HYUNDAI AURA
The option of an enthusiast-friendly engine in a very compelling package; can the Aura dethrone the Maruti Suzuki Dzire?
THE SUB FOUR-METRE compact sedan segment is dominated by cars that put practicality over everything else. The latest entrant into this crowded compact-sedan segment, the Hyundai Aura uses the same tried-and-tested formula, but attempts to dial up the premiumness and sportiness by a fair bit. Based on the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, the Aura picks up a lot of similar styling details and interior updates. Big news for the Aura is the addition of a new drivetrain: a 1-litre turbo-petrol, that should make things very interesting. Does the Aura bring anything new to the segment? We spent time with it in Indore and later in Pune to find out.
A 1-litre turbo petrol engine in a sub fourmetre compact sedan – seems a bit much? Hyundai doesn't think so. Now, this isn't the first time that Hyundai's 1-litre turbo petrol engine has made it to a car on our shores. The Venue received the same engine, albeit in a different state of tune. Here in the Aura, it makes a shade under 100 horses, instead of the 118bhp in the Venue. Straight off the bat, it is hard to think of an enthusiast getting a compact sedan to have some fun behind the wheel. But if circumstances in life have relegated you to making that choice, there definitely is a case for having a practical sedan for the everyday commute while still retaining an element of fun.
Design and Styling
Right at the outset, it's easy to see the Grand i10 Nios' similarities. In fact, the Hyundai Aura actually looks very similar to the Nios especially when viewed head on. The wraparound headlamps, unique DRLs (twin boomerangs compared to single ones on the Nios) and matte finish grill (glossy in the Turbo variant) come together to create a face that is rather attractive. Coming to the side, the 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels fill the wheel wells nicely and with the shoulder line that runs all the way from the headlights to the tail, it makes for a proportionate profile. Towards the rear, however, opinions will be split and the mish mash of numerous cuts and creases around the taillamp region looks, well…. confused.
The Aura is based on the same platform that the Grand i10 Nios is. In terms of dimensions, it obviously sits under the four-metre mark at 3995mm, with a width and height of 1680mm (20mm more than the Xcent) and 1520mm respectively. The wheelbase is 2450mm, which makes it 25mm more than the Xcent and on par with the Nios.
Interiors
On the inside, the similarities with the Nios continue. And frankly, they lead to a cabin that's much better than anything else in the segment. Materials throughout the cabin are
The Aura uses
the tried and tested formula, but dials up the
sportiness
of good quality and touches like the textured fabric on the seats, the textured finish on doors and the dash will be appreciated by anyone setting foot in the cabin of the Aura. Creature comforts are in abundance and the Aura easily has the most well-equipped cabin in its class with features like wireless charging (a novelty in the segment). Interior space is comparable with the segment, although the rear row is a little tight both on legroom as well as shoulder room and seating three abreast is a bit of a squeeze.
The Hyundai Aura Turbo, distinguishes itself from the regular Aura with a few minor cosmetic additions on the outside as well as the inside. It gets a red ‘Turbo' badge on the left side of the grille. On the inside, the seats are finished in black with red contrast stitching and that is it. These changes aside it is hard to differentiate it from the regular variant.
Engine and Transmission
Even before we got into the Aura, the turbopetrol stood out as a highlight. It gets 99bhp and 172Nm of torque and was the only one we hadn't experienced before – the 1.2-litre diesel and the 1.2-litre petrol also do duty on the Nios. Behind the wheel of the turbo-ed Aura, what immediately hits you is how quiet and refined the turbo-petrol engine is at idle. Even while pottering around in the city, the Aura turbo is fairly comfortable to drive. Off the line, one thing is evident. It is quick. In second gear as you pull to the 6500rpm redline, you are almost doing triple-digit speeds. The slick gearbox and the light clutch, make it easy to drive too. That aside, the engine is comfortable over a wide range of speeds, right from around the 1500rpm mark to the redline. It does have a sporty growl, but over 5000rpm it becomes hoarse. There is not much in the form of turbo lag and you can barely perceive it around the 1800rpm mark when it kicks
in. Most importantly, the engine is rev happy and builds up speeds in a progressive, linear manner.
We also sampled the 1.2-litre petrol engine that was paired to an AMT. The four-cylinder unit produces 82bhp and 114Nm of torque and out on the narrow roads just outside Indore, the engine seemed to have just enough grunt, making overtaking slower moving vehicles relatively easy. The defining characteristic is however the refinement of the motor. It is among the quieter petrol motors in the segment. The AMT, albeit slow, does get the job done and more importantly, it is smooth and jerk free in operation. The petrol can also be had with the option of a manual too.
Ride and handling
The Aura clearly rides a lot better than the Xcent did and although a little firm at slower speeds, it does soak up bumps better as speeds increase. The handling too complements the ride and the Aura feels eager to move into a corner. As a result it handles well at moderate speeds. However, as the speed picks up, the excessive lightness and no feedback from the steering wheel stick out as sore thumbs. The steering does weigh up a fair bit at speeds though but not enough and even small undulations have the effect of unsettling the car. The rear-end on the Aura is lighter for a better ride and as a result you do feel some movement once at triple-digit speeds.
The light steering doesn't help things either. However, aided by the strong, progressive brakes, you can easily carry good speeds.
That being said, the Aura is primarily meant as a city runabout, and at city speeds it does handle well. If I were to nitpick, the 175-section tyres aren't the best for some enthusiastic driving. Wider, grippier tyres will certainly make the Aura handle better and could help with the light steering too. But then again, you could always swap the OEM tyres in the aftermarket.
Verdict
All in all, the Hyundai Aura, is definitively quicker than any other sub four-metre compact sedan in the market. It is a lot more fun than most hatchbacks too. The linearity of the engine's power delivery is a key selling point and will be valued by most consumers with an enthusiastic bent of mind. It brightens up your daily commute and should definitely be an option if you are looking for a fun car that is also practical and affordable.
The Aura is a great package as it offers a host of features, good ride and handling and the option of a peppy, performance oriented drivetrain. The design is fresh, though whether it appeals to you or not depends on your sensibilities. However, it finds itself in a crowded segment with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire leading the pack as far as sales numbers go. The Hyundai Aura does come heavily equipped and presents itself as a worthy challenger. ⌧
(@afzalrawuther)