The Hyundai Aura is a stylish and practical compact sedan that has carved a niche for itself in the competitive Indian automobile market since its launch in January 2020. Positioned as an affordable yet feature-rich option, the Aura embodies Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy, blending modern aesthetics with functionality. Targeted at urban families and young professionals, this sub-4-meter sedan offers a compelling mix of fuel efficiency, comfort, and advanced features, making it a standout choice in its segment. Built on the platform shared with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, the Aura replaces the older Hyundai Xcent and brings a fresh appeal with its bold front grille, sleek lines, and a well-appointed cabin. Available in both petrol and CNG fuel options, it caters to buyers seeking economical running costs without compromising on style or performance.
Hyundai has positioned the Aura as a versatile vehicle, ideal for city commutes and occasional highway drives. Its compact dimensions ensure easy maneuverability in congested metro cities, while its spacious interior and decent boot space (402 liters) make it practical for small families. With a range of variants and powertrain options, including manual and automatic transmissions, the Hyundai Aura appeals to a broad audience. In this detailed overview, we’ll explore its technical specifications, variants, pricing across major metro cities, and an in-depth analysis of its features, performance, and standing against close competitors like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, and Tata Tigor.
Technical Specifications
The Hyundai Aura is powered by a single engine option in 2025—a 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine—available in both petrol and CNG configurations. Below is a comprehensive table of its technical specifications, compiled from CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale, reflecting the latest updates as of March 11, 2025.
| Specification | Details (Petrol) | Details (CNG) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.2L Kappa Petrol | 1.2L Kappa Bi-Fuel (CNG + Petrol) |
| Displacement | 1197 cc | 1197 cc |
| Max Power | 81.80 bhp @ 6000 rpm | 67.72 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 113.8 Nm @ 4000 rpm | 95.2 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| No. of Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 5-Speed AMT | 5-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | CNG + Petrol |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 17 kmpl (MT), 17 kmpl (AMT) | 22 km/kg (CNG mode) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 liters | 37 liters (Petrol) + 60L (CNG water equivalent) |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 155 km/h |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 165 mm |
| Suspension (Front) | McPherson Strut | McPherson Strut |
| Suspension (Rear) | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle |
| Brakes (Front) | Disc | Disc |
| Brakes (Rear) | Drum | Drum |
| Tyre Size | 175/60 R15 (Top Variants) | 175/60 R15 (Top Variants) |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 3995 mm x 1680 mm x 1520 mm | 3995 mm x 1680 mm x 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
| Boot Space | 402 liters | 402 liters (reduced with CNG kit) |
| Kerb Weight | 990-1050 kg (variant-dependent) | 1080-1100 kg (variant-dependent) |
Note: The 1.0L turbo petrol engine, previously offered, has been discontinued in the 2023 facelift and remains unavailable in 2025 per current data.
Variants
The Hyundai Aura is available in multiple variants, offering flexibility to buyers based on budget and feature preferences. The lineup includes both petrol and CNG options, with manual and automated manual transmission (AMT) choices for petrol variants. Below is a table summarizing the variants as of March 11, 2025, based on CarDekho and Hyundai India’s official website.
| Variant | Fuel Type | Transmission | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | Petrol | Manual | ABS, Dual Airbags, Power Windows (Front), AC |
| S | Petrol | Manual | Multifunction Steering, 8-inch Touchscreen, Rear AC |
| S AMT | Petrol | AMT | Same as S with AMT convenience |
| S CNG | CNG + Petrol | Manual | Same as S with CNG kit, Projector Headlamps |
| SX | Petrol | Manual | Alloy Wheels, Keyless Entry, Cruise Control |
| SX AMT | Petrol | AMT | Same as SX with AMT |
| SX CNG | CNG + Petrol | Manual | Same as SX with CNG kit, Wireless Charger |
| SX (O) | Petrol | Manual | Top-spec: Leatherette Seats, TPMS, Push-Button Start |
| SX (O) AMT | Petrol | AMT | Same as SX (O) with AMT |
| SX (O) CNG | CNG + Petrol | Manual | Same as SX (O) with CNG kit |
Price in Metro Cities
The Hyundai Aura’s pricing varies across metro cities due to differences in ex-showroom costs, RTO charges, and insurance. Below is a table of on-road prices (approximate) for key variants in major Indian metro cities as of March 11, 2025, sourced from CarWale and CarDekho. Prices are in INR lakhs and subject to change based on dealer offers or taxes.
