Hyundai India has once again raised the bar in the compact sedan segment by launching a more affordable AMT variant of the Hyundai Aura. Known for its practicality, feature-rich cabin, and fuel efficiency, the Aura has already carved a niche for itself among urban buyers. With the addition of this new Automatic (AMT) variant at a lower price point, Hyundai aims to make automatic driving even more accessible to budget-conscious customers.
This move is significant in a market where automatic cars are gaining rapid popularity, thanks to growing urban traffic and the need for effortless driving. In this blog, we take a deep dive into what this new Aura AMT variant offers, its pricing, specifications, features, and how it compares to its rivals.
🚗 Why Hyundai Introduced a More Affordable AMT Aura
The demand for automatic transmission vehicles, especially in the compact sedan and hatchback segments, has seen a steady rise. However, for many budget-conscious customers, the price gap between manual and AMT variants often becomes a deciding factor.
Hyundai recognized this gap and strategically launched an entry-level AMT variant of the Aura, offering the convenience of an automatic without the premium price tag. It allows first-time buyers, city commuters, and small families to own an AMT car without compromising on value or quality.
🏷️ New AMT Variant Price and Positioning
The new Aura AMT variant has been introduced in the S trim, which is positioned just above the base E variant. This makes it the most affordable AMT Aura in the lineup.
💰 Ex-showroom Price (approx):
- Hyundai Aura S AMT – ₹7.89 lakh
Compared to the Aura SX AMT, which was earlier the most affordable AMT option and priced at around ₹8.70 lakh, the S AMT variant is nearly ₹80,000 cheaper — making it a value-packed offering.
⚙️ Engine and Transmission: Smooth City Driving
Hyundai has retained its tried-and-tested 1.2L Kappa petrol engine for the new S AMT variant. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and refined performance, this engine has proven itself across multiple Hyundai models.
🛠️ Key Engine Specs:
- Engine: 1.2L Kappa Dual VTVT Petrol
- Power: 83 PS @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 114 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- ARAI Mileage: ~20.30 km/l
This setup ensures effortless driving in city traffic while still delivering respectable mileage, making it perfect for daily commutes and family use.
🌟 Features Offered in the S AMT Variant
Despite being positioned as a mid-trim, the Aura S AMT doesn’t skimp on essential features. Hyundai has equipped it with enough convenience and safety tech to make it a well-rounded package.
✅ Key Features Include:
- 3.5-inch digital speedometer display
- Manual air conditioning with heater
- Front power windows
- Central locking
- Body-colored bumpers and door handles
- Dual airbags
- ABS with EBD
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Reverse parking sensors
- Engine immobilizer
- Day & Night IRVM
While it doesn’t get premium features like a touchscreen infotainment system or rear camera (available in higher variants), it covers all the basic needs of an AMT buyer.
🪑 Interior Comfort and Space
The Aura has always been appreciated for its spacious and practical cabin. The S AMT variant continues the tradition, offering:
- Generous legroom for both front and rear passengers
- Comfortable fabric seats
- Rear AC vents (missing but available in higher variants)
- 402-litre boot capacity for luggage
- Adjustable front headrests
- Ample storage spaces across the cabin
Even as a mid-level trim, the quality and ergonomics inside the Aura feel premium and family-friendly.
🎨 Exterior Styling: Subtle Yet Stylish
Though not loaded with chrome or LED elements like the SX or SX(O) trims, the S variant still carries Hyundai’s modern design language well.
Exterior Design Highlights:
- Swept-back halogen headlamps
- Signature Hyundai grille
- Sharp character lines
- 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers
- Body-colored ORVMs and bumpers
The Aura S AMT looks clean, understated, and well-proportioned, making it a solid choice for those who prefer subtlety over flashiness.
⚖️ Comparison with Rivals: Dzire, Tigor, and Amaze
The sub-4-meter sedan space is competitive, with key rivals being the Maruti Dzire, Tata Tigor, and Honda Amaze. Here’s how the Aura S AMT compares:
| Feature | Hyundai Aura S AMT | Maruti Dzire VXI AMT | Tata Tigor XMA AMT | Honda Amaze S CVT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (₹ lakh) | 7.89 | 7.84 | 7.75 | 8.60 |
| Engine (Petrol) | 1.2L, 83PS | 1.2L, 90PS | 1.2L, 86PS | 1.2L, 90PS |
| Mileage (km/l) | 20.3 | 22.6 | 19.2 | 18.6 |
| Features | Decent | Touchscreen, BT | Harman audio | Touchscreen, CVT |
| Value Factor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Verdict: While Dzire offers slightly better mileage and the Tigor better audio features, Aura balances price, refinement, and practicality very well in the AMT segment.
🔧 Service, Warranty & Ownership Benefits
Hyundai offers a 3-year/1,00,000 km warranty on the Aura, along with optional extended warranty plans. The company’s wide service network, affordable maintenance costs, and strong resale value further boost the Aura’s appeal as a low-maintenance urban car.
✅ Is the Hyundai Aura S AMT Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for:
- A compact sedan with automatic convenience
- Good fuel economy
- Hyundai’s reliability and wide service support
- And a budget under ₹8.5 lakh (on-road),
then the Hyundai Aura S AMT is a smart and sensible choice.
It’s ideal for:
- First-time car buyers
- City commuters facing heavy traffic
- Small families wanting space with comfort
- Buyers upgrading from a hatchback to a sedan
📌 Conclusion
With the launch of a more affordable AMT variant, Hyundai has made the Aura even more accessible to the masses. It offers the perfect mix of convenience, value, and reliability for today’s urban India. As automatics continue to gain traction, the Aura S AMT ensures you don’t have to stretch your budget to enjoy clutch-free driving.
So, if you’re planning to buy a budget-friendly automatic sedan — the new Hyundai Aura S AMT deserves a serious look.
