Edmunds: Hyundai Azera

[ifcar]

Hyundai Embraces Luxury







"Koreans are never satisfied," said Shi Hong Choe. "We are always working, always improving. If I see something out of place, I cannot rest until it's corrected."

It's employees like Mr. Choe, Hyundai's senior vice president of vehicle test and development, who are enabling the Korean automaker to challenge the Japanese Big Three ? Toyota, Honda and Nissan ? one carefully engineered new model at a time.

Hot on the heels of the successful redesign of the midsize Sonata is Hyundai's new flagship sedan, the 2006 Hyundai Azera. Replacing the outgoing Hyundai XG350, the Azera is a modern sedan that should allow Mr. Choe to rest easier. A polished new look, luxurious interior, and a lengthy list of standard safety equipment provide the Azera with the right hardware to take on Toyota's popular full-size Avalon sedan.

Quickest Hyundai Ever
Under the big Hyundai's hood lies a new ultralow emissions (ULEV) DOHC 3.8-liter, V6 engine with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT). Rated at 263 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, this refined V6 is big brother to the Sonata's smooth 3.3-liter V6. A well-timed five-speed automatic transmission with a gated shifter comes standard with the single-engine offering. The shifter allows you to shift gears manually, but the engine is so strong and the transmission so responsive, it isn't necessary.

Hyundai says the front-wheel-drive Azera is the quickest Hyundai ever built, with a manufacturer reported 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds. If that's true, it'll be quicker than the last Avalon we tested, which hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. We haven't put the Azera through our own instrumented tests yet, but it does feel quick out on the open road.

Down below, the Azera's all-new platform is a stretched version of the Sonata's and it has 68-percent greater body stiffness than the XG350. A healthy dose of unique Azera bits combine with similar Sonata attachment points to help keep the cost down. Sixteen-inch wheels secure the Azera SE's four corners, while the Limited gets 17-inch wheels with P235/55VR17 Michelin tires.

Its dynamics were tuned in Korea as well as at Hyundai's super-secret test facility in the Mojave Desert. Although its steering is a touch light, the four-wheel disc brakes are strong and pedal feel is above average. At 3,629 pounds, this large, heavy sedan still needs to be guided instead of flung through tight turns, but the Azera is much more athletic than its spongy predecessor. Mr. Choe must smile when he feels the Azera's firm grip at speed. We did.

Safety First
Determined to become an industry leader in the standard application of safety technologies, Hyundai is spreading airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) across its lineup and the Azera is no exception. The luxury sedan receives two additional airbags to Hyundai's typical six-count for a total of eight, plus standard traction control. Standard antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) help bring the Azera to a safe stop.

Hyundai claims that the Azera is projected to receive the highest crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Lex-dai or Hyun-us
Hyundai admits to setting its sights on the Toyota Avalon, but the Azera is so luxurious inside, challenging the Lexus ES 330 isn't out of the question. The Azera's center stack is clean and elegant with wood and aluminum trim galore, and there's no cheap plastic to be found. Instead, quality touches like a thick headliner, fabric-wrapped door pillars and triple door seals help the Azera envelope passengers in quiet comfort. Contrast stitching along the soft leather seat covers help to increase the Azera's style quotient.

With nearly 44 inches of legroom in the front and over 38 inches for rear-seat passengers, the Azera offers a roomy ride with exceptionally comfortable seats that provide solid support underneath their softly padded exterior. Efficient packaging has maximized total passenger volume, allowing an increase of 7 cubic feet over the XG350.

But if the classy, comfortable interior doesn't make you think Lexus, the lengthy feature list will. An SE gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power front seats, a 60/40-split rear seat to increase cargo capacity to 16.6 cubic feet, dual automatic climate control, and a CD/MP3 player.

The Limited adds larger wheels, heated leather seats in a choice of three colors, a wood grain steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, and an electroluminescent instrument cluster. Add the Premium Package and you'll get a power sunroof and a 300-watt in-dash six-disc Infinity sound system. An Ultimate Package (remember, we're still under $30,000) adds a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering column and adjustable pedals, rain-sensing wipers and folding side mirrors.