| City | E (Petrol MT) | S CNG (Manual) | SX (Petrol MT) | SX (O) AMT | SX (O) CNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 7.35 | 9.45 | 9.15 | 10.25 | 10.35 |
| Mumbai | 7.45 | 9.55 | 9.25 | 10.35 | 10.45 |
| Bangalore | 7.55 | 9.65 | 9.35 | 10.45 | 10.55 |
| Chennai | 7.50 | 9.60 | 9.30 | 10.40 | 10.50 |
| Kolkata | 7.40 | 9.50 | 9.20 | 10.30 | 10.40 |
Note: Prices are approximate on-road figures, including ex-showroom, RTO, and insurance costs. Confirm with local dealers for exact quotes.
About the Hyundai Aura
Design and Exterior Appeal
The Hyundai Aura stands out in the compact sedan segment with its bold and contemporary design. The front fascia is dominated by a cascading grille with chrome accents, flanked by sharp, swept-back projector headlamps integrated with boomerang-shaped LED DRLs. This gives the Aura a premium and aggressive stance, aligning with Hyundai’s global design language. The sculpted bumper and fog lamps enhance its sporty appeal, while the side profile features strong character lines and a sloping roofline, lending a coupe-like silhouette. Available in six color options—Fiery Red, Titan Grey, Typhoon Silver, Polar White, Aqua Teal, and Vintage Brown—the Aura offers aesthetic versatility. The 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on higher variants add a touch of sophistication, though base models come with steel wheels and covers.
At 3995 mm in length, the Aura adheres to India’s sub-4-meter taxation benefits, making it an economical choice. Its narrow width (1680 mm) aids in navigating tight city streets, though it’s slightly slimmer than some rivals like the Maruti Dzire. The rear design includes Z-shaped LED tail lamps, a chrome strip across the boot, and a shark-fin antenna, ensuring the Aura looks modern from every angle. Ground clearance of 165 mm is adequate for Indian roads, handling speed breakers and minor potholes effectively, though it’s not exceptional for rough terrains.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Hyundai Aura, and you’re greeted by a cabin that mirrors the Grand i10 Nios, with subtle upgrades to distinguish it as a sedan. The dashboard features a honeycomb texture and a bronze/copper insert (variant-dependent), adding a premium touch. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, is a highlight, paired with a 3.5-inch MID in the instrument cluster. Higher variants offer conveniences like a wireless charger, Type-C USB port, cruise control, and push-button start/stop, making the Aura tech-savvy for its price point.
Seating comfort is a strong suit, with a height-adjustable driver’s seat catering to shorter drivers and ample legroom for front occupants. The rear bench includes a central AC vent and a 12V charging outlet, though headroom can feel constrained for taller passengers due to the sloping roofline. The 402-liter boot is class-leading, ideal for weekend trips or grocery runs, though the CNG variants see a slight reduction due to the cylinder placement. Upholstery ranges from fabric in base models to leatherette in the SX (O), enhancing the premium feel. Noise insulation is decent for city speeds, but highway drives reveal some engine and road noise seeping in.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Hyundai Aura’s 1.2L petrol engine delivers a balanced performance, producing 81.80 bhp and 113.8 Nm in petrol mode. It’s tuned for efficiency rather than outright power, making it ideal for urban commutes. The 5-speed manual gearbox offers light, positive shifts, while the AMT variant ensures smooth transitions with minimal head-nod, provided you’re gentle on the throttle. On highways, the Aura cruises comfortably at 80-100 km/h, though overtaking requires planning due to its laidback acceleration. The CNG version, with 67.72 bhp and 95.2 Nm, sacrifices some pep for superior mileage (22 km/kg), appealing to cost-conscious buyers.
The suspension—McPherson struts upfront and a torsion beam at the rear—absorbs city potholes well but feels bouncy at higher speeds. Steering is super-light, inspiring confidence in tight parking spots, though it lacks feedback on highways. Braking, with front discs and rear drums, is adequate but not exceptional, and the Aura’s ABS with EBD enhances safety. Fuel efficiency is a strong point, with petrol variants offering 17 kmpl and CNG delivering 22 km/kg, making it one of the most economical sedans in its class, especially with rising fuel prices.
