MT Bureau

Hyundai Motor India (HMI), beating the slowdown, increased in 2019 its market share by 1 percent to 17.3 percent and contributed about 15 percent to the total volume of Hyundai Motor Corporation. The company begins 2020 with the resolve to offer premium experience through world-class products including the newly-launched Aura, a compact sedan having several first-in-segment features.

Compact segment in India accounted for 338,000 units, about 11 percent of industry volumes, in 2019. HMI’s share was 5.5 percent of this; with Aura it hopes to raise its position further. Developed at an investment of INR 1,000 crore the vehicle has four engine types with manual and AMT options. Hyundai is segregating its offering in the compact sedan segment with Xcent for taxis and Aura for private vehicle customers. The ex-showroom price of Aura ranges from INR 5.59 lakh to INR 9.22 lakh.

S S Kim, MD and CEO, HMI, said the all new Aura marks the industry’s first and most significant launch of the Decade 2020. It offers versatile characteristics, “exhibiting elegant styling and bold character form to deliver a fresh interpretation to Hyundai’s signature design language of  ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ specifically crafted for progressive urban and millennial customers.” It will be India’s only sedan equipped with BS-VI diesel 1.2Litre Eco TORQ engine that offers improved power and performance. Aura will be a game changer product creating a new excitement and establishing new benchmarks in the automobile industry, he said.

HMI is also looking at options to introduce MPV and EV which will be developed totally for the Indian market. Globally, Hyundai Motor Company has been offering all kinds of new mobility solutions right from EVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cells. The company hopes to sell about 10,000 fuel cell cars during this calendar year, Kim said.  

Enthusiastic Powertrain
Aura comes with four engine options: 1.2 Kappa Dual VTVT petrol engine that gives 83PS power at 6,000 rpm and the same with CNG that gives 69PS power at 6,000 rpm; the third is 1.2 Eco TORQ Diesel engine that spews 75PS at 4,000 rpm; and the fourth is 1.0 Turbo GDi petrol engine that delivers 100PS at 6,000 rpm.

The powertrain of Aura has several firsts, including the 1.0 BS-VI T-GDI Petrol and 1.2 BS-VI EcoTorq diesel engine. While the 1 litre petrol engine is mated with 5-speed manual transmission only, the other engines get five-speed manual and AMT.

Aura’s turbo petrol engine option, first in the segment, is based on its success in the recently-introduced compact SUV, the Venue. Interestingly more than 90 percent of petrol version and more than 45 percent of the total sales of Venue comes from the variant powered by this engine. Therefore, the company is replicating this in Aura. However, there is only one variant.

The Kappa 1.0 T-GDI engine, developed by Hyundai Motor Group's R&D division, delivers a perfect combination of performance, fuel efficiency and compliance with emission norms under BS-VI fuel guidelines, as it injects fuel at high pressure of 250 bar. It has a compact layout as the exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head, volume of water jacket is higher (than MPi engines) to improve cooling and to reduce the exhaust gas temperature. The intake port is designed to be straighter than in conventional engines. The piston ring comes with Si-DLC (silicon doped hydrogenated Diamond-Like Carbon) coating to reduce friction. All these innovations help improve fuel efficiency at higher RPM ranges.

The Eco TORQ Diesel BS-VI Engine has 2,000 bar fuel injection system that allows better combustion and fuel efficiency. Emissions are controlled through LNT DPF (Lean Nox Trap and Diesel Particulate Filter), validated for Indian conditions. Low-end torque is improved by 10 percent to give better drivability in city traffic.

The cutting-edge technology of the BS-VI diesel Aura is capable of running on BS-IV and BS-VI fuels. Therefore, the non-availability of BS-VI fuel is not a concern for the company, Kim said.

The crankshaft bearing with optimized thickness and material reduces friction and allows smooth driving even in city traffic, and enhances engine life. The transmission has been subjected to rigorous durability tests for ensuring high gear strength and better clutch friction materials to offer better performance at high speeds, off-road, hillsides and harsh climatic conditions. The new curved timing chain reduces friction further and the new piston design improves durability and fuel efficiency.

For comfort and seamless driving experience the new car comes with Smart AMT. It uses electric motors for gear shifting and clutch operations, guided by a separate control unit. Electric motor control offers superior durability when compared to hydraulic actuator, with faster actuator response leading to smooth shifting of gears.

Taking through the design elements of Aura, Ju Hyun Ha, Designer, HMC, said the concept is to build a new compact sedan with vibrancy of positivity and innovation of technology for the new Indian millennia.  Aura has been specifically developed targeting Indian customers and the development falls in four categories of stunning and modern design, premium and spacious interiors, convenience and technology, with advanced and enthusiastic powertrain.

