2023 Hyundai Aura Facelift First Drive Review: 5 Highlights To Know

Hyundai recently launched its facelifted Aura compact sedan in India and here, Hyundai added some crucial changes namely to the styling and the features. We drove the car to find out more.

Hyundai recently launched its facelifted Aura compact sedan in India and here, Hyundai added some crucial changes namely to the styling and the features. The engine line-up too has been changed with a sole petrol engine option now. We drove the car to find out more and here are our top 5 highlights.

Hyundai has updated the Aura design-wise from the front and unlike the Nios, the rear styling remains the same as the earlier Aura. The front though is all new and looks quite premium now with a two-part grille and L-shaped LED DRLs. The bumper design is also all-new. Another change is the new Starry Night colour which looks premium as well. The alloy wheel design and the side styling stay the same with a spoiler now at the rear too. (Image: Somnath Chatterjee)

In terms of cabin quality, the Aura is the best car out there with dashboard materials in high quality along with the design of the cabin. The inserts in the cabin also spruce up the design. Hyundai has changed the instrument cluster too. (Image: Somnath Chatterjee)

Space remains the same as before with seats providing decent comfort though the cabin feels a bit narrow. That said, the 402-litre boot is very large and spacious. Where the Aura scores is the features list as you get 6 airbags, Tyre pressure monitoring system, ESC, Hill start assist, auto headlamps, footwell lighting, Fast USB charger plus electrically foldable outside mirrors, cruise control and more. (Image: Somnath Chatterjee)

The Aura now has a 1.2l petrol engine which is RDE compliant and E20 Fuel ready while there is no diesel or the turbo petrol. The 1.2l petrol also has a CNG version. We drove the petrol manual top-end with a 5-speed manual but there is also a 5-speed AMT. The engine develops 82 bhp and in the real world, the engine is driveable in low-speed traffic with quick responses while both the clutch/gearbox are very light. It is very smooth and works brilliantly as a city commuter. However, when driven hard, the engine loses breath but that's a rare occurrence as mostly, it will cruise effortlessly. (Image: Somnath Chatterjee)

The Aura remains a good-looking, premium and well-equipped sedan to be an effortless car to drive. The new styling makes it more premium while the feature as well as the cabin quality is best in class. That said, we miss the performance of the turbo petrol but the AMT 1.2l automatic makes it a good option as an easy-to-drive compact sedan. Prices- Rs 6.2 lakh - Rs 8.8 lakh. (Image: Somnath Chatterjee)