Once a company focusing on inexpensive entry-level vehicles, South Korea's Hyundai Motors now offers a full spectrum of vehicles in the United States. The lineup now includes vehicles that are larger in size with a dash of posh. In 2000, the automaker debuted its flagship model, the XG350. This V-6-powered sedan offered more upscale nuances than the popular mid-size Sonata, but was slow to capture the imagination of shoppers. Both are front-wheel-drive.
In the 2006 model year, Hyundai wisely changed the name of the hard-to-remember XG350 during its second-generation incarnation, and thus, Azera was born.
The front-wheel-drive Azera measures about four inches longer than a Sonata with a very inviting interior cabin and a starting price thousands less than luxury-appointed Japanese rivals. That's one of Hyundai's keys to success; offer consumers more value for the dollar by pricing vehicles less than the mainstream competition. Azera can be considered a large mid-size offering, or a small full-size body in the mold of a Chevrolet Impala or Toyota Avalon.
Azera will soon have full-size company at Hyundai dealerships. In the fall of 2008, the South Korean automaker launches its first full-size sedan with a V-8 engine and rear-wheel drive, the 2009 model-year Genesis. It's targeted at a more performance-oriented audience than the smooth riding, entry-luxury Azera. A rear-drive Genesis coupe version is scheduled to arrive after the sedan's debut. Currently, Hyundai offers no gas-electric hybrid vehicles in its lineup.
Two Azera trim levels are available in 2008: GLS and Limited. A mid-grade SE model, available in 2007, has been sent packing. Each trim has its own V-6 engine. Our Limited test model had the larger 3.8-liter double overhead cam V-6 generating 263 horsepower. The GLS comes with a 3.3-liter V-6 generating 234 horses. Both are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and 'manumatic' floor-mounted shifter, allowing manual shifting of forward gears without a foot clutch when desired. Fuel economy for the 3.8-liter engine is 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway The 3.3-liter engine produces one more mile per gallon in city driving. The fuel tank holds 19.6 gallons of regular unleaded fuel.
The well-thought out dashboard features a flat analog instrument panel with black background and white numerals and lettering. It's one of the most easy-on-the-eyes and practical layouts. A central message window provides digital information, including a secondary gear shift indicator. Front door map pockets extend out when extra room is needed. Fuel tank and trunk remote release buttons are conveniently located on the driver's door, not the floor, for easy access. The driver's door is also home to standard power window, outside mirrors and locks. Large side windows and thin rear "C" pillars provide excellent visibility. Headroom is more than generous and leg room is superb. Leather seating surfaces are standard in Limited and optional in GLS.
A leather-wrapped steering includes red wood trim on the top and bottom (limited editions only). Wood trim is also found on doors and along the width of the two-tone dashboard. Also on the steering wheel are secondary volume and radio pre-set controls and all cruise control functions. The ignition cylinder is located on the dashboard, right of the steering column. The parking brake is foot operated. A power sunroof comes standard in Limited models, and optional in GLS.
The surprisingly large trunk accommodates 16.6 cubic feet of stuff. While interior goose-neck type hinges are found atop, they are covered in cushy, tube-like housing so cargo does not get squished. Second-row seat backs fold down with a 60/40 split to accommodate long items.
An understated elegance best describes the exterior. Lower chrome trim extends along the sides and surrounds side windows. Long, narrow tail lights and dual exhausts adorn the back while a small grille with horizontal chrome slats flanked by narrow headlight housing, highlight the front. Turn signal blinkers are built into side-view mirrors of the Limited models. Azera carries some visual characteristics of sedans from Nissan's luxury Infiniti brand.
Speed-sensitive power steering is light to the touch, turning this 3,629--pound vehicle effortlessly. Hard braking tended to give Azera a challenge with a bit more nose diving than one needs to expect. Fuel economy for both V-6 engines could be more prudent.
All this brings us to the sensitive area of price. A GLS starts at $25,295 while our Limited checks in at $28,550. Even with the ultimate navigation package (with in-dash, easy to use navigation system, power steering column, adjustable pedals- $2,750), the bottom line was $32,095 with a $695 destination charge. That's a bargain when checking out some luxury competitors. A Lexus ES 350 entry-luxury sedan starts at $34,000 while a Toyota Avalon checks in at $27,000. Azera is built in South Korea. Hyundai does have one assembly plant in the United States (Alabama) producing the popular Sonata.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Azera a five-star safety rating, the highest ranking available, thanks to such standard equipment as eight air bags (including side curtain and front and rear seat-mounted side air bags), anti-lock brakes, traction control and active head restraint.
One the whole, Azera accomplishes a very tough task. Offering luxury amenities at a $25,000 starting point is fraught with danger. When consumers hear the word luxury, images of Lexus and Cadillac dance through their heads. True, Azera does not offer the interior quietness or sporty handling of an Acura RL, but at a starting price thousands less than the competition, Azera can be excused. It does offer buyers a very comfortable and upscale interior seating package, extra large rear seat leg room and just about all the safety features of a $60,000 Lincoln. Plus Hyundai's 10-year powertrain warranty remains one of the longest available. If possible, spend the extra $3,000 for the Limited trim and enjoy the standard sunroof, more potent powertrain and upgraded seating surfaces. From a value standpoint, Azera is one of the best kept secrets in the 2008 model year. |