The development direction of the vehicle is defined by 'Vibrance of Positivity' and 'Spirit to Go the Distance' of Indian millennials. It is developed specifically as an elegant sedan dedicated to young-at-heart customers.

Styling

Modern design of the car is conveyed through a unique design that gives the vehicle a versatile characteristic exhibiting elegant styling and bold character. It delivers a fresh interpretation of the company’s signature design language of 'Sensuous Sportiness.' The vehicle’s front profile showcases unique Twin Boomerang Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) integrated with Premium Satin Front Grille with Projector type Head Lamps and Fog Lamps.

Modern and sporty design along with the image, unique DRL and 3-dimensional mesh design decorate the front, while it gets a distinctive rear design by emphasizing wide stance with sporty bumper design. The sporty side profile and solid wheel-arches created by two character lines give the car the luxurious voluminous look.

The side profile indicates unique sportiness through its coupe-like styling and luxurious volume and solid wheel-arches created by two unique character lines with R15 diamond cut type alloy wheels. It has a distinctive rear design with emphasis on wide stance, robust sporty bumper design and LED tail lamp with stylish 3-dimensional outer lens. The trunk lid garnish of chrome strip with glossy black wrap-around makes it the most stylish sedan in its segment.

Ride And Handling

Aura has been given a well-balanced ride and handling performance compared to segment position. The Turbo GDi version has agile and reliable handling with quick settled comfort. Interestingly, a higher capacity motor is deployed in the steering system that gives quicker response while the increased steering ratio gives better feedback. The suspension spring stiffness has been increased for controlled body motion and damper valve tuned for improved round feel.

Advanced Safety
Hyundai AURA is built on strong body structure with integrated 65 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) + High Tensile Steel (HSS) application that ensures light body weight with high strength. About 23 percent of the body is made of AHSS, 42 percent HSS and the rest mild steel.

The vehicle’s rigid structure is equipped with advanced ring structure application allowing increased static and dynamic stiffness for superior safety, low NVH and improved handling. This structure has been provided at engine room, B and C pillars for better rigidity. Higher reinforcements are added in the side structure and frontal area for improved crash-worthiness. The underbody load path is distributed across the body for better crash energy absorption. These advanced safety systems provide improved active and passive safety for stress-free driving and better crash energy absorption.

To contain NVH, the engine, transmission and roll mounts have been tuned further while road noise is controlled by optimising sound insulation methods using acoustic baffles and cowl panel reinforcement, and by enhancing structural stiffness.

Hyundai Aura has been tested and evaluated over 7,500 km across India to assess its reliability and durability with different powertrain configurations on diverse road conditions and climatic environment. Good noise Isolation and enhanced sealing for low NVH, with silent cabin, enhances driving pleasure.

Comfort, Convenience
HMI has been creating products that suit the needs of the young. This philosophy is evident in Aura's comfort and convenience features. Its interior space and comfortable cabin provide adequate space for the versatile urban commuter. The car is equipped with convenient technological features like Advanced 8.0 touchscreen infotainment with smart phone connectivity (Android Auto and Apple Car Play) along with Arkamys Premium Sound, 5.3 digital speedometer cum multi-information display and wireless charging. It has a unique ‘driving rear view monitor’ for rear view display on screen while driving forward, iBlueAudio remote smart PhoneApp, cabin with bronze colour inserts and a spacious rear cabin.

Aura has the ‘Wonder Warranty’ with options of 3 Years/100,000 km, 4 Years /50,000 km or 5 Years /40,000 km along with road-side assistance. (MT)

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French automotive major Renault is accelerating the international rollout of its high-value C-segment SUV, the Renault Boreal. Originally launched in Latin America out of the Curitiba production facility in Brazil, Renault has established a second major industrial hub for the vehicle at its OYAK Renault plant in Bursa, Türkiye.

The strategic expansion positions the Bursa facility to satisfy high domestic demand in Türkiye – Renault’s second-largest market globally – while serving as a primary export base for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Renault Boreal features dimensions that exceed conventional C-segment benchmarks, leaning into upper-tier spacing realities – 4.56 metre body length, 2.70 metre wheelbase and 630 litres of boot space, expandable up to 1,868 litres with the easy break rear seats completely folded down.

The exterior design language combines a high-riding stance with modern brand markers, highlighted by a body-colour front grille housing the backlit ‘Nouvel’R’ emblem. It features a sweeping roofline, prominent fender flares, a Niagara Concept-inspired LED headlight signature, 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a black-contrast panoramic glass roof.

