Sub-4m Sibling Rivalry: Should I Wait For The Hyundai Aura Or Buy An Xcent

Hyundai unveiled the Aura, its newest sub-4m compact sedan yesterday. You can read our launch story here. The Aura is expected to sell alongside its predecessor, the Xcent. But how are they different? With a full list of i10 Nios features and then some, the Aura changes much more than you would think. It sets benchmarks in the segment with some of its equipment. You’ll have to wait for our road test to see how the Aura performs in the real world, but here’s how it compares with the Xcent: 

Design

The Aura is based on the Grand i10 Nios, while the Xcent borrows from the previous generation Grand i10. While the Xcent has oversized headlamps and straight lines, the Aura is a more rounded shape. Looks are subjective; both cars look a bit incoherent with their added boots but short overall length. Chrome and LED embellishments make the Xcent look quasi-premium, but the Aura wears its look quite well. It has a matte-finish silver grille and a wide grille which extends all the way down to a thin aero lip. 

The Aura’s twin-boomerang daytime running lights (DRLs) and grille is from the Euro-spec i10. Xcent’s DRLs are not as well integrated -- they are a row of circular bulbs placed above the foglights. View both cars in the profile and the Aura looks a bit overstyled next to the straight lines of the Xcent. In the rear, the cars look strikingly different. The Xcent’s large taillamps are on either side of the number plate. On the other hand, the Aura has an Accord coupe-esque tailgate with sharp creases on the inside edges of the taillamps. 

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One aspect in which the Aura fails is its stance. That’s a term uBoth generations of the Xcent as well as the Grand i10 Nios look well-dressed with their balance between wheel arch clearance and tire profile. However, the Aura looks like it’s on stilts. This is probably the result of the re-engineered suspension. We’ll know how well it rides when we test it, but as far as the shoe test goes, the Xcent holds its own. 

Dimensions 

The Hyundai Aura matches the Xcent in its height and length. It is 20mm wider and has a 25mm longer wheelbase, which could translate to more interior room. However, the interior was hidden from view in yesterday’s unveiling. From the numbers and going by the Grand i10 Nios, the Aura is likely to offer greater rear knee room than the Xcent.  

Engines and Transmissions

While things seem similar on paper, the 1.2-litre petrol and diesel engines in the Aura are new and comply with BS6 norms. The diesel is called the Ecotorq and makes 75PS and 190Nm of torque, identical to the 1.2-litre U2 CRDi. The 1.2-litre petrol MPI produces 83 PS and 114Nm of torque, identical to the 1.2 Kappa motor. However, the Aura also gets the Venue compact SUV’s 1.0-litre T-GDI turbo petrol motor. It is good for 100PS of power and 172Nm of torque. 

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard for both the Xcent and the Aura. The latter can be had with an automated manual transmission (AMT) on all but the 1.0 turbo variants. The Xcent only offers an automatic on the mid-spec Petrol S variant, and that is a 4-speed torque converter unit.  

Features 

The Xcent is quite well-equipped with several features on par with the Aura. For example, it offers wireless charging, iblue audio remote control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Aura’s touchscreen is bigger by an inch and it also has a 5.3-inch digital speedometer and information display. It also offers an Arkamys sound system. Another interesting and possibly useful feature in the Aura is rear view camera which can be turned on any time by the driver. In the Xcent, it only operates when you put the car in reverse gear. 

Verdict

Hyundai has done a thorough job with the Aura. It is expected to be safer and more upmarket than the Xcent before it. However, we don’t know how much it will cost. If you aim to buy the top of the line Xcent, the Aura could possibly offer plusher interiors and better looks. But with the BS6 deadline approaching, the BS4 Xcent will probably become a more lucrative package in the lower trim levels. 

If all you want is an automatic sedan, you can only have the Xcent in the Petrol S trim. It does have bluetooth audio and keyless entry, but misses out on necessities like driver’s seat height adjustment and a reversing camera.  

If you’re an enthusiast and just want a quick car, wait for the turbo Aura to arrive.