Hyundai Aura engine, gearbox options revealed

Having confirmed the name of its all-new compact sedan a few days ago, Hyundai has now revealed the engine options for the Aura. A total of three BS6-compliant engines will be available for the Hyundai Aura – two petrols and a diesel.

All three engines are units we’re familiar with – there’s a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol, a 1.2-litre three-cylinder diesel, and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol. In BS4 guise, the 1.2 diesel makes 75hp and 190Nm, so expect the BS6-compliant version to have roughly the same power output. The 1.2 petrol, which has already been introduced in BS6 form in the Grand i10 Nios, produces 83hp and 114Nm. Going forward, these upgraded engines will also be introduced on the updated Xcent, which will continue as an offering for commercial-use buyers.

The Aura’s 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is also available with the Hyundai Venue but is expected to run in a lower state of tune in the compact sedan. Much like the sportier Grand i10 Nios (set to be launched early-2020), the Hyundai Aura turbo-petrol is likely to produce 100hp.

Hyundai has also stated it has employed a Lean NOx Trap (LNT) to help the 1.2-litre diesel engine meet BS6 emission norms, instead of a more complex (and costly) selective catalytic reduction system seen on some expensive diesel cars and SUVs.

Also revealed are the gearbox options for each version of the Hyundai Aura. A 5-speed manual is available on the 1.2-litre petrol and diesel models, accompanied by the option of an automated manual transmission (AMT). The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol variant, however, will only come with a 5-speed manual. Interestingly, this is the same engine-gearbox combination you’ll see on the sportier Grand i10 Nios.

In terms of design, the Aura will share most of its body panels and interior with the Grand i10 Nios, and will be in line with Hyundai’s sedan family. The Nios’ 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity will also be carried over, and it’ll be interesting to see if Hyundai chooses to spec the Aura with its BlueLink connected-car tech.

When it is launched in the coming months, the Hyundai Aura will battle the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, Ford Aspire, Tata Tigor, and Renault’s upcoming LBA compact sedan.

Which engine-gearbox combo for the Hyundai Aura do you think will be the most appealing? Let us know in the comments.