“Hyundai Azera sedan for 2013: a Class Act”

Last year, Hyundai returned to center stage, debuting their all-new, Azera at the Los Angeles Auto Show as a premium, large four-door sedan. Azera is positioned between Hyundai’s Sonata and Genesis models. The Azera became the fifth Hyundai vehicle to adopt the company’s graceful “Fluidic Sculpture” design philosophy – a modern, sleek, sophisticated style that creates the illusion of smooth, constant motion, and taking its inspiration from the mechanics of flight. Other Hyundai vehicles that share this Fluidic Sculpture design execution are the Accent, Elantra, Sonata and Tucson.

The 2012 model Azera was the seventh vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 2.0 product initiative (seven new vehicles in a 24 month period).

For the 2013 model year, will continue to be powered by Hyundai’s 3.3-liter DOHC, 24-valve Lambda II GDI V6 with CVVT, generating 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 255 pound feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine is positioned forward in a transverse orientation and its driving force is delivered to the front wheels through an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with an OD lockup torque converter, shift lock and ShifTronic? manual shift mode.

The 2013 Azera is the first Hyundai V6 equipped model to achieve a 30 mpg highway EPA rating, with better claimed fuel efficiency than Buick’s V6 LaCrosse, Ford’s Taurus and Nissan’s Maxima, and a best-in-class specific output of 88.8 horsepower per liter. The new Azera comes with nine standard airbags, including a driver’s knee and rear side impact airbags; an impact-reducing front seat system, standard alphabet soup of safety fare – VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD and best-in-class head and leg room for front-seat passengers. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard with 19-inch alloy wheels optionally available. There are HID Xenon headlights with LED accents along with a segment-exclusive standard navigation system with rearview camera. A leather interior with heated front and rear seats is standard, and there’s a Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition and streaming audio,standard Blue Link telematics platform, a segment-first manual rear side window sunshades, a Panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats.

The Azera boasts best-in-class combined fuel economy at 23 mpg, and there’s an Active Eco Mode that modifies engine and transmission control, contributing to the improved fuel economy and translating into more than a five percent gain in real world fuel economy.

The Azera represents a modern approach to traditional large sedan production by utilizing an advanced powertrain, an emotionally stirring design and luxurious features as part of Hyundai’s value philosophy. The Azera is long, light and low, with the exterior displaying a unique, undulating beltline that enhances the effect of the sleek roofline, which is accented by the third window aft and wraparound LED taillamps. The monoform profile displays flowing lines as well, with the athletic stance supported by available 19-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels. The Azera’s face showcases a masculine look with its bold, powerful chrome grille and precisely detailed HID headlamps.

The exterior’s appealing persona is continued in the interior with its elegant, upscale ambience, highlighted by the flow-through center console fascia and instrument panel. Leather is standard in the roomy cabin that provides more than 45-inches of legroom along with 40 inches of headroom. An optional panoramic sunroof allows more natural light into the sumptuous cabin surroundings, with side shades providing additional privacy. Seating accommodations are akin to airline First Class seating and the driver’s seat has an optional cushion extension and a memory system for the seat, steering wheel and side mirrors. Heated front and rear seats are standard equipment, as is the cooled glove box. There are also optional ventilated front seats with fans located in both the cushion and back.

Advanced connectivity via HyundaiBlueLink steps up to keep vehicle occupants in touch and informed while on the go via a standard navigation system featuring a 7-inch screen.

My test 2013 Hyundai Azera sported a Moonstone Silver metallic exterior with a Bone and Charcoal-toned interior. The base sticker read $32,250 while the $4,000 Technology Package with: 19-inch alloy wheels, Panoramic tilt/slide sunroof, HID Xenon headlights, Rear Parking Assistance sensors, Infinity? Premium audio system with subwoofer and amplifier, ventilated front seats, Driver’s seat cushion extension, Power rear sunshade and manual side window sunshades, power-adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column, interior ambient lighting; and Inland Freight and Handling charge elevated the final tally to $37,145.

SUMMARY: The 2013 Hyundai Azera sedan continues as a breath of fresh air, not only in terms of its Fluidic Sculpture design appeal, but also in its performance capability. The appearance eschews elegance and luxury at a glance – no boring cookie-cutter styling here folks.

The 3.3-liter V6 cranks out more than enough power to satisfy the majority of driver’s needs and requirements, while still delivering impressive fuel economy for a full size sedan. The ride quality delivered is that normally expected from only an all-out sport luxury-class automobile. Handling characteristics provide a spirited feel across the board, with stability and feedback hitting the high notes.

The 2013 Hyundai Azera comes in one basic trim level that is efficient, luxurious and attractive. It may not be on the same level as the flagship Equus, but it’ll do quite nicely for those on more limited budgets.
Hyundai Azera-’13
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