Denis Flierl | Sep 28, 2012 |
The 2012 Hyundai Azera is all-new and this is the second generation of Hyundai’s flagship luxury sedan. Hyundai unveiled the new large sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. The Azera is the fifth vehicle in the lineup to adopt what the company calls their Fluidic Sculpture design language. The exterior of the new sedan is longer and lower than the previous generation. The big sedan also got lighter and weighs in at 3,605 pounds.
This flagship sedan from Hyundai also features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engine for the 2012 model year. The new engine develops 293 horsepower and has a best-in-class 23 mpg combined fuel mileage. The 2012 Azera is one of seven vehicles in Hyundai’s lineup to be revamped and picking the car you want is made simple. The Azera offers one trim level, one powertrain, one price and only one option is available.
Luxury abounds inside
Inside, the luxury sedan is comfortable and roomy. Azera has best-in-class front head and leg room. The standard leather seats are supportive and comes with 10-way power driver’s seat and 8-way power front passenger seat both of which includes a height adjustment. This 2012 Azera tester came with the Technology Package that includes an extendable section on the driver’s seat for thigh support, and the front seats are ventilated for maximum comfort. Fans in the front seat back and bottom cushions circulate air through the perforated leather seats.
The cabin of the new Azera also gets dual-zone automatic climate control to keep all the occupants comfortable. The interior materials are of top quality and the fit and finish is top end. Controls are well planned and easy to understand. The standard navigation system with its 7-inch screen conveys needed information and features a backup camera display. The seats are heated, front and rear.
Other interior features that get special mention is the optional panoramic sunroof, which allows an abundance of natural light into the cabin. It also features 3D Carbon interior accents and ambient lighting floods the cabin. Other luxury appointments include an electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades that tuck away when not in use.
Optional Technology Package
The single option is the Technology Package ($4000), adding such goodies as a 19-inch Hyper-Silver alloy wheels, HID Xenon headlights, power tilt-and-slide, two-pane, panoramic sunroof; power adjustable, tilt-and-telescope steering column; two-setting memory for driver’s seat, outside mirrors and steering column; fan-ventilated front seats; Infinity premium speaker system with subwoofer and 550-watt external amplifier; power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades; and rear parking assistance sensors.
The latest engine technology
Priced at a highly competitive $32,000, this four-door, five-passenger sedan is powered by a remarkably efficient, 3.3-liter V6, that produces 293-horsepower and 255 lb ft of torque. The new Lambda II engine uses the latest Gas Direct Injection (GDI) and produces a best-in-class output of 88.8 horsepower per liter, while having the smallest displacement V6 in the segment.
The engine uses some high-tech features often found on more exotic sports sedans. It uses high compression, all-aluminum construction, piston cooling jets, and a roller timing chain for maximum performance and efficiency. Power is transfered to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transaxle outfitted with the Shiftronic manual shift feature. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Azera are 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.
Smooth and quiet ride
The 2012 Azera is no sports sedan, but that was never Hyundai’s intention for the luxury car. The ride is comfortable and handling is well mannered. Azera comes with automatically adjusting shock absorbers that level out bumps in the interstate and city streets. The Hyundai Azera is also quiet while underway from the use of extra sound deadening material. Also use of sophisticated vibration isolating and motion counterbalancing underhood structures contribute to the quiet ride.
If you haven’t noticed, Hyundai Motor Group is designing and building quality cars that are catching the competition. The 2012 Hyundai Azera is another one of those cars to keep your eye on. Its new exterior design is sharp looking; it’s roomy, quiet and gets excellent fuel economy.
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