Hyundai Motor India Limited has introduced a new S AMT variant of the Aura compact sedan. It is priced at Rs 8.07 Lakh (ex-showroom) and slots below the SX+ AMT trim. Although referred to in marketing as an “automatic”, an AMT (Automated Manual is not an automatic transmission. It is a manual gearbox operated via actuators and lacks the smoothness and responsiveness of a proper automatic, such as a torque converter (TC), continuously variable transmission (CVT), or dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Powertrain & Pricing
The Aura S AMT uses the 1.2L naturally aspirated Kappa petrol engine. It produces 82 BHP and 114 NM of torque. The transmission is a 5-speed AMT, which automates clutch and gear changes using sensors and actuators but retains a manual gearbox underneath.
The S AMT is priced at Rs 8.07 Lakh. That makes it Rs 70,000 more expensive than the Aura S manual (Rs 7.38 Lakh) and Rs 87,000 cheaper than the SX+ AMT (Rs 8.94 Lakh). It brings the convenience of relatively automated driving to a lower price point.
Equipment & Safety
Standard safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill start assist control (HAC), and a tyre pressure monitoring system (highline type). LED daytime running lamps and electrically folding ORVMs with turn indicators are also offered. This car is considered the sedan version of the Grand i10 Nios, with which it shares most of its parts and chassis. The Grand i10 Nios performed very poorly in the Global NCAP crash tests, with an unstable bodyshell and a mere 2-star safety rating, the rating is expected to carry over to the Aura too. Every single rival in its segment, including the Honda Amaze, Tata Tiago & Maruti Suzuki Dzire, offer far better crash protection.
Convenience features carried over from the S manual variant include rear AC vents, rear centre armrest, power windows, remote central locking, steering-mounted audio controls, and front and rear 12 V charging ports. A 2-DIN audio system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity powers four speakers.
Mechanical Limitations
The AMT is a cost-effective solution to reduce driver effort in traffic, but it has inherent limitations. Unlike CVTs or torque converters, AMTs aren’t quick at shifting and exhibit jerkiness during acceleration. They also lack the creep function calibration found in more sophisticated gearboxes. In high-traffic or hilly terrains, these drawbacks become more pronounced.
This variant is positioned against sedans such as the Maruti Dzire VXI AGS and the Tata Tigor XZA. Priced not so far is the Honda Amaze, which offers a CVT, a full-fledged automatic transmission allowing for smoother operation, along with a more powerful 4-cylinder VTEC engine.
Conclusion
The Aura S AMT adds an accessible two-pedal option to Hyundai’s compact sedan portfolio. However, note that AMTs differ fundamentally from traditional automatics in operation and performance. With the price gap narrowing between AMT and entry-level CVT-equipped rivals such as the Honda Amaze & Hyundai’s own i20, the decision to balance better technology and cost has become even more difficult.
