New XUV 700: For the evolving Indian automotive scene, a segment like compact sedan is one-of-its-kind where the sedan practicality/status quotient are available in a package that smacks of being less than 4m to qualify for a tax incentive.
This niche category has found some traction particularly with the Hyundai Aura which can be argued to be a better option than “this truncated hatchback”
Rather, it ends up as a well thought out, feature-rich urban family that strikes the right balance of practicality and unexpected refinement.
New XUV 700: Evolution and Context in Market
The life story of the Aura begins with its predecessor The Indian inch stone bearer for Hyundai, Xcent was the forerunner in compact sedan category of Indian market right since its inception.
Though well received in a commercial space, and underpinned by very strong emotional consumer connections in the fleet market (Xcent, among Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire/DzireS and Honda Amaze) it still struggled in what remained an individual hire category.
Design Language: Well Tempered Luxury
Appear visually aligned rather than the somewhat strange proportions that sometimes are characteristic for this segment on the outside, is how Hyundai has approached the entire situation regarding APHURA sedan in contrast to some of its effort elsewhere.
Although based on the platform of Grand i10 Nios hatchback Aura manages to look different by doing some styling-geometry right and proportioning well.
Hyundai front fascia is for sure the signature cascading grille of Hyundai pushed back by the vast flanking headlamps – projector units and LED DRL even on the base trim.
Such an open face leads to a look that is larger than its container-less 90-inch dimension. The bonnet sported some efficient linear creases that add design character and direct the onlooker eye towards the car’s lines when seen in motion.
Three-Dimensional: In profile this institution of compact sedans is a traditional one — how to fit a trunk under a short wheelbase without making it look too boxy?
Interior Environment: High-end Taste
Just stepping inside and the most noticeable evolution of Aura over its come before… More the Next few also in most competition
Dashboard design keeps with the horizontal theme and 2 color tones that give an impression of width and openness in the smaller cabin.
Outside quality conveys a premium feel, combining textured surfaces and metallic accents that are much more impressive than the hard plastics that usually make up the lower end of this price bracket.
The instrument cluster has an analogue multi-information display of 3.5 inches to show the main vehicle data and trip info armed with standard analog gauges.
Enhanced graphics and expanded information display choices for the top trims pack a supervisory cluster
Integration into Technology: Connected Convenience
Central to autos most distinctive aspects, technology fuels a big part of Hyundai sold as all this appears in Hyundai IMPACT but connected to maturity segment.
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the default feature in our technology story, providing smartphone integration via CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to Bluetooth and voice recognition.
System is pretty snappy and visuallly clear for its segment also the interface strikes a fine balance between functionality and usability required due to the geographically diverse user base that this kind of market segment often is.
Physical shortcut buttons are added on top of the touchscreen interface for continuity and one-handed quick access to the used function without having to opening nested menus or the like.
Choose and Efficient Powertrain
One that sets the Aura apart from many competitors, by offering three distinct engine choices allowing for economy-mindedness over performance or alternative fuel ability depending on customer needs.
Base powertrain is powered by a 1.2 naturally aspirated petrol unit leaving you with 83bhp and 114Nm of torque, not enough bang ustine urban driving conditions already making it a pretty efficient car.
A1.0 petrol turbo from the sportier models of our sister brand Hyundai is borrowed to provide around 100 horsepower and 172Nm, for those in the market with a bit more pace.
Ride and Handling: Urban Comfort
The chassis tuning of the Urban Comfort Variations on the Aura shows a pretty obvious intention: docile city comradely that upholds its composure in highway encounters.
The double wishbone front suspension, and coupled torsion beam (CITB) (tonneau) rear, provide a compliant ride which elevates over poorly surfaced road surfaces yet provides greater body control under-turning.
Attentions are specifically paid to Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH), with additional sound-deadening materials and better isolation above than with previous Xcent model.
Highway, wind and road noise are still dealt with efficiently enough to give a cabin environment at its best — tonier than some competitors, lessening driver fatigue on long journeys.
Ownership Journey: Value More than Cost
The Aura is not just about upfront purchase but the complete ownership experience.
Hyundai also offers a broad-ranging set of factory warranty coverage—3 years to an unlimited mileage as a rule—is something that is near-and-dear to value-focused buyers in this segment.
For those who anticipate owning their vehicle beyond the 5-year mark, extended warranty options extend this protection 101.
In line with the Indian operating environment, maintenance has been programmed for 10000 kms service intervals; quite comfortable between giving convenience & preventing vehicle neglect.
Competitive Fourche and Market Standing
Aura represents one of the toughest segments in India (with serious head-to-heads from established brands like The category king Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, Ford Aspire and Tata Tigor)
In the midst of this established competitive set, the Aura distinguishes itself by combining a very unique style with upscale interior and offering a host of tech features that typically exceed category norms for that size product.
In terms of convincing buyers that feature appeal, refinement and design over raw value, ASEAN in particular and the Aura in general have held their own surprisingly well against conformist but determined Dell Inspiron/HP envy targets.
The diversity of its engine choices gives the model lots of versatility and as one single know product allows to sound off to a large target customer.
Re: Hyundai Aura — High on its aspirations
The Hyundai Aura is a responsible approach to the compact sedan segment, getting as much mileage both in terms of functionality but also as experience of ownership.
Delivering the unexpected in refinement, multiple feature content and unique styling to this niche class the model crosses the threshold of what a car should be, as more than just functional transport for a family.
For a segment that is so often defined by compromises because size and cost simply beg for them, the aura is proof that the road has been driven just right and excells through its driving and ownership experience to offer something that feels more whole and right than we would have thought possible for its size or price.
