Hyundai India recently unveiled the new Aura compact sedan that will serve as a replacement to Xcent when launched. Post its introduction in Hyundai's portfolio for the Indian market, the sub4m sedan will take on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, Tata Tigor and Ford Aspire. The new Hyundai Aura sedan is based on Grand i10 Nios sporting fresh design and attractive features. The South Korean automaker will be looking to price the sedan very competitively as the fact both Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze hold strong positions in the segment. Maruti Ertiga & Maruti Wagon R Crash Test Results Disappointing With 3 Stars & 2 Stars Rating at 2019 Global NCAP.

Moreover, Maruti Suzuki Dzire became India's No. 1 selling car for over a decade with two million customers across the country. Notably, Maruti's compact sedan holds over 60 percent of market share in the segment. It is important to note that Hyundai will continue to retail Hyundai Xcent as a fleet model along with Hyundai Aura. To bring more insight about Hyundai's Aura sedan, let's pit it against the top-selling model in the segment - Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

Dimensions: On the dimension front, the Hyundai Aura measures 3,995mm in overall length, 1,680mm in width and 1,520mm in height. The wheelbase of the sedan stands at 2,450mm. Maruti Suzuki Dzire, on the other hand, comes with a length of 3,995mm, a width of 1,735mm, the height of 1,515mm and wheelbase of 2,450mm.

Engine Specifications: Mechanically, the Hyundai Aura sedan will be available in both petrol and diesel options, complying with the new BS6 norms. The sedan will be available with two petrol and one diesel engines - 1.2-Litre Kappa petrol, 1.0-Litre turbo-petrol and 1.2-Litre Ecotorq diesel motor. The 1.2-litre petrol unit makes 83PS & 113 Nm of power figures whereas the turbocharged unit is good for 100 PS & 171 Nm. The oil burner makes 75 PS of power and 190 Nm of torque. Transmission duties will be carried out by a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard along with a 5-speed AMT as an option.

Country's leading automaker offers Maruti Dzire in both petrol and diesel options. The 1.2-litre petrol unit is a BS6 compliant motor whereas the 1.3-litre engine remains BS4 unit. The petrol engine makes 83PS / 113Nm while the diesel unit produces 75PS / 170Nm of power figures. Both the engines are clubbed with 5-speed manual gearbox as standard along with optional AMT units. Tata Altroz Launching In India Next Month; To Take On Maruti Suzuki Baleno & Hyundai i20.

Price: Coming on the pricing, Hyundai India will be looking to launch the Aura sedan in India with a starting price of somewhere around Rs 5.5 lakh. The top-end of the Aura compact sedan is likely to go up to Rs 9 lakh (All Prices Ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki Dzire is available with prices starting from Rs 5.82 lakh and goes up to Rs 9.52 lakh (ex-showroom).

Conclusion: It is important to note that the compact sedan's turbocharged petrol version would be an interesting proposition once launched. Moreover, the sedan offered in multiple engine options gives variety to the customers. However, one cannot deny the fact that Maruti Dzire is the best-selling sedan in the segment and it would take something exciting to dethrone Maruti's leading sedan in the segment.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 25, 2019 06:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).