Introduction

The Hyundai Azera, the Korean automaker's premium sedan, is now entering its third season, and the accolades are still rolling in. For the second year in a row, Azera scored a first-place finish in the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and in its Strategic Vision Total Quality Award. That's after landing a second-place (but still ahead of the Toyota Avalon) in Power's 2006 Initial Quality Study. Azera is Hyundai's entry in the full-size, near-luxury segment, an alternative to the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima. Azera boasts as much or more total interior and cargo volume as the Avalon, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans, and the BMW 7 Series. 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 uses the latest technology. Both available V6 engines feature variable valve timing for low emissions and a broad power curve; while the standard five-speed automatic gearbox gives the driver the option of shifting semi-manually. These are features that compete 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 are first rate, 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 plastic 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, brake assist, and active front seat head restraints. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, more commonly found only on high-end cars, are available. In addition to the awards cited above, Azera has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) top crash test rating for frontal offset impacts. For 2008, Hyundai has expanded Azera's list of standard and optional equipment. The 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels reserved for Limited models last year are now standard on all Azeras, as is XM Satellite Radio. The Limited now comes with a power sunroof and a 315-watt Infinity audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers. New options include leather for the base model and an LG navigation system for Limited. And all Azeras benefit from a re-tuned chassis and quicker steering.

Walkaround

While there may be nothing strikingly new nor original about the looks of the Hyundai Azera, there's nevertheless a completeness, a proportional flow that both catches and pleases the eye. And while other automakers are drifting toward increased visual mass, Hyundai is developing a crisper, more adventurous look all its own. The front styling of the Azera resembles that of the smaller Sonata but with the comfortable filling out that can come with healthy aging; not quite stately, but definitely wiser. The headlights are familiar, as is the shape of the grille, although the latter is textured on the Azera with fine horizontal lines, rather than the Sonata's single bold slash. Similarly, Azera's lower air intake is gently split horizontally, and its bumper subtly detailed with thin, bright-finish bump strips at each corner. The side view reaches for elegance, with gracefully arced, micro-bulged fenders and a glasshouse that rises softly from the bonnet, flows smoothly over an elongated cabin and falls gently into the boot. The rear overhang extends a bit farther than the shorter front overhang, but wide doors and spacious windows temper this relatively minor discord. The trunk lid seems to sit atop the rear fenders, inviting unfortunate comparison with the awkward back end of the current BMW 7 Series, but some designers are saying that's a necessary aerodynamic solution, and we're seeing the same sort of thing on the newest models from Lexus and Acura. The Azera's back end is equally reminiscent of the Sonata, again albeit fuller, more mature. Sonata-like tapers outline the lighting arrangements and license plate. LED tail and brake lights are standard at all levels. A unique reflector strip reaching across the trunk lid doubles as a background for the only external display of the name, Azera. A bright strip along the top of the bumper finishes the loop started at the front and carried along the side. Widely spaced dual exhaust tips add a sporty touch.

Interior Features

The Hyundai Azera is comfortable and offers near-elegant transport. The upholstery, the dash covering, the carpet, are all top notch. Even the fabric headliner is a cut above the standard mouse fur. Gaps between the bits and pieces of plastic and other materials are impressively tight, earning high marks for fit and finish. The glove box and storage cubbies are of good quality. All hinged fixtures, from glove box door to roof-mounted grab handles, are damped for smooth, quiet operation. The dash sweeps gracefully across the car, beginning and ending in sectioned caps molded into the front door panels, and beneath an odd, table-edge-like flat rim that circles the entire interior from the outboard edges of the rear seats. Vent registers are symmetrically positioned near the doors and on each side of the audio and climate control panels centered above a large storage bin. Intuitively proportioned tachometer, speedometer, fuel level and engine coolant gauges peer out from a hooded pod through the top half of the steering wheel. Large, friendly knobs, buttons and switches return a pleasant tactile feel. An AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with a four-channel, 172-watt amplifier and six speakers comes standard in the Azera GLS. Limited models upgrade to an Infinity audio system that includes a 7-channel, 315-watt amplifier, in-dash six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers. The center console is trimmed in natural-looking woodgrain and brushed aluminum. Up front, almost tucked up underneath the dash overhang, is a covered ashtray with lighter. Aft of this is a small cubby, with controls for the seat heaters. Driver and front passenger have access to a pair of cup holders that hide beneath a hinged cover at the forward end of the console. The top of the bi-level console and storage bin is padded. Map pockets in each door are provided, part of which flip out to expand. The backsides of the front seats wear magazine pouches. Back seat passengers get a fold-down center armrest with two cup holders and, overhead, reading lights. The seats, front and rear, are comfortable and supportive. Front seat bases are fully enclosed so hardware isn't exposed. The driver's seat power lumbar covers an impressive range. Front seats give more and better thigh support than the rears, but the copious rear seat leg room more than compensates, helped by the rear doors' remarkably wide openings. Visibility is good all around, with special credit to the view out the back. The adjustable rear head restraints are the shingle type, which are formed to fit down over the top of the seatback when retracted. The electro-chromatic rearview mirror comes with an off switch, for the compass, too, and when that's turned off, the window in which it appears fades into the mirror. And shift into reverse with the Limited's rear sunshade deployed, and it automatically retracts. The Azera is roomy. Dimension-for-dimension against the competition, Hyundai Azera generally prevails, besting the Nissan Maxima, Buick LaCrosse and Mercury Milan in nearly all measures (Maxima has a quarter-inch more leg room in front). In fact, Azera's interior dimensions are more comparable to those of the larger Buick Lucerne and Mercury Sable. Toyota Avalon offers more rear-seat hip and legroom than Azera; but then Azera surpasses Avalon in front-seat legroom and in front and rear headroom. In trunk space, the Hyundai Azera is near the head of this class. Only the Buick Lucerne and Mercury Sable have more trunk space. The Azera beats the Avalon by two cubic feet. The Azera's trunk is fully finished, and enclosed gooseneck hinges and a hydraulic strut lift the lid.