The Aura's 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine displaces 1,197cc and, in its standard petrol tune, produces 82 hp at 6,000 rpm and 113.8 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. It's offered with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT.

Alternatively, the bi-fuel CNG variant uses the same 1,197cc block but is detuned for CNG operation, output drops to 68 hp at 6,000 rpm and torque to 95.2 Nm at 4,000 rpm. This variant is manual-only.

Regardless of the powertrain chosen, both versions share the same suspension layout, McPherson strut up front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear, with gas-type shock absorbers.

Complementing this chassis setup, braking is handled by front discs and rear drums.

The petrol variant carries a 37-litre fuel tank whereas the bi-fuel CNG variant retains that same 37-litre petrol tank and adds a 65-litre (water equivalent) CNG cylinder, allowing the driver to switch between fuels as needed.

The Aura's cabin is functional and reasonably well-equipped for its class.

On the technology front, upper variants get an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition, while Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and front-and-rear speakers are available on the top variant upward.

Below the infotainment, climate control steps up to a fully automatic unit on top variants, with rear AC vents present across most of the range.

Ahead of the driver, the instrument cluster includes a 3.5-inch multi-information display covering trip data, fuel consumption readings, and a service reminder.

Adding to the cabin's usability, convenience features include tilt-adjustable steering, keyless entry, driver seat height adjustment, and a rear centre armrest with cupholder. Alongside these amenities, storage is handled through front and rear door map pockets, with a front passenger seat-back pocket appearing on upper variants.

At 3,995mm long, 1,680mm wide, and 1,520mm tall, the Aura occupies a compact but properly proportioned notchback silhouette.

At the rear, the Z-shaped LED taillamps are the most distinctive design element and are fitted across all variants. Moving up the range adds projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, a rear wing spoiler, and a shark fin antenna in place of the micro-type roof antenna on lower variants.

Along the sides, wheel sizes step up from 14-inch steel on the base variant to 15-inch dual-tone steel wheels on mid variants, with 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels reserved for top variants.

Rounding out the profile, B-pillar blackout, body-coloured door mirrors, chrome outside door handles, turn indicators integrated into the door mirrors, and a rear chrome garnish are among the variant-level differentiators.

Aura’s most notable safety credential is its airbag count on all four types, driver, passenger, side, and curtain, are standard across every variant without exception.

Alongside this baseline, ABS with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution, which balances braking force between wheels) and seat belt pretensioners with load limiters are also fitted throughout the range. Beyond these standard inclusions, electronic stability control (ESC) and hill start assist (HAC) are available on top variants but absent on base variants.

Further down the feature list, a tyre pressure monitoring system is standard from variants above the base model, while ISOFIX child seat anchors are restricted to the top variant.

Finally, rear parking sensors are standard on all variants and a rear camera with static guidelines is available on upper variants.

Aura competes with its close rivals in its segment, namely Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire and Honda’s latest generation Amaze.

Dzire brings a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, a 9-inch touchscreen, a first-in-segment sunroof, and an ARAI-rated 25.71 km/l on the AMT, all areas where it leads the Aura. The Aura counters with a longer wheelbase and a more established CNG network pedigree.

Amaze brings segment-leading Level 2 ADAS features and a smoother CVT automatic that the Aura can't match. Its 1.2-litre engine produces 89 hp, slightly ahead of the Aura's 82 hp, though it trails on fuel efficiency in petrol form.