If you're looking for a luxury sedan that offers more standard features than many of its competitors and has a better price tag, just give a glance at the Hyundai Azera. With a base price that starts at $24,600, the Azera's beautiful styling makes it appear much more expensive. If you like quality with your luxury, worry not Ð this model continues Hyundai's remarkable gains in that area over the last few years.
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Photo by Hyundai
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Hyundai Azera
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ABOUT THE HYUNDAI AZERA:
Body style:
Sedan
Trim lines:
Base, Limited
Price:
$24,600 -- $32,095
Drive:
Front-wheel
Seating:
Two in front, three in rear
Engine:
3.3-liter V-6, 3.8-liter V-6
Transmission:
Five-speed automatic
Miles per gallon of fuel:
18 city, 26 highway -- 3.3-liter; 17 and 26 -- 3.8-liter
WHAT'S SPECIAL:
Hyundai makes great products and stands behind them. The Azera's powertrain warranty is 10 years/100,000 miles and includes five years of 24-hour roadside assistance, which includes towing and lockout service, regardless of mileage and without a deductible. That puts Hyundai's coverage at or near the top of the market.
WHAT WE LIKE:
The spaciousness of the interior is striking. This doesn't look like a huge vehicle from the outside, but when you get inside, you notice that it can seat five people fairly comfortably. The interior appearance is also great. It doesn't look like Hyundai skimped on anything.
WHAT ISN'T THERE:
A V-8 engine is not available. No worries Ð you won't need it. The 3.8-liter V-6 on the tester makes a peppy 263 horsepower. There's also a 3.3-liter V-6 that does 236 ponies. Both are plenty powerful and don't drink as much fuel as a V-8.
YOU OUGHTA KNOW:
Included in the value equation are all the safety features on the Azera. You get eight standard air bags, an electronic stability-control system and antilock brakes. Traction control, halogen projector beam headlights and active front head restraints are also included. The Limited model has 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels.
EXTRAS:
The whole luxury catalog can be had here: heated front seats, wood trimmed steering wheel, power sunroof, the Ultimate Navigation Package, Infinity audio system and carpeted floor mats. Plus, the savings you got on the sticker price won't be wasted at the pump. The Azera's EPA ratings are 18 city, 26 highway for the 3.3-liter engine, and 17 and 26 for the 3.8-liter. And it uses regular unleaded, not premium.
COMPETITORS:
The sedan market in which the Azera resides also includes models such as the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus. These are good cars, but hard pressed to match the value of the Azera. If you want more power get the Charger with a V-8, but watch out when it's time to fill up. If you want better resale value, the Avalon has it, but with a higher sticker price.
ABOUT HYUNDAI:
The XG350 sedan was Hyundai's precursor to the Azera. The Azera is in some ways a larger version of the Sonata, a popular sedan. Hyundai, based in South Korea, has continued its aggressive marketing efforts, trying to get the word out that it has overcome its past quality issues and now offers, throughout its product lines, some of the best value models on the market.
AND ANOTHER THING:
The five-speed automatic transmission can also be shifted manually, if you wish.
