Hyundai Azera Introduction Middleburg FL

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By Tom Lankard
Nameplate-plush at chain-store prices.

Introduction

Remarkable for both its ambition and its achievement, Azera is Hyundai's entry into the full-size, near-luxury segment. Azera is a worthy alternative to the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima. Introduced just last year as a 2006 model, Azera has already out-scored the highly regarded Toyota Avalon to earn second place in the segment in J.D. Power and Associate's 2006 Initial Quality Study. It was also rated the Most Appealing Large Car in J.D. Power's Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and has received the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety's (IIHS) top crash test rating for frontal offset impacts. That's an impressive combination of accolades.

In design and styling, in creature comforts, powertrain and in safety features, Azera offers as much or more than anything else in the class, and at a lower price.

Azera's powertrain is the state of the art. The 3.8-liter V6 engine features variable valve timing for low emissions and a broad power curve, while the five-speed automatic gives the driver the option of shifting semi-manually, competitive features with Lexus, Infiniti and Acura. While there's nothing especially striking in Azera's design or styling, take off the Hyundai badge, and it could pass as family among any of the top-rated Japanese nameplates.

Inside, fit and finish set a new standard for the marque, with quality materials and assembly. There's a quiet elegance in the simplicity of the instruments, usability of the controls and sleekness of design. What isn't readily visible received the same attention as what is, with hardware studiously hidden away and storage bins fully finished. All is not perfection. Some of the faux leather feels more like vinyl than bovine. But the overall presentation is upscale.

At a more practical level, the Azera equals or betters the competition in standard equipment, with special emphasis on safety. Eight airbags are standard, as are electronic stability control, traction control, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and active front seat head restraints. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, more commonly found only on high-end cars, are available.

Changes for 2007 are minimal. Steering wheel audio controls with seek up/down are now standard on all models. Azera Limited models now come with an enhanced electroluminescent instrument cluster. Sideview mirrors with integral turn-signal indicators are now included in the Ultimate Package. And black leather interiors are now accented with light gray stitching.

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