prashok
Feb 18, 06, 10:45 pm
Showed up at SFO for my C reservation and saw a shiny new Azera in the stall next to me. With no name assigned, I figured I'd try to procure Hyundai's latest creation -- the replacement for the XG350. :)
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/azera/azera.aspx
From the Hyundai website, my Limited trim model was equipped with the Premium Package, and had an MSRP of $28,335.
Power: All Azeras are equipped with Hyundai's new 3.8L Lambda-series engine, based off the 3.3L motor in the Sonata. With 263 hp on tap, the Azera delivers plenty of thrust throughout the powerband, and the motor remains quiet and refined while doing so. The five-speed automatic is also silky-smooth in its operation, providing effortless upshifts and responsive downshifts. There is a manual-shift mode, but given the manner in which power is delivered, I never found the need to use it. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 19/28 mpg city/highway, though I've only observed 18.5 mpg in mixed driving.
Ride/Handling: The previous XG was somewhat of a sofa-on-wheels, and the Azera continues that tradition -- however, overall dynamics are still noticeably sharper than its predecessor. Steering remains light, but feedback is improved. General handling is capable, with a decent amount of body roll and a firm chassis grip. Noise levels are kept to a minimum, and the ride still continues to be supple and comfortable, with little sponginess. Brakes are strong and pedal feel provides an above-average level of modulation. With no hint of torque steer and standard stability/traction control, the Azera handled the rainy roads of San Francisco with little drama.
Interior: As with the recently-introduced Sonata, Hyundai has made huge gains in the interior arena. Materials and tactile quality throughout the Azera are top-notch, and build quality shows a vault-like soldity. The center HVAC stack is a bit interesting though, as the surrounding plastic has a slightly cheaper feel than the lower-dash plastic -- usually, most automakers do the opposite, opting to place the soft-touch materials within the HVAC zone that consumers most interact with instead. Interior space is cavernous, with trunk and cabin space matching or exceeding that of the Azera's competitors. The seats in particular are quite comfortable, and are stitched with a high-quality leather. Ergonomics are also logical, with no ill-placed buttons or knobs.
Design: I might be alone on this, but I was underwhelmed by the Azera's styling, inside and out. While some would call it generic, I rather like the design of the XG350, with its elegant proportions and squared-off profile. The new Azera seems to be less cohesive on the outside, with several random cues that didn't result in as graceful of a profile. Similarly, the interior also IMO loses some of its character, with an overall style that doesn't particularly look any more upscale than the Sonata. As mentioned above, interior materials were beyond reproach -- however, it just didn't look like I was in a nicer car.
Features: As expected with Hyundai, the standard features list is long and every accessory expected of a car of this size and price is included. Some notable features on my example were a power rear sunshade and an Infinity 300-watt sound system.
Value: The Azera continues to remain in the H rate class, as did the previous XG350. While my personal preference leans toward the sportier G35, the Azera is a wonderful road trip car and is easily comparable to my current cruiser favorite in the H segment, the Toyota Avalon.
To sum it up:
The Good
Refined and quiet
Comfortable and spacious interior
Long list of safety and convenience features
The Bad
Uninspiring design (IMO)
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/azera/azera.aspx
From the Hyundai website, my Limited trim model was equipped with the Premium Package, and had an MSRP of $28,335.
Power: All Azeras are equipped with Hyundai's new 3.8L Lambda-series engine, based off the 3.3L motor in the Sonata. With 263 hp on tap, the Azera delivers plenty of thrust throughout the powerband, and the motor remains quiet and refined while doing so. The five-speed automatic is also silky-smooth in its operation, providing effortless upshifts and responsive downshifts. There is a manual-shift mode, but given the manner in which power is delivered, I never found the need to use it. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 19/28 mpg city/highway, though I've only observed 18.5 mpg in mixed driving.
Ride/Handling: The previous XG was somewhat of a sofa-on-wheels, and the Azera continues that tradition -- however, overall dynamics are still noticeably sharper than its predecessor. Steering remains light, but feedback is improved. General handling is capable, with a decent amount of body roll and a firm chassis grip. Noise levels are kept to a minimum, and the ride still continues to be supple and comfortable, with little sponginess. Brakes are strong and pedal feel provides an above-average level of modulation. With no hint of torque steer and standard stability/traction control, the Azera handled the rainy roads of San Francisco with little drama.
Interior: As with the recently-introduced Sonata, Hyundai has made huge gains in the interior arena. Materials and tactile quality throughout the Azera are top-notch, and build quality shows a vault-like soldity. The center HVAC stack is a bit interesting though, as the surrounding plastic has a slightly cheaper feel than the lower-dash plastic -- usually, most automakers do the opposite, opting to place the soft-touch materials within the HVAC zone that consumers most interact with instead. Interior space is cavernous, with trunk and cabin space matching or exceeding that of the Azera's competitors. The seats in particular are quite comfortable, and are stitched with a high-quality leather. Ergonomics are also logical, with no ill-placed buttons or knobs.
Design: I might be alone on this, but I was underwhelmed by the Azera's styling, inside and out. While some would call it generic, I rather like the design of the XG350, with its elegant proportions and squared-off profile. The new Azera seems to be less cohesive on the outside, with several random cues that didn't result in as graceful of a profile. Similarly, the interior also IMO loses some of its character, with an overall style that doesn't particularly look any more upscale than the Sonata. As mentioned above, interior materials were beyond reproach -- however, it just didn't look like I was in a nicer car.
Features: As expected with Hyundai, the standard features list is long and every accessory expected of a car of this size and price is included. Some notable features on my example were a power rear sunshade and an Infinity 300-watt sound system.
Value: The Azera continues to remain in the H rate class, as did the previous XG350. While my personal preference leans toward the sportier G35, the Azera is a wonderful road trip car and is easily comparable to my current cruiser favorite in the H segment, the Toyota Avalon.
To sum it up:
The Good
Refined and quiet
Comfortable and spacious interior
Long list of safety and convenience features
The Bad
Uninspiring design (IMO)