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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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has announced consumer offers and vehicle special editions across its internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios in Kerala for the Onam festive period.

The festival promotions run through August 2026, offering financial benefits up to INR 225,000, priority delivery slots and vehicle financing packages. As part of the seasonal campaign, the manufacturer has introduced the Sierra Jubilee Edition, Nexon Camo Edition and Punch HBX Pack to its product line-up.

The maximum benefits vary by model across both powertrain platforms – Internal combustion engine (ICE) models include benefits up to INR 54,500 on the Altroz, INR 72,500 on the Nexon and INR 77,500 on the Curvv.

The Harrier and Safari both get benefits up to INR 47,000, while the Sierra includes a loyalty benefit of INR 30,000. In the electric vehicle segment, savings up to INR 60,000 for the Nexon.ev and INR 55,000 for the Curvv.ev is being offered by the automaker. The Harrier.ev features benefits reaching INR 225,000, which includes a loyalty benefit of INR 100,000 alongside complimentary insurance coverage.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “Onam is a celebration of cherished traditions, meaningful reunions and the progress that every family takes pride in. It is a season of gratitude for how far they have come and optimism for the road ahead. Through our 'Celebrate How Far You've Come' campaign, we are celebrating the aspirations, achievements and milestones that make every customer's journey and success unique. Kerala has always been a deeply important market for TMPV, and we are delighted to mark this festive season with special editions, attractive offers and seamless ownership solutions across our safest and most diverse range of cars and SUVs. We look forward to celebrating with our customers their next milestone and creating many more joyful memories.”

At present, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles operates 85 service centres across Kerala to support vehicle maintenance during and after the sales campaign.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has launched the Nexon CAMO, a new special edition of its popular compact SUV, with prices beginning at INR 999,000 ex-showroom in Delhi. The introduction coincides with the brand’s celebration of a decade since the Nexon’s original debut and the trust of over 1.1 million customers, marking the model’s enduring success in the Indian automotive market.

The new CAMO variant distinguishes itself with two exclusive premium paint schemes, named Munnar Mist and Coorg Cloud. The former is a dynamic dark green that shifts to a sophisticated grey in shadows and reveals rich green and golden tones under sunlight. In contrast, the latter is a contemporary grey-silver finish with subtle metallic highlights, designed to offer an understated yet premium aesthetic that complements the SUV's rugged character.

TMPV has equipped the Nexon CAMO with a significant technology upgrade, headlined by an Ultra View Twin HD Digital Cockpit. This features a 31.24-cm infotainment system and a 26.03-cm digital instrument cluster, both from Harman, with the latter including embedded navigation. The technology package is further enhanced by an integrated dashcam recorder that is part of the 360-degree camera surround view system, which also includes a blind spot view monitor.

The special edition is not solely about aesthetics and screens, as it also incorporates a comprehensive suite of comfort and safety features. The cabin includes ventilated leatherette front seats, a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, and an immersive nine-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer. Safety is addressed through seven Advanced Driver Assistance Systems functions calibrated for Indian roads, six airbags and electronic stability control, ensuring the CAMO is as secure as it is stylish.

Maintaining the Nexon’s hallmark versatility, the CAMO is offered across all three powertrain options: a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel and the segment-exclusive 1.2-litre turbocharged iCNG with twin-cylinder technology. With multiple transmission choices available, the automaker has positioned the Nexon CAMO as a distinctive and aspirational package for a wide range of SUV buyers, reinforcing the model's legacy of innovation as the festive season approaches.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, "Since its launch a decade ago, the Nexon has provided comfortable, safe and enjoyable journeys for over 1.1 million families, becoming one of India's most iconic nameplates with an unmissable presence on the roads. This success has been built on constantly raising the bar in safety, technology and design while keeping these innovations accessible to a wider set of customers. The Nexon CAMO carries that spirit forward, with two striking new colours and an elevated technology package that makes it the most distinctive Nexon yet. Timed perfectly for the festive season, it gives customers an even stronger reason to make the Nexon their own."

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced a suite of technology and equipment updates for its Scorpio-N SUV model line-up.

The updates introduce a panoramic sunroof, a 540-degree surround view camera system with a blind view monitor and R18 alloy wheels to select variants.

On the inside, the updated model features a 31.24 cm floating touchscreen infotainment display, a 26.03 cm digital instrument cluster with three display modes, a 65W USB Type-C fast-charging port in the front row and integrated vehicle dynamics displays covering engine data, pitch, roll and g-force metrics.

The Scorpio-N platform continues to offer the G20 TGDi mStallion petrol and D22 mHawk diesel engine options, available with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations.

Pricing for the updated Scorpio-N range begins at INR 1.36 million for the entry-level Z2 petrol manual variant, with the line-up extending to INR 2.54 million for the top-specification Z8L diesel automatic four-wheel drive version (all prices ex-showroom).

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Japanese automotive company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has shared an update regarding its upcoming new Pajero SUV launch scheduled for premiere this autumn.

The automaker confirmed that the vehicle combines off-road driving capabilities across weather and road conditions with on-road ride refinement.

The SUV utilises a ladder frame chassis paired with a re-engineered suspension system designed to maintain road-holding performance over uneven surfaces, bumps and terrain impacts. The setup aims to reduce body movement and cabin vibration to support occupant comfort during long-distance driving.

Handling and drive distribution are managed by Mitsubishi Motors' Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology. The integrated vehicle dynamics control system manages power output and braking to optimise stability and traction across driving conditions.

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