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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Global NCAP, the automotive safety watchdog, has announced the latest results for its #SaferCarsForIndia campaign, with two models from Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, receiving mixed results.

The latest crash test result saw Global NCAP awarding the Maruti Suzuki Celerio a three-star rating for adult occupant protection following the inclusion of six airbags as standard. A previous version of the vehicle, equipped with two airbags, had received two stars for adult occupant safety and one star for child protection.

The technical evaluations of the six-airbag Celerio indicated protection levels ranging from good to marginal. The assessment noted that both the footwell and the bodyshell were unstable. Tests also showed exposure of children’s heads during front and side impacts.

On the other hand, the company’s popular sedan model the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz received a 1-star rating in the same assessment. The report for this model highlighted:

• The absence of side head protection.
• An unstable footwell and bodyshell.
• A lack of three-point seatbelts in all seating positions.

In contrast, Global NCAP reported that the new Dzire and Victoris models achieved five-star ratings.

Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Global NCAP, said, “We are encouraged that Maruti Suzuki is committed to improving safety with five star performance for new models like the Dzire and Victoris, it remains disappointing however that some legacy models fall short.”

The results follow a commitment from Maruti Suzuki to increase safety standards across its future vehicle range.

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CARS24 has announced the promotion of Divanshu Saxena to Chief Business Officer (CBO) of its NBFC arm, CARS24 Financial Services.

In his new role, Saxena will oversee the strategy, growth and execution of the financial services division. His responsibilities include scaling lending operations, managing risk and maintaining profitability as the company develops its financial services platform.

Saxena previously managed the consumer financing business for LOANS24. During his tenure, the division recorded growth in finance penetration and contributions from non-retail lending. The company noted that his work focused on unit economics and portfolio quality.

Ruchit Agarwal, Co-Founder & Group CFO, CARS24, said, “Divanshu has played a pivotal role in building CARS24 Financial Services into a strong and institutionally sound business. His disciplined approach to growth, deep understanding of lending economics, and consistent execution have laid a solid foundation for scale. We are proud to elevate leaders from within, and as CBO, Divanshu will be central to shaping the next phase of growth for LOANS24.”

Before joining CARS24, Saxena served as a Project Leader at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) within the Financial Services and Industrial Goods practice. He is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta, where he graduated with a silver medal, and Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi.

Divanshu Saxena said, “Building LOANS24 has been about creating a lending business that balances speed with discipline and growth with resilience. As CBO, my focus will be on scaling responsibly, strengthening our fundamentals, and continuing to build a financial services platform that earns long-term trust from customers and partners.”

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South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Group has announced executive appointments effective from 1st January 2026. The changes focus on the transition to software-defined vehicles (SDV) and the development of manufacturing technology.

In total, 219 executives have been promoted across the Group, comprising four Presidents, 14 Executive Vice Presidents, 25 Senior Vice-Presidents and 176 Vice Presidents. Approximately 30 percent of these promotions are within R&D and technology sectors.

Manfred Harrer has been promoted to President and Head of the R&D Division. Since joining in 2024, Harrer has managed vehicle development. His new role focuses on SDV competitiveness and development projects.

Juncheul Jung is promoted to President. Jung currently manages the Manufacturing Solutions and Procurement Divisions. His remit involves the Group's Software-Defined Factory (SDF) approach and the integration of robotics into production systems.

Yeong Il Choi becomes Executive Vice President and Head of Domestic Production. Choi also takes the role of Chief Safety Officer (CSO) for production facilities in South Korea.

The company also announced revamping leadership positions in its regional business, where it has appointed Seung Kyu Yoon as President of Kia North America Operations, Bo-Ryong Lee as President and CEO of Hyundai Steel Operations, Gang Hyun Seo as Head of Corporate Planning, Affiliate Business Optimisation, Sungwon Jee as Executive Vice-President, Hyundai Brand Marketing and Yongseok Shin as Executive Vice-President of HMG Business Intelligence Institute.

Hyundai Motor Group has internalised technologies including the 'Pleos Connect' infotainment system and 'Atria AI' for autonomous driving. Appointments in engineering include Jeonghun Seo in Battery Engineering and Duckhwan Kim in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Engineering.

Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair, continues to oversee the direction for mobility, hydrogen energy and robotics. Within the financial sector, Chang Hyun Cho (Hyundai Card) and Si Woo Jeon (Hyundai Commercial) have been promoted to Executive Vice-President.

"The appointments are intended to strengthen organisational resilience and expand the leadership pipeline across functions. In addition, the appointments reflect the Group’s commitment to turning global uncertainties into opportunities for renewal and growth. It will continue to advance bold leadership transformation and secure strong competitiveness in the SDV era," the company said.

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Maruti Suzuki India has attained a production milestone of 3.5 million units for the popular hatchback the WagonR.

The model, which spans three generations, was first launched in India in December 1999 and is currently manufactured at the company's facilities in Gurgaon and Manesar, Haryana.

The WagonR joins the Alto and Swift as models within the Maruti Suzuki portfolio to reach this volume. Globally, the Suzuki WagonR was first introduced in Japan in September 1993 and is now sold in over 75 countries. In August 2025, the model reached 100 million units in cumulative global sales.

The current WagonR is built on the fifth-generation Heartect platform. Standard safety features include six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

On the inside, it comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth and voice command functionality.

The vehicle has been the highest-selling car in India for the previous four financial years.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “This achievement is not just a production milestone, but reflects the enduring love and confidence that generations of customers have shown towards brand WagonR. It is rare for a vehicle to receive such acceptance even after 25 years since its launch. The WagonR kept evolving with the introduction of new technology and features over time, while retaining its original DNA. The WagonR has been highly appreciated for aspects like its iconic tall-boy design, spacious interiors and fuel efficiency, which aptly reflect our customers’ needs and expectations. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and remain committed to providing ‘Joy of Mobility’ for generations to come.”

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