The Aura is currently the most dated model in the compact sedan segment. Is it still worth your money?
The Hyundai Aura is a well-rounded, compact family sedan that stands out with its refined petrol engine, ease of use and interior build. Last updated with a facelift in January 2023, the Aura is now a little dated compared to its rivals – the Honda Amaze and Maruti Dzire – both of which got a generational update late last year; even the Tata Tigor was updated with new features and cosmetic revisions earlier this year. So, is the compact Hyundai sedan still worth your money? Let’s take a look at the points you should consider, starting with the reasons to buy one.
1. Engine performance
Smooth and refined
1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine produces 83hp and 114Nm.
Powered by an 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine, the Aura is available with a 5-speed manual or AMT, and also comes in a petrol-CNG manual variant. The petrol engine stands out for being very smooth and refined, making it ideal for urban use. It responds well to part-throttle inputs and it’ll effortlessly keep up with the flow of traffic. Though it’s fine for the highway, don’t expect brisk or exciting performance.
2. Ease of use
Light controls
What makes driving the Aura a stress-free affair are its buttery smooth and light steering, an absorbent ride quality, and a slick-shifting manual transmission paired with a light clutch. This makes it a very comfortable city car, well suited to the needs of most urban families. The compact dimensions of the sedan further aid its manoeuvrability through tight urban spaces.
The Aura offers a stress-free driving experience.
3. Interior fit and finish
Quality and ambience are good
The Aura’s cabin impresses with top-notch fit-finish and quality. The light-coloured seat upholstery and large windows also help increase the sense of space in the cabin. There are also interesting textures on the dashboard, door pads and centre console which add to its youthful vibe. The 402-litre boot is large and practical.
4. Competitively priced
Newer rivals are expensive
| Dzire vs Amaze vs Aura vs Tigor price, ex-showroom, India (in Rs, lakh)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dzire | Amaze | Aura | Tigor | |
| Petrol-MT price | 6.84-9.69 | 8.10-10.00 | 6.54-8.74 | 6.00-8.50 |
| Petrol-AT price | 8.34-10.19 | 9.35-11.20 | 8.95 | 7.35-8.55 |
| CNG price | 8.79-9.89 | – | 7.55-9.11 | 7.80-9.55 |
The Aura may be slightly dated, but it is great value for money. A well-equipped automatic variant comes under Rs 9 lakh, and top-spec manual variants are a lot more affordable than the Honda and Maruti. In CNG-spec, too, the Aura has the lowest entry point.
Equipment list is decent at best, compared to rivals,
However, there are a couple of reasons why you could consider one of the Aura’s competitors:
1. Equipment list
Newer rivals offer more
Not typical of a Hyundai, the Aura misses out of on features that its rivals offer. For instance, the Amaze is the only one in the segment that has an ADAS suite. Rivals also offer a 360-degree camera, larger infotainment screens and a digital instrument cluster on top-spec trims, and ESC as standard, all of which the Hyundai misses out on.
2. Interior space
Rear bench best for two
Narrow cabin means rear seat is best for two.
Due to the Aura’s narrow width, this rear bench seat is best for two adults. Also, its front seats aren’t the best out there because the cushioning is a touch too firm; adults with broader body frames will find them to be narrow; and taller folk will feel the absence of adjustable head restraints.
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