The Turkish manufacturing rollout introduces a pragmatic mix of combustion and hybrid systems tailored for cross-continental regulatory and driving conditions. It can be had in full hybrid e-tech with multi-mode automatic transmission option that produces 160 hp of peak power, a WLTP range of 100 km on 4.8-litre fuel, 1.3 Turbo TCe with 6-speed wet dual-clutch (EDC) producing 145 hp of peak power, offering a WLTP range of 100 km with 6.6-lite of fuel consumption and a Hybrid E-Tech 4x4 (launch in Q4 CY2026) with multi-mode automatic transmission option producing a peak power of 150 hp.

The 160 hp full hybrid variant utilises the HR18-coded engine built locally by Oyak Horse. The system is engineered to prioritise urban efficiency, running in pure electric mode up to 80 percent of the time during stop-and-go city commutes. It supports pure electric acceleration at speeds up to 110 kmph.

Drivers can modulate performance metrics through the Multi-Sense system. In addition to Eco, Comfort, Sport and Perso settings, the vehicle features a new Smart Mode that automatically recalibrates steering weight, throttle response, ambient cabin lighting and exhaust/sound notes based on real-time road conditions.

The driver-oriented cabin integrates digital technology with premium family utilities, featuring a 10-inch digital driver instrument display sitting flush alongside a 10-inch openR link central multimedia touchscreen.

The Boreal deploys up to 25 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) depending on trim levels, highlighted by Active Driving Assist. This Level 2 system blends adaptive cruise control with automated Stop & Go routing and continuous lane-centring technologies.

Fabrice Cambolive, CEO, Renault Brand, said, “Boreal embodies Renault’s ambition to accelerate growth beyond Europe by delivering more value to our customers and strengthening our position in the strategic C-SUV segment. First launched in Latin America from our Brazilian hub, its expansion to Türkiye marks a new step in our international development. Boreal is also a strong illustration of Renault’s brand markers in action: Electrified by Passion with the introduction of our new E-Tech full hybrid technology; Designed to be Loved through its expressive design, elegant proportions and distinctive lighting signature that create an immediate emotional connection; People-First Technology with a seamless connected experience powered by Google, advanced driver assistance systems and intuitive onboard technologies; and Crafted Space through a spacious, versatile and comfortable interior designed around the needs of modern families. More broadly, Boreal demonstrates our ability to develop global voitures à vivre, produced close to their markets and thoughtfully adapted to local customer needs, combining desirability, innovation and everyday relevance for customers around the world.”

Ivan Segal, Renault Brand Head of Sales & Operations, added, “Boreal now enters a new phase of commercial deployment. Production in Bursa will enable us to address the Turkish market, Renault’s second-largest market worldwide, while opening up exports to a group of markets across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With strong product appeal and a competitive industrial footprint, it will support our presence in the high-value C‑SUV segment across our international markets.”

Lionel Jaillet, CEO of Renault Group Türkiye, said, “We are very proud to introduce Boreal to the Turkish market. Being manufactured at our OYAK Renault facility in Bursa will both support domestic demand and strengthen Türkiye’s position in the global automotive ecosystem by contributing to our export targets.”
 

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced the expansion of its Rally Sport (RS) performance portfolio with the introduction of the all-new Kodiaq RS. Marking the first time Skoda’s performance badge has been applied to an SUV in the Indian market, the flagship model combines a three-row, seven-seat premium layout with a dedicated mechanical tune.

The company said official order books for the high-performance SUV are scheduled to open nationwide on 22 June 2026.

The core differentiator of the Kodiaq RS lies in its upgraded internal combustion hardware. The vehicle features a heavily revised iteration of the Volkswagen Group's EA888 engine architecture, tuned identically to the high-output configurations found in the global Octavia RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The vehicle’s announcement follows a marketing campaign where Skoda Auto India’s entire active fleet – comprising the Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia, standard Kodiaq and the limited-volume Octavia RS – established an official India and Asia Book of Record at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore. The group achieved the 'Fastest Multi-Car Relay of a Single Manufacturer on a Circuit' with a total combined lap time of 12:30.97.

The Kodiaq RS will arrive in the country via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) import route, serving as an elite flagship positioned above the locally assembled multi-tier Kodiaq lineup (Lounge, Sportline and L&K trims).

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge carries over 50 years of global performance legacy and a fiercely loyal following in India since the Octavia RS arrived more than two decades ago. The latest Octavia RS, launched last year, sold out in just 20 minutes, highlighting its cult status among enthusiasts. Now, we’re taking that legacy forward with the Kodiaq RS, our first-ever seven-seater in India to wear the iconic RS badge and the quickest Skoda yet in the country. It blends performance, space, and 4x4 capability into a bold, unmistakable expression of our racing DNA.”

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the final leg of its multi-city cultural partnership with HYBE INDIA, introducing the ‘Kia Vibe Studio’ experience to the national capital.

