- sedan
- Orange Park, FL
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- autoshopper.com
2008 hyundai azera review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. For the second year in a row, azera scored a first-place finish in the j. That's after landing a second-place (but still ahead of the toyota avalon) in power's 2006 initial quality study. azera is hyundai's entry in the full-size, near-luxury segment, an alternative to the toyota avalon and nissan maxima. Azera boasts as much or more total interior and cargo volume as the avalon, the mercedes-benz e-class sedans, and the bmw 7 series. Both available v6 engines feature variable valve timing for low emissions and a broad power curve; while the standard five-speed automatic gearbox gives the driver the option of shifting semi-manually. These are features that compete with lexus, infiniti and acura. While there's nothing especially striking in azera's design or styling, take off the hyundai badge, and it could pass as family among any of the top-rated japanese nameplates. inside, fit and finish are first rate, with quality materials and assembly. There's a quiet elegance in the simplicity of the instruments, usability of the controls and sleekness of design. What isn't readily visible received the same attention as what is, with hardware studiously hidden away and storage bins fully finished. All is not perfection: some of the faux leather feels more plastic than bovine. But the overall presentation is upscale. at a more practical level, the azera equals or betters the competition in standard equipment, with special emphasis on safety. Eight airbags are standard, as are electronic stability control, traction control, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and active front seat head restraints. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, more commonly found only on high-end cars, are available. The 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels reserved for limited models last year are now standard on all azeras, as is xm satellite radio. The limited now comes with a power sunroof and a 315-watt infinity audio system with an in-dash six-disc cd changer and 10 speakers. New options include leather for the base model and an lg navigation system for limited. And all azeras benefit from a re-tuned chassis and quicker steering. lineupthe 2008 hyundai azera comes in two trim levels. The base model, which was called the se last year, has been renamed the gls. The gls comes with a 3. 3-liter v6 rated at 234 horsepower. The limited comes with a 3. 8-liter, 263-hp engine. The premium package 2,200) adds leather seats with heat in front, and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. The sunroof is also available as a stand-alone option 950). limited 28,550) now comes with a power tilt-and-slide sunroof and 10-speaker infinity premium audio, in addition to leather-trimmed seats (heated in front), simulated leather inner door trim, heated outside mirrors with power fold-away, an electroluminescent gauge cluster, power rear sunshade, and other upgrades. The limited model comes standard with the larger engine. the ultimate package 1,250) adds a 605-watt infinity logic 7 surround-sound system with 12 speakers (including subwoofer) and external amplifier, power adjustable tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, integrated memory system, woodgrain steering wheel and door pulls, and rain-sensing wipers. The navigation package 1,750) combines the 605-watt infinity surround-sound with the new the lg navigation system; the cd changer is deleted. To get all of the above, choose the ultimate navigation package 2,750). dealer-installed accessories include a bluetooth hands-free phone system 325), floor mats 100), cargo mat 95), composite cargo tray 100), and wheel locks 50). A selection of pearl paint colors also cost extra 200). safety features are comprehensive, including state-of-the-art frontal airbags, full-coverage side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, active head restraints for the front seats, and latch child safety seat anchors. All five seating positions have adjustable head restraints and three-point belts; the front seatbelts have pre-tensioners and height-adjustable shoulder loops. Active safety features for crash avoidance include antilock brakes (abs) with electronic brake-force distribution (ebd) and brake assist, electronic stability control, and traction control. walkaroundwhile there may be nothing strikingly new nor original about the looks of the hyundai azera, there's nevertheless a completeness, a proportional flow that both catches and pleases the eye. And while other automakers are drifting toward increased visual mass, hyundai is developing a crisper, more adventurous look all its own. the front styling of the azera resembles that of the smaller sonata but with the comfortable filling out that can come with healthy aging; not quite stately, but definitely wiser. The headlights are familiar, as is the shape of the grille, although the latter is textured on the azera with fine horizontal lines, rather than the sonata's single bold slash. Similarly, azera's lower air intake is gently split horizontally, and its bumper subtly detailed with thin, bright-finish bump strips at each corner. the side view reaches for elegance, with gracefully arced, micro-bulged fenders and a glasshouse that rises softly from the bonnet, flows smoothly over an elongated cabin and falls gently into the boot. The rear overhang extends a bit farther than the shorter front overhang, but wide doors and spacious windows temper this relatively minor discord. The trunk lid seems to sit atop the rear fenders, inviting unfortunate comparison with the awkward back end of the current bmw 7 series, but some designers are saying that's a necessary aerodynamic solution, and we're seeing the same sort of thing on the newest models from lexus and acura. the azera's back end is equally reminiscent of the sonata, again albeit fuller, more mature. Sonata-like tapers outline the lighting arrangements and license plate. Led tail and brake lights are standard at all levels. A unique reflector strip reaching across the trunk lid doubles as a background for the only external display of the name, azera. A bright strip along the top of the bumper finishes the loop started at the front and carried along the side. The upholstery, the dash covering, the carpet, are all top notch. Even the fabric headliner is a cut above the standard mouse fur. Gaps between the bits and pieces of plastic and other materials are impressively tight, earning high marks for fit and finish. The glove box and storage cubbies are of good quality. All hinged fixtures, from glove box door to roof-mounted grab handles, are damped for smooth, quiet operation. the dash sweeps gracefully across the car, beginning and ending in sectioned caps molded into the front door panels, and beneath an odd, table-edge-like flat rim that circles the entire interior from the outboard edges of the rear seats. Vent registers are symmetrically positioned near the doors and on each side of the audio and climate control panels centered above a large storage bin. Intuitively proportioned tachometer, speedometer, fuel level and engine coolant gauges peer out from a hooded pod through the top half of the steering wheel. Limited models upgrade to an infinity audio system that includes a 7-channel, 315-watt amplifier, in-dash six-disc cd changer and 10 speakers. the center console is trimmed in natural-looking woodgrain and brushed aluminum. Up front, almost tucked up underneath the dash overhang, is a covered ashtray with lighter. Aft of this is a small cubby, with controls for the seat heaters. Driver and front passenger have access to a pair of cup holders that hide beneath a hinged cover at the forward end of the console. The top of the bi-level console and storage bin is padded. map pockets in each door are provided, part of which flip out to expand. The backsides of the front seats wear magazine pouches. Back seat passengers get a fold-down center armrest with two cup holders and, overhead, reading lights. the seats, front and rear, are comfortable and supportive. Front seat bases are fully enclosed so hardware isn't exposed. The driver's seat power lumbar covers an impressive range. Front seats give more and better thigh support than the rear.
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