Hyundai Azera

The woman steps out of a Hyundai Azera on display at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, on November 16, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Five environmentally friendly cars are vying for the crown of Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show this week, each using different fuel or fuel combinations, demonstrating the growing range of options available for motorists wanting to cut their carbon footprint, the shortlist includes all-electric, gas-electric hybrid and natural gas-powered models. The finalists for the accolade, the winner of which is to be announced on November 17, are: the Honda Civic Natural Gas, the Volkswagen Passat TDI, the Mitsubishi i, the Toyota Prius V and the Ford Focus Electric.

Read More: http://www.newsday.com/topics/Hyundai_Azera

Hyundai Azera

Hyundai Ups the Ante Again at L.A. Auto Show

By Josh Condon of MSN Autos

Hyundai has enjoyed explosive growth thanks to superbly styled and reliable cars that over deliver on standard goodies — and let's not forget the industry's best warranty. With the new Azera, the Korean badge looks to continue the trend of reshaping formerly bland, cheap cars into visually captivating and value-packed vehicles.

 

What is it? The new iteration of Hyundai's midsize near-luxury sedan is the latest model to adopt the company's Fluidic Sculpture design language, which has created critical and consumer hits out of vehicles such as the Sonata and Elantra.

 

What's hot? It's not just about the looks: The Azera's 3.3-liter direct-injected V6 engine gets a combined city/highway fuel-efficiency rating of 23 mpg, which bests midsize competition such as the Lexus ES350, the V6-powered Buick LaCrosse and the Nissan Maxima. As with its Genesis and Equus models, Hyundai offers luxury amenities that punch above the vehicle's price point, with a leather interior including heated front and rear seats, navigation system, rear camera, dual automatic climate control and nine airbags standard.

 

What's not? Without some time behind the wheel, it's hard to knock yet another captivating design from Hyundai. However, as the Azera slots above the popular Sonata as a steppingstone to the upscale Genesis, the fast-growing manufacturer has quite a bit riding on this model's success.

 

How much and when? Rumors are that it will cost in the low-$30K range. It will go on sale in February 2012.

 

MSN Autos' verdict: With undeniably handsome sheet metal and luxury features at a near-luxury price tag, the new Azera will likely be yet another hit for Hyundai.

Read More: http://editorial.autos.msn.com/hyundai-ups-the-ante-again-at-la-auto-show

Hyundai Azera

HYUNDAI MODERNIZES THE LARGE SEDAN WITH THE ALL-NEW AZERA

Fluidic Sculpture Design, Smart Technology, Performance and Safety

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011– Hyundai Motor America today introduced the all-new Azera in a North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Azera is the fifth vehicle to adopt the company’s signature Fluidic Sculpture design language.Tucson, Accent, Elantra, Sonata and Azera now all have a modern, sleek, sophisticated style, creating the illusion of constant motion. This flagship Fluidic Sculpture sedan also features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI engine, six-speed transmission, best-in-class combined fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon and a wide range of advanced safety equipment.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2012 AZERA

• All-new second generation Azera with Fluidic Sculpture design
• Powered by a new Lambda II 3.3-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission
• Horsepower: 293 at 6400 RPM
• Best-in-class combined 23 mpg
• Better combined fuel efficiency than Nissan Maxima, Ford Taurus, Lexus ES350 and Buick LaCrosse V6
• Best-in-class specific output
• Nine standard airbags – includes knee airbag
• Impact-reducing front seat system
• Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD
• Best-in-class head and leg room for front-seat passengers
• Standard 18-inch alloy wheels and optional 19-inch alloy wheels
• HID Xenon headlights with LED accents
• Segment-exclusive standard navigation system with rearview camera
• Standard leather interior with heated front and rear seats
• Bluetooth^® hands-free phone system with voice recognition
• Standard Blue Link telematics platform
• Segment-first manual side window sunshades
• Ventilated front seats

Azera is the seventh vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in 24 months), on the heels of the all-newTucson, Sonata, Equus, Elantra, Accent and Veloster. The 2012 Azera represents a modern approach to the traditional large sedan segment by using an advanced powertrain, emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai’s strong value proposition. This approach has been successful for the other Fluidic Sculpture vehicles.

2012 AZERA MEETS THE MECHANICS OF FLIGHT

Azera’s Fluidic Sculpture design takes inspiration from the mechanics of flight. The exterior of the all-new Azera is long, light and low. The unique, undulating beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window and wraparound LED taillights. A monoform side profile includes flowing lines. The face is masculine with a large powerful chrome grille and HID headlamps that integrate precise details. The stance is completed by available 19-inch multi-spoke wheels.

The elegant look continues inside where Hyundai has created an upscale ambiance, thanks to a flow-through center fascia and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers.

Read More: http://www.hyundainews.com/us/en-us/2012/Azera/Overview.aspx

2011 Hyundai Azera Limited – Short Take Road Test

Hyundai’s big front-driver doesn’t offer much for enthusiasts, but packs plenty for everybody else.