All for the Low, Low Price
With similar horsepower and torque ratings from their V6 power plants and comparable interior features, the major distinction between the Azera and the Avalon is the price. Although the Azera's pricing hasn't been fixed and won't be until the sedan hits Hyundai showrooms in November, preliminary pricing suggests it'll have a clear advantage.

The base model Azera SE is expected to enter the market around $25,000, with top-of-the-line Limited trim starting near $27,000. Even better, Hyundai officials claim a fully loaded Azera Limited will remain under $30,000. By comparison, the entry-level Avalon XL starts at $27,165 and climbs to $34,355 for the Limited sedan. Combine the low price with Hyundai's acclaimed 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the Azera presents a pretty compelling package.

Winning Package
Hyundai's only concern should be luring consumers in for a test-drive. Although the company is playing to win with the 2006 Hyundai Azera, it might take some time to drag consumers out of their Japanese-car safety zone and ask them to risk a Korean alternative.

Hopefully incentives like the world's best warranty; a low, low price; and an increasing track record for reliability will drive the Azera toward a place in the spotlight. And allow Mr. Choe to take a well-earned vacation.  

[MX793]

Wow, looks like Buick is in for a hurting.  Between this and the Avalon, why would anyone buy a Buick?

[Colonel Cadillac]

Change that H to a T and you get the Avalon.

[ifcar]

Wow, looks like Buick is in for a hurting.  Between this and the Avalon, why would anyone buy a Buick?

Loyalty? Buick's got the highest owner retention rates of any brand last I heard. I suppose once you're comfortable with something you see no reason to switch.

[MX793]

Wow, looks like Buick is in for a hurting.  Between this and the Avalon, why would anyone buy a Buick?

Loyalty? Buick's got the highest owner retention rates of any brand last I heard. I suppose once you're comfortable with something you see no reason to switch.

Yeah, senior citizens don't much care for change.  

[Run Away]

My grandpa only buys Gm vehicles....
He has bought many many vehicles from the same dealer, so they give him a good deal, and he has the GM credit card, giving him tonms of money off ever purchase. He buys a brand new car every 5 years.

[TBR]

Can't wait for a comparo between this, the Lucerne, the Avalon, and next year's 500/Montego (with the 3.5l). This segment has really heated up over the past year or so.

[ifcar]

We're also looking at a potential upgrade to the Maxima's interior, possibly a major overhaul. And don't count out the Chrysler 300 3.5-liter that reviewers incexplicably continue to praise.

[TBR]

I have never seen anyone really praise the 300 3.5l.

[TurboDan]

Here's the (morbid) question GM has to answer:  what happens when all of those Buick fans start pushing up daisies.  Baby boomers sure as hell won't want to be seen in a BUICK!

[ifcar]

I have never seen anyone really praise the 300 3.5l.

Both Edmunds and C/D put in second place in their large-sedan comparos.  

[cozmik]

I have never seen anyone really praise the 300 3.5l.

Both Edmunds and C/D put in second place in their large-sedan comparos.

As a car, the 300 is quite nice, it has very good sriving dynamics in the segment. The main weakpoint with the 3.5 is the transmission, the MB 5 speed autobox they are going to should help to correct that.

[ifcar]

I have never seen anyone really praise the 300 3.5l.

Both Edmunds and C/D put in second place in their large-sedan comparos.

As a car, the 300 is quite nice, it has very good sriving dynamics in the segment. The main weakpoint with the 3.5 is the transmission, the MB 5 speed autobox they are going to should help to correct that.

It has good driving dynamics, but it's still not a standout. The LaCrosse CXS, Maxima, and Five Hundred have good driving dynamics as well, and their own set of advantages. There just isn't anything great about the 300 V6, it's not a great value, it doesn't have exceptional driving dynamics, it doesn't have exceptional interior space, it doesn't have exceptional power or refinement, it just doesn't stand out. It's being fawned over primarily for its styling, it's a thoroughly average car.  

[Secret Chimp]

This would've looked good 3-5 years ago.

[TBR]

I have never seen anyone really praise the 300 3.5l.

Both Edmunds and C/D put in second place in their large-sedan comparos.