Designed to target Gen Z creators and premium lifestyle audiences, the activation will serve as a marketing anchor for the brand's latest mass-premium SUV, the 2026 Kia Syros.

The HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park is scheduled to take place on 13–14 June 2026 at Yashobhoomi (IACC) in New Delhi. The event combines automotive showcase infrastructure with music, fandom and multi-format creator engagement zones.

The centrepiece of the activation is the Kia Vibe Studio, a specialised content creation pod built directly inside the cabin of the 2026 Kia Syros.

The integration allows visitors to record, edit and instantly download high-definition performance and lip-sync videos. By converting the stationary vehicle's acoustic interior, ambient lighting and connected infotainment hardware into an active studio space, the campaign positions the SUV as a tech-driven platform for self-expression.

The event serves as a prominent touchpoint for the 2026 Kia Syros, which features several upgrades designed for the Indian market, including an enhanced design with a more rugged SUV stance, muscular body panels and sports-themed trim configurations. Expanded accessibility to automatic gearboxes, including the introduction of a high-demand diesel automatic (AT) variant.

The SUV is built on a platform engineered for a 5-star Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) crash safety rating, featuring an optimised distribution of connected tech features across lower and mid-tier trims.

Following the public pop-up park event, HYBE INDIA will conduct on-ground talent auditions on 14 June 2026 at the Shangri-La Eros, Delhi. The talent scout marks part of an international entertainment initiative aimed at discovering, training, and launching India’s first global girl group under the K-pop blueprint.

The Delhi showcase concludes the regional ‘Pop-Up Park’ phase of the 10-city marketing campaign, which completed consecutive runs in Guwahati, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

While the experiential park footprint concludes in Delhi, the talent pipeline will continue across secondary markets. Auditions are scheduled to advance into Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chandigarh, allowing Kia India to sustain its brand engagement with youth demographics nationwide.

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Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini has been awarded the ‘Red Dot: Best of the Best 2026’ accolade for its ultra-limited, ‘few-off’ hypercar, the Fenomeno. Honoured in the Product Design category, the prize represents the highest distinction in the global Red Dot evaluation, reserved for avant-garde projects that establish new benchmarks in visionary aesthetics and contemporary engineering.

The victory coincides with a milestone chapter for the brand, as the car was designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Lamborghini Centro Stile. The official award ceremony is scheduled to take place on 7 July 2026, at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany.

The Fenomeno introduces an evolved corporate design language dubbed ‘hyper-elegant’ design, which strips back complex body panels to achieve formal purity while maximising functional on-track aerodynamics.

The supercar’s front fascia is heavily inspired by motorsport architecture. The front end utilises large racing-derived air intakes and a completely revised daytime running light signature modelled after the bull's horns found in the traditional Lamborghini corporate emblem. It subtly integrates the brand's iconic Y-shaped visual motifs, seamlessly connecting a low-slung carbon fibre front splitter to the headlamps.

The side profile and silhouette are defined by a single, continuous silhouette line running nose-to-tail, the design pays homage to the extended long-tail aerodynamics of the track-only Essenza SCV12. The car was displayed in a launch livery of Giallo Crius, a vibrant yellow hue that emphasises the vehicle’s upper body volumes against high-contrast, performance-oriented exposed carbon fibre elements below.

Beneath its custom carbon fibre bodywork, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Fenomeno utilises a thoroughly reworked mechanical architecture derived from the Revuelto, establishing itself as the fastest road-going vehicle in Lamborghini’s history.

The vehicle balances its extreme power-to-weight ratio through specialized hardware, including an advanced 6D motion sensor that measures acceleration across six axes, race-derived firm dampers, and high-end CCM-R Plus carbon-ceramic brakes adapted directly from Lamborghini’s SC63 endurance race car.

The Fenomeno features a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine with 3 electric motors, which produce a combined 1,080 CV (1,065 hp) – with the internal combustion engine contributing a record 835 CV on its own, making it Lamborghini's most powerful V12 ever produced. The vehicle can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in a claimed 2.4 seconds, while a zero to 200 kmph can be attained in 6.7 seconds. It has a top speed of over 350 kmph. It features a class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 1.64 kg/CV.

The Fenomeno is strictly limited to 29 units globally for the coupe version (complemented by an even rarer 15-unit Roadster variant).

Mitja Borkert, Design Director, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “This valuable and renowned recognition confirms the direction of the design DNA we are shaping with the team at Lamborghini Centro Stile, and underscores our future strategy. Fenomeno is a manifesto of style that expands our design language once again in an unexpected way, going beyond expectations and continuing the bloodline of our successful few-off cars in an athletic and elegant way."

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