Bracketed by the 10Best-winning Sonata (yes, we just said that) and the budget-luxe Genesis, the Hyundai Azera competes with other big front-wheel-drive sedans for the attention of a motoring sect committed to comfort. One of the oldest models in the Hyundai armory, the Azera went on sale in 2005 as a 2006 model.

For 2011, it receives a significant refresh that includes more power from both available V-6s—the 3.8-liter in the range-topping Limited tested here is up 20 hp, to 283—a six-speed automatic transmission in place of a five-speed unit, and a revised exterior that features new bumpers, a chrome grille, LED surrounds for the headlamps, and LED taillights. The result is a slightly classier look that is still as anonymous as a ghost writer—although recently revealed sketches of the next-generation Azera promise a dramatic look in line with Hyundai’s emergent styling philosophy.

The only change inside is new trim on the center console. While the interior is simple and nicely made, the switchgear and ambience are dated compared with Hyundai’s more recent offerings. Additionally, despite power adjustable seats and a power tilting and telescoping steering wheel, the driving position is a bit weird, as if you’re too high off the floor. The feeling of sitting up in the car rather than down inside it is exacerbated by the unfashionably low cowl and beltline. Awkward as it feels, the combination does make for excellent visibility.

Fast… In a Straight Line

We’re not going to complain about more power, but the Azera didn’t really need it. It’s fast, all right, with a top speed governed at 148 mph and a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.3 seconds. That’s 0.3 second faster than the Toyota Avalon and 0.6 second better than the Ford Taurus, but two tenths off the pace of a 2006 Azera we tested. (The Nissan Maxima, which competes on price and size, rules the roost with a time of 5.8 seconds.) The Azera will easily leave the line in a cloud of tire smoke if you turn off traction control, but there’s nothing sporty about this car, and the engine becomes coarse as it nears the 6200-rpm redline.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_hyundai_azera_limited-short_take_road_test

Hyundai Dealers

2012 Hyundai Azera / Grandeur HG images expose headlights, grille and tail-lamps

Our friends and Hyundai enthusiasts, particularly interested in the 2012 Hyundai Azera (named Grandeur in Korea), have obtained some exclusive spy shots of the all-new near-luxury Hyundai sedan, which is set to go on sale in Korea within a month.

Codenamed HG, the all-new Hyundai Grandeur will first go on sale in South Korea. Its sales will commence right after its official Korean-market premiere set for late November.  The all-new Hyundai near-luxury sedan will replace the current Grandeur model, which can hardly compete against latest  arrivals such as new Kia Cadenza or Daewoo Alpheon.

By now, you could have seen a large number of 2012 Grandeur spy shots posted over the web, however, none of those revealed us so many details of the next-generatiom Grandeur’s exterior design as these two shots, posted below. Thanks to the fellow guys from ClubHG.kr, we can see the front and rear fascias exposed for the first time.

Read More: http://www.hyundai-blog.com/index.php/2010/10/27/2012-hyundai-azera-grandeur-hg-images-expose-headlights-grille-and-tail-lamps/

Ettleson Hyundai

HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND AZERA NAMED USED CAR BEST BETS FOR 2010 BY EDMUNDS.COM

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 30, 2010 –

Edmunds.com named both the Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Azera to its list of Used Car Best Bets for 2010.  The model years 2003 to 2008 Elantra topped the Compact Sedan category and the model years 2006 to 2008 Azera won out in the Large Sedan segment.  Edmunds.com, a premier online resource for automotive information, chose this year’s Used Car Best Bets based on reliability, safety, value, and availability. This year all cars and trucks from the 2003 to 2008 model years were eligible.

“With class-leading interior space, outstanding handling and overall refinement, it’s clear that Elantra offers terrific value,” said Tracy Bowes, national manager, Retail Operations, Hyundai Motor America.  “Additionally, the award winning Azera continues to top the large sedan segment, packing in more value, upgrades and standard equipment year after year. Both these cars boast Hyundai’s class-leading safety technology, allowing them to maintain their reliability and strong residual values at resale.”

In order to put together this list of top choices in the used vehicle market, the Edmunds.com editors looked at consumer ratings as well as sources that report on reliability and longevity, and applied their own experience and judgment to determine a vehicle's reliability.  They also regarded how the vehicles rated in various crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

“A complete redesign in 2001 earned the Hyundai Elantra our respect, which was bolstered further by a tough tour of duty in our long-term fleet,” said Edmunds.com editors. “In addition to peppy performance and a smooth ride, the Elantra offers solid build quality, reliability and operating economy.  Impressive crash test scores are another feather in the Elantra's cap.”

“Offering an upscale look inside and out and a number of unexpected luxury features for a reasonable price, the Azera also boasts the solid build quality and steadfast reliability that Hyundai is becoming known for,” added the editors. “Strong crash test scores, smooth and refined performance and a quiet ride round out the Azera's impressive resumé.”

Joining the Elantra and Azera on Edmunds.com Used Car Best Bets list are Toyota Camry, BMW 3 Series, Mazda Miata, Pontiac Vibe, Honda CR-V, Mitsubish Endeavor, Chevrolet Tahoe, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, Infiniti G35 and Toyota Prius.

Hyundai Dealers