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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Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has launched the EQS 580 4MATIC 'Celebration Edition’, an upgraded version of its flagship EQS 580 4MATIC sedan.

This special edition commemorates the brand’s growing success in the battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment, driven by high-end models and celebrates the EQS range’s position as a benchmark in luxury BEVs. The EQS boasts cutting-edge technology, including the ‘MBUX Hyperscreen’, opulent interiors and an industry-leading range for electric vehicles in India. The ‘Celebration Edition’ enhances rear-seat luxury, offering best-in-class comfort, space and an elevated experience for discerning customers.

Simultaneously, Mercedes-Benz inaugurated the ‘Atelier Experience’ at Sundaram Motors in Adyar, Chennai, expanding its premium retail network across key metros like New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. This facility underscores the brand’s commitment to bespoke luxury, featuring personalised consultations and modern retail concepts. Strategically located in an upscale neighbourhood with strong luxury customer presence, the 3,800 sq. ft. showroom spans a 7,500 sq. ft. plot, offering flexible displays for sub-brands like Maybach, AMG and G-Class. The design allows effortless brand element transitions, maximizing premium showcase impact.

Aligned with its ‘go to customer’ strategy, Mercedes-Benz is expanding into emerging mini-metros, planning 30 new or upgraded luxury touchpoints in 2025, with 19 set to launch in the next five months. This initiative reinforces the brand’s focus on accessibility and elite retail experiences.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "We are excited to launch the EQS 580 'Celebration Edition' alongside our strategic network expansion in Chennai. This dual announcement exemplifies Mercedes-Benz's deep commitment to uphold both product excellence and customer experience. The EQS 'Celebration Edition' signifies growing customer interest in our top-end BEVs, as we continue to outpace the market growth, regularly upgrading our luxury BEV portfolio. Our BEV growth is strongly driven by demand for top-end BEVs comprising EQS sedan and SUV, EQS Maybach SUV and the G 580 with EQ Technology. Similarly, qualitative network expansion demonstrates our customer commitment beyond luxury products, introducing boutique luxury experiences in established metropolises like Chennai.

“After the highly exclusive Maybach Lounge in Hyderabad, the G-Lounge in New Delhi, we are now introducing the bespoke ‘Atelier Experience’ in Mumbai and in Chennai, where discerning customers can configure their cars with MANUFAKTUR range of customization options. Hyper-personalisation is an emerging trend at the top-end luxury segment, and with exclusive Maybach Kit and G-Class Kit comprising physical material samples combined with state-of-art online configurator, customers can have a physi-digital experience, while configuring their personalised top-end Mercedes-Benz car.”

Sharath Vijayaraghavan, Executive Director, Sundaram Motors, said, “We are extremely proud of our association with Mercedes-Benz known for its innovation, Leadership & Strong Legacy. With both brands having vintage over 100 years, the shared values of both the companies have paved the way for such formidable partnership of 25 years with several more years to come. Our eleven facilities are designed for customer convenience, and our eleven Sundaram Signature Service offerings provide flexible support to meet any additional customer requirements.”

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Vietnamese automotive brand VinFast has announced its collaboration with Global Assure to strengthen its customer service network across India. The automaker aims to strengthen its aftersales service network before formally introducing its products in the Indian market.

As part of the understanding, Global Assure will oversee the seamless delivery of essential customer care services, including a dedicated 24x7 call centre, nationwide Roadside Assistance (RSA), Mobile charging solutions and on-demand Mobile service operations. These services will be accessible to VinFast customers across the country, ensuring quick, reliable, and convenient support, anytime and anywhere.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO – Asia, VinFast, said, “As VinFast is gearing up to launch its premium electric SUVs – the VF 7 and VF 6 in India market, this partnership underlines the brand’s commitment to ensure prompt, dependable and customer-focused support across the country. Global Assure’s strong capabilities and nationwide reach are well aligned with our commitment to quality, convenience and care. Together, we aim to establish a holistic and reliable electric mobility ecosystem in India that extends beyond our vehicles to offer true peace of mind for our customers.”

Manish Vij, Co-founder & CEO, Global Assure, said, “We are excited to be the trusted partner of VinFast’s customer support in India. With Global Assure’s extensive expertise in deep understanding of Indian customer needs and pan-India presence, VinFast customers can expect efficient response times and high-quality service making every journey smoother, safer, and more reassuring for VinFast owners.”

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Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), the country’s largest passenger vehicle maker, has launched the 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG starting at INR 1.34 million. The 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG is powered by the next-gen K-series 1.5-litre, Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine, offering a fuel-efficiency of 26.6 km per kg. The Grand Vitara is now available with a wide range of environment-friendly powertrain technologies including S-CNG, Strong Hybrid and Allgrip Select 4x4.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The new 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG offers a range of new convenience & safety alongside the introduction of 6 airbags as standard. Powered by our next-gen K-series 1.5-litre Dual Jet Dual VVT engine, it delivers remarkable fuel-efficiency, without compromising on its exhilarating SUV drive experience. We are confident that the new Grand Vitara S-CNG will continue to win the hearts of customers with its robust safety and commendable efficiency.”

The company has equipped the new Grand Vitara S-CNG with comprehensive safety for all occupants with 6 airbags offered as standard. This is further complemented by a range of safety features including Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ISOFIX Child seat restraint system and more.

In terms of features, the Grand Vitara S-CNG comes with Auto Purify with PM 2.5 Display, 22.86cm (9-inch) SmartPlay Pro+ Entertainment System with Wireless Connectivity and Steering Mounted Audio Controls, Premium Sound System by Clarion~, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Rear View Camera, Wireless Charging Dock, Ventilated Front Seats, Automatic Climate Control, Rear AC Vents, Reclining Rear Seats with 60:40 split, Keyless Entry With Engine Push Start/Stop Button, Auto-Folding ORVMs, Suzuki Connect and more.

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Stellantis-owned French auto brand Citroen India has unveiled the C3 Limited Sport Edition, a new variant of its popular hatchback with a range of exclusive features.

The C3 Sport Edition distinguishes itself with bold 'Sport' decals, ambient cabin lighting and sporty pedals. The interior features custom sport-themed seat covers, matching carpet mats and seatbelt cushions to complement its athletic identity. Additionally, a new Garnet Red body colour has been introduced for the first time in the C3 lineup. Buyers also have the option to add a wireless charger and a dash cam.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "The Citroen C3 has always stood out with its unique styling and plush ride quality fused with performance, making it a compelling choice in the hatchback segment. The C3 Sport Edition brings more energy, tech and thrill to a car already known for its bold design and ride quality. With the addition of Garnet Red and sporty enhancements, caters to a distinct generation of buyers who value individuality, class-leading performance, unmatched comfort and everyday practicality – reinforcing to Citroën’s promise of accessible innovation and design-led appeal."

Beyond its visual enhancements, the C3 Limited Sport Edition retains the C3's performance capabilities. It is powered by a 1.2L Turbo PureTech engine that delivers 110 PS and 205 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 kmph sprint in just 10 seconds. The vehicle also offers a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The Citroen C3 Limited Sport Edition is now available at all Citroen dealerships across India. It carries a premium of INR 21,000 over the standard editions, with the optional Tech Kit (Dashcam and Wireless Charger) available for an additional INR 15,000.

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