Yeah, but at least C/D didn't drool all over it like they did the 300c and the Avalon.

[TBR]

I just noticed that there is not only a lot of Q45 influence in the interior, but there is also a fair amount of Maxima influence.  

[ifcar]

I have never seen anyone really praise the 300 3.5l.

Both Edmunds and C/D put in second place in their large-sedan comparos.

Yeah, but at least C/D didn't drool all over it like they did the 300c and the Avalon.

A second-place finish for such a mediocre car would fall into my category of drooling. Both Edmunds and C/D did it, and I'm almost positive that at least one other mag did the same.  

[TBR]

I wouldn't call it medicore, the competition is just ahead of it in some areas. Compared to what was out when it came out it is an excellent car.  

[so cal cookie]

Wow, looks like Buick is in for a hurting.  Between this and the Avalon, why would anyone buy a Buick?

Sad, but true.

I saw some photos of the Lucerne over at Cheers and Gears, and they show the car to be really bland.

[ifcar]

I wouldn't call it medicore, the competition is just ahead of it in some areas. Compared to what was out when it came out it is an excellent car.

How? It doesn't stand out in any way at all. It doesn't drive particularly well, it doesn't have a great amount of interior space, it's not quick, it's not cheap. How is it excellent compared to anything at all?

[TBR]

Everyone else seems to think it is the best driving large sedan. And, I said it was excellent compared to the cars that were out when it was out (i.e. Lesabre, XG350, 2004 Avalon, CV), I agree that it is behind the 500 in some ways and the Avalon in some as well but it isn't medicore at all. The Amanti is medicore, the 300 isn't.  

[Raghavan]

BLOATEED

[SaltyDog]

Here's the (morbid) question GM has to answer:  what happens when all of those Buick fans start pushing up daisies.  Baby boomers sure as hell won't want to be seen in a BUICK!

Cadillac made a great leap in that department imo.  If you look at their image five years ago compared to their image today there is quite a difference.  They broke into the hot sport sedan market and have a competitor on their hands.  Their fullsizer is right up there as well with BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, and Jaguar.  I don't see why Buick can't make a similar change in its respective sement, though it will take some time before auto enthusiasts rave over a Buick.

[ifcar]

Everyone else seems to think it is the best driving large sedan. And, I said it was excellent compared to the cars that were out when it was out (i.e. Lesabre, XG350, 2004 Avalon, CV), I agree that it is behind the 500 in some ways and the Avalon in some as well but it isn't medicore at all. The Amanti is medicore, the 300 isn't.

The Amanti is mediocre, it just handles poorly. It has exceptional interior quality and comfort, and is a terrific value. The 300 definitely is not the best-driving large sedan, I'd give that honor to the Maxima. It's competent, but no more so than a Five Hundred.

For the third time, the 300 stands out in no ways, has some clear and important flaws, and costs more than most of its competitors. Verdict: mediocre.  

[ifcar]

Here's the (morbid) question GM has to answer:  what happens when all of those Buick fans start pushing up daisies.  Baby boomers sure as hell won't want to be seen in a BUICK!

Cadillac made a great leap in that department imo.  If you look at their image five years ago compared to their image today there is quite a difference.  They broke into the hot sport sedan market and have a competitor on their hands.  Their fullsizer is right up there as well with BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, and Jaguar.  I don't see why Buick can't make a similar change in its respective sement, though it will take some time before auto enthusiasts rave over a Buick.

It took a vast infusion of cash into Cadillac to turn it around, and GM is in no position to repeat that. It looks as though Buick cars will only be improved, not revolutionized.

[Raghavan]

But at least the 300 has the 'playa' status. Plus it's RWD.

[ifcar]

That's exactly what the 300 has: status, style, RWD. Nothing tangible.

[Raghavan]

That's exactly what the 300 has: status, style, RWD. Nothing tangible.

It also has a cabin that feels way to claustraphobic and dark, as well as bad headroom in the rear, and gun slit windows. <_<  

[ifcar]

I meant no outstanding positive tangible attributes.  

[Raghavan]

I meant no outstanding positive tangible attributes.

Oh, yeah.