Hyundai Aura facelift review: More style, more safety

Besides being updated to meet the latest emission and safety regulations, the Hyundai Aura compact sedan also got some cosmetic tweaks and a lengthier feature list, to rival the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and Tata Tigor.

2023 Hyundai Aura Exterior Design and Engineering - 6/10

Introduced in 2020, the Aura’s styling has now begun showing its age.

The earlier iteration looked identical to the Grand i10 Nios (its hatchback version) from the front. However, the facelift looks a lot more distinctive and won’t leave you second guessing thanks to its new slim front grille and inverted trapezoidal air dam design. Flanking the air dam are inverted L-shaped LED Daytime Running Lamps and functional vertical air vents, which add a touch of sportiness to its styling.

As part of the facelift, the Aura now gets a new slim front grille and inverted L-shaped LED DRLs.

Keen observers will notice that the company has moved on from its 3D chrome logos to all-new satin-finished 2D units. Our test car sported the ‘Starry Night’ paint, which is a new addition to the palette; it appears dark blue under sunlight and black otherwise. The only other cosmetic change is the addition of a rear spoiler for a sportier appearance. Apart from other things, its oversized LED tail-lamps haven’t changed, and hence, its rear styling will continue to polarise opinions.

2023 Hyundai Aura Interior Space and Comfort - 7/10

While design is a bit dated, quality and rear seat comfort is top-notch.

The front seats lack adjustable head restraints and the cushioning is on the firm side.

The Aura’s cabin impresses with its bright ambience and top-notch fit-finish and quality. Copper-coloured inserts on the dashboard fascia and around the gear console add flavour to the interior, although these aren’t likely to have a universal appeal.

Part-digital instrument cluster from the pre-facelift Aura has been replaced by new analogue dials.

Analogue dials replace the part-digital instrument cluster, which is contrary to the norm, however, they are easy to read. There’s also a monochrome MID that includes a digital speedo and a new tyre pressure monitoring system, among other information.

Ample support and room on offer at the rear. However, seating space is best reserved for two adults.

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. It gets better at the rear with ample support and space on offer, and a comfy backrest recline angle. However, due to the car’s narrow width, this bench is best for two adults, rather than three. At 402 litres, its boot remains large and practical.

2023 Hyundai Aura Performance and Refinement - 7/10

Light controls and a smooth and zippy engine makes it an adept urban commuter.

The Aura’s 83hp 1.2-litre petrol comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or automated manual transmission (AMT), and there’s also a petrol-CNG iteration with a manual gearbox on offer. The diesel and turbo-petrol engines have been dropped from the range.

The Aura sees no mechanical changes and continues with the 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine that's RDE-compliant.

The petrol-manual iteration feels just as smooth and refined as before. It responds well to part-throttle inputs and it’ll effortlessly keep up with the flow of traffic without having to wring the engine. For enthusiastic drivers, while it revs to 6,600rpm, performance isn’t brisk nor does it feel exciting.

2023 Hyundai Aura Mileage - 8/10

A large CNG tank and good efficiency deliver a healthy range.

The Hyundai Aura is claimed to deliver an efficiency of 17kpl for the petrol manual and automated manual transmission (AMT) versions and 28.4km/kg in its CNG iteration. Although respectable, the Maruti Dzire in petrol as well as CNG guise, is claimed to deliver even better efficiency.

Hyundai Aura Ride Comfort and Handling - 7/10

Although comfy at low speeds, rivals offer a more absorbent ride.

The Aura offers a stress-free driving experience thanks to its smooth and light steering.

Because the Aura isn’t dynamically sporty, it is best to adopt an easy-going driving style and enjoy it as a point A to B commuter. What also makes driving 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.

Hyundai Aura Features and Safety - 7/10

Impressive standard safety, but lacks desirable features.

Auto headlamps are now part of the Aura's equipment list.

Hyundai has made the Aura future ready by equipping it with six airbags as standard. Also, safety features like ESP, hill-start assist and automatic headlamps have been added to the higher variants.

The Aura facelift also gets traction control.

Convenience features like cruise control and a tyre pressure monitoring system too are part of the package in addition to an 8-inch touchscreen with wired smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, footwell lighting, push-button start, keyless entry, reversing camera, automatic climate control and rear air-con vents, to name a few.

Hyundai Aura Price and Verdict - 7/10

Smooth and user-friendly sedan, but not best-in-segment.

The Hyundai Aura is priced between Rs 6.5 lakh and Rs 9.11 lakh (ex-showroom), with petrol manual, automated manual transmission (AMT) and CNG-manual powertrains on offer. In its current form, this Hyundai is neither the most affordable nor the most spacious car in its segment, but it does everything expected from it with great finesse. It is extremely user-friendly with light controls and a smooth engine, and the added safety features further strengthen its case. And, in typical Hyundai fashion, it is very well equipped. As a convenient commuter, the Hyundai Aura is as good a compact sedan as it gets.