Safety Features
Safety is a priority for the Hyundai Aura, with standard features across all variants including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a high-strength steel body. Higher trims add a rearview camera, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The 2023 facelift bolstered safety with six airbags in top variants, a segment-first move, though crash test ratings from agencies like Global NCAP are unavailable for the Aura specifically. Compared to its predecessor, the Xcent, the Aura feels sturdier, but it lags behind rivals like the Tata Tigor, which boasts a 4-star NCAP rating.
Technology and Features
The Hyundai Aura punches above its weight in features. The 8-inch touchscreen is responsive, complemented by voice recognition and a four-speaker audio system. Connectivity options like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard from the S variant upward, while the SX (O) adds a wireless charger and cruise control. The semi-digital cluster provides essential info like fuel economy and distance-to-empty. However, it misses out on a sunroof or ventilated seats, features increasingly common in rivals like the Honda Amaze.
Variants and Customization
With 10 variants, the Aura caters to diverse needs. The base E variant is bare-bones, targeting fleet buyers, while the S and SX trims offer a balance of features and price. The SX (O) is the fully loaded option, ideal for those prioritizing luxury and tech. The CNG variants (S, SX, SX (O)) appeal to mileage-focused buyers, though they’re limited to manual transmission. Color choices and optional accessories like chrome garnishes or seat covers allow for mild personalization, though Hyundai could expand this further to match competitors.
Pricing and Value for Money
Starting at ₹6.54 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the E variant and topping out at ₹9.11 lakh for the SX (O) CNG, the Aura is competitively priced. On-road costs in metro cities range from ₹7.35 lakh to ₹10.55 lakh, factoring in RTO and insurance. Its low maintenance costs (thanks to Hyundai’s widespread service network) and high fuel efficiency make it a value proposition, especially for CNG buyers in cities with affordable CNG rates (e.g., ₹92/kg in Maharashtra). However, discounts up to ₹50,000 are often available, sweetening the deal further.
Close Competitors
The Hyundai Aura faces stiff competition in the compact sedan segment. Here’s how it stacks up against its primary rivals:
Maruti Suzuki Dzire
The Maruti Dzire is the segment leader, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency (22 kmpl petrol, 31 km/kg CNG). Priced from ₹6.79 lakh to ₹9.79 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s slightly pricier but offers a refined 1.2L engine (88.5 bhp) and a vast service network. The Dzire’s design is more understated than the Aura’s, and it lacks some features like a wireless charger, but its 4-star NCAP rating gives it a safety edge. Mileage-conscious buyers might prefer the Dzire’s CNG variant, though the Aura counters with a bolder look and tech.
Honda Amaze
The Honda Amaze (₹7.20 lakh–₹9.98 lakh ex-showroom) brings a premium feel with its 1.2L i-VTEC engine (89 bhp) and CVT option. It excels in cabin space and ride quality, outshining the Aura on highways. Features like paddle shifters and a quieter cabin give it an edge, but it lacks a CNG option, a significant drawback in cost-sensitive markets. The Amaze’s design is subtle, and its safety (2-star NCAP) lags behind the Aura’s top-spec offerings.
Tata Tigor
The Tata Tigor (₹6.30 lakh–₹9.55 lakh ex-showroom) is the Aura’s closest rival in style and value. Its 1.2L Revotron engine (85 bhp) matches the Aura in power, and its 4-star NCAP rating is a major plus. The Tigor offers a CNG variant (26 km/kg) and a Harman audio system, but its interior quality and refinement fall short of the Aura’s. Pricing is competitive, making it a strong alternative for safety-focused buyers.
Comparison Verdict
The Hyundai Aura shines with its feature-rich cabin, CNG availability, and bold design, making it ideal for urban buyers seeking style and economy. The Dzire leads in mileage and resale value, the Amaze in refinement, and the Tigor in safety. Your choice depends on priorities—fuel costs (Aura/Dzire), comfort (Amaze), or safety (Tigor).
Final Thoughts!
The Hyundai Aura is a well-rounded compact sedan that blends affordability, efficiency, and modern features. Its 1.2L engine, versatile variants, and competitive pricing make it a strong contender in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, where traffic and fuel costs dominate. While it doesn’t excel in raw performance or safety ratings compared to some rivals, its practicality, tech, and striking looks ensure it remains a popular choice. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a family seeking a reliable daily driver, the Aura delivers a compelling package that’s hard to overlook in 2025.
