Say hello to the newest entrant in the sub-4 metre sedan segment – the Hyundai Aura. The introductory prices start at Rs 5.8 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 9.23 lakh (ex-showroom India). In the carmaker’s hierarchy, the Aura sits between the Xcent and the Verna. That’s the same strategy Hyundai used to sandwich the Grand i10 Nios between the Grand i10 and the Elite i20. Bookings for the Aura commenced earlier this month, with the minimum token amount set at Rs 10,000. Here’s the complete, variant-wise price list:

The Aura is the first Hyundai model to have an entire portfolio that meets BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) emission standards. There are three engine options – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (100bhp/172Nm); 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol (82bhp/114Nm); and a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (74bhp/190Nm). As standard, all three power-plants come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. However, the 1.2-litre motors are also available with a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). When fed with CNG, the 1.2-litre petrol engine produces 68bhp/95Nm. Mileage figures? Both the petrol engines can return up to 20.5kmpl, whereas the diesel is capable of 25.4kmpl.

As far as the list of features is concerned, it is an impressive one. Gizmos such as dual airbags, rear parking sensors, a 12-volt accessory socket, a trip computer, seatbelt reminder for front occupants and a high-speed warning are part of the standard kit. Moving up the trim tree ropes in features like 15-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless mobile charger, a rear-view monitor for the driver, projector headlamps and fog lamps, a rear-view camera and LED DRLs.

Hyundai is offering a total of six colour options – red, white, silver, grey, blue and brown. However, their availability is variant-dependent. As it did with the Nios, Hyundai has three different types of standard warranty for Aura customers – 3 years/100,000 km; 4 years/50,0000 km; and 5 years/40,000 km. Before you wonder, no other carmaker is offering such a choice.

Like it did with the Grand i10, Hyundai is likely to axe all diesel-fed variants of the Xcent as well. The Aura will fight its maker’s case in the subcompact sedan space against the Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Tata Tigor and the Ford Aspire. Do you think the Aura has enough in its arsenal to become the new segment leader?