
This atmosphere of competition is good for the consumer, who has a better car at lower cost. Ultimately, the initial release of the Aura could potentially speed up the entire transformation of the sub-compact sedan space towards manufacturers becoming more about feature addition, and not merely cost savings.
Looking Forward
The Hyundai Aura 2nd generation is a major breakthrough in the compact sedan market in India. Hyundai has shown its allegiance with the Indian market by swapping the Xcent with a newer, more equipped and a more stylish product. With an entry price of ₹5.8 lakhs, premium finally gets affordable value, possibly setting new buyer expectations in this segment.
In a constantly evolving Indian motoring landscape, products such as the Aura act as a bridge between no-frills motoring and uber-premium motoring. For those looking for a value purchase in a well-equipped, stylish compact sedan that doesn’t break the bank, the Aura offers an appealing package that’s hard to pass up.
Whether the Aura succeeds will all depend on how it does when owners actually use it, and on whether J.D. Power can turn that initial enthusiasm into sustained sales. But Hyundai’s history and the overall package the Aura comes with make it a sure-shot hit in the Indian market.
