Buying used Hyundai Aura: what to look out for

GOOD FOR: User-friendly nature, cabin quality

LOOK OUT FOR:  Poor AC cooling, AMT gearbox

The Hyundai Aura, which is essentially a compact sedan version of the Grand i10 Nios hatchback, was launched in 2020 as a replacement for the Xcent. Given its practical and feature-rich cabin, smooth engines and light controls, it makes for a good used car for families. Here’s all that you need to consider.

Hyundai Aura engine and gearbox

Petrol, diesel, and CNG options

At launch, Hyundai offered the Aura with three engine options: an 83hp, 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated petrol; a 75hp, 1.2-litre diesel; and a 100hp, 1.0-litre, direct-injection turbo-petrol. All mills came paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, but the NA petrol and diesel units also came with the option of a 5-speed AMT. There was even a CNG version with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, but it made a lesser 69hp and came only with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

For the pre-facelift Aura, which was on sale from 2020 to 2023, the ARAI-rated fuel efficiency figures were 20.5kpl and 20.1kpl for the petrol-MT and petrol-AMT, respectively. Diesel-MT and diesel-AMT versions’ figures were 25.35kpl and 25.4kpl, respectively. Meanwhile, the CNG model was rated at 28.4km/kg, while the turbo-petrol had a 20.5kpl ARAI mileage.

Turbo-petrol Aura is the most fun to drive

Buyers with more city usage will find value in the 1.2 petrol as it is smooth, relatively fuel-efficient and can be had with the convenience of an automatic gearbox. The diesel mill will suit those planning frequent long-distance running, while those who want lower running costs should opt for the CNG. The turbo-petrol, meanwhile, is one for the enthusiasts.

Hyundai Aura variants and features

Light colours help elevate the cabin; fit/finish and material quality are good.

The Aura can be had in five trim levels – E, S, SX, SX+ and SX(O). Features on the range-topping SX(O) trim include a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an Arkamys sound system, a parking camera, wireless charging, auto climate control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering and gear lever, push-button start/stop, a cooled glovebox and rear AC vents.

Hyundai also introduced a special Corporate Edition of the Aura, and in 2023, it gained traction control with the facelift; later that year, it even got six airbags as standard. Also worth knowing is that the Aura with the turbo-petrol engine received a different all-black interior theme with red accents rather than the beige and light grey theme for the rest of the range.

Turbo-petrol engine and AMT available only in mid-spec SX+ variant

The SX trim represents a good balance between features and money, but if you can stretch, it’s worth going for the top-spec SX(O). However, if you want the AMT gearbox or the turbo-petrol mill, note that those are only available with the mid-spec SX+ trim, which lacks some small features compared to the SX(O).  

As standard, Hyundai sells Auras with a warranty of 3 years/1,00,000km and the option to extend it for up to 5 years. Spares are readily available, and you also get the backing of Hyundai’s extensive service network throughout India.

What to look out for in a used Hyundai Aura

AC cooling

Though not a common problem, some owners have complained of inadequate cooling from the Aura’s AC system, especially from the rear vents. There could be an issue with the AC coil. So, ensure the system cools the cabin quickly and effectively.

AMT gearbox

Even though they are reliable, it’s best to check the health of the AMT gearbox and the clutch before purchasing. On a test drive, make sure that the car’s creep function is working well, it rolls off the line smoothly, and the shifts aren’t jerky.

Fuel pump

Few owners have faced issues with the Hyundai-Kia 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine’s fuel pump. Check that the car starts without hesitation, and ensure that there are no hiccups while driving, as these are potential signs of a fuel pump issue. As direct injection engines need good-quality fuel, the problems could have stemmed from poor fuel quality.

Also worth knowing

The 2023 Aura facelift received some styling changes and minor feature additions and was upgraded to meet the latest emissions and safety regulations. However, two engines were cut from the line-up: the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and the 1.2-litre diesel.

Second-hand Hyundai Aura price and resale value

Rs 6 lakh-8 lakh

Large tail-lights polarise opinion, but the alloys add some flash value.

There are loads of examples to be found in the pre-owned cars market. So, avoid spending over Rs 8 lakh, regardless of the engine-gearbox combination and the trim. Understandably, the facelifted ones are priced on the higher side, but there’s good value and more powertrain options in the pre-facelift Auras.

Also see:

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