Proving that you don't necessarily need to start off with a strong brand name to succeed in today's crowded car market, Hyundai and its Kia affiliate are building their awareness among consumers with a constant stream of either brand new entries or updated vehicles that are hugely improved over their predecessors.
At the 2011 edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai is lifting the covers of the new generation of its Azera sedan that will go on sale shortly as a 2012 model.
As Hyundai pointed out, the 2012 Azera is the seventh new vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative, which means seven new models every 24 months, and comes on the heels of the all-new Tucson, Sonata, Equus, Elantra, Accent and Veloster.
The Azera is the North American version of the Korean market Grandeur that was launched in the beginning of the year.
According to Hyundai, the Azera competes against the likes of the Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima, Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Avalon and even the Acura TL and Lexus ES350.
Positioned between the new FWD Sonata and the RWD Genesis sedan in Hyundai's lineup, the Azera rides on a 112-inch wheelbase, and has an overall length of 193.3 inches and width of 73.2 inches.
The company says that it offers plenty of space for passengers with more than 45 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom for those sitting up front but makes no word for rear-passenger room.
The exterior styling of the new Azera borrows heavily from the smaller Sonata but features more pronounced rear fenders and a single tail lamp design.
Inside, Hyundai has attempted to offer a more luxurious experience not so much with the design as through added content such as the standard leather seating surfaces, ten-way power driver and eight-way front passenger’s heated seats, dual automatic climate control with rear vents, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming, plus a navigation system with rearview camera.
Optional features include a panoramic sunroof, 3D Carbon interior accents and a Infinity 550-watt, Logic 7 audio system with 12 speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier.
The 2012 Azera will be offered exclusively with a 3.3-liter V6 engine featuring direct-injection technology that delivers 293-horses and 255 lb-ft of peak torque. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a standard six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control.
Hyundai says that the 2012 Azera will deliver an estimated combined fuel economy of 23mpg.
We'll have more photos later in the day, but for now, check out the first pictures and video below.
[From Hyundai Press Release]
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2012 AZERA
- All-new second generation Azera with Fluidic Sculpture design
- Powered by a new Lambda II 3.3-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission
- Horsepower: 293 at 6400 RPM
- Best-in-class combined 23 mpg
- Better combined fuel efficiency than Nissan Maxima, Ford Taurus, Lexus ES350 and Buick LaCrosse V6
- Best-in-class specific output
- Nine standard airbags – includes knee airbag
- Impact-reducing front seat system
- Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD
- Best-in-class head and leg room for front-seat passengers
- Standard 18-inch alloy wheels and optional 19-inch alloy wheels
- HID Xenon headlights with LED accents
- Segment-exclusive standard navigation system with rearview camera
- Standard leather interior with heated front and rear seats
- Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition
- Standard Blue Link telematics platform
- Segment-first manual side window sunshades
- Ventilated front seats
17 Comments:
Interior looks like garbage...I wouldn't cross shop a Buick, Acura or Lexus against this. I've supported the Hyundai Revolution and most of their recent launches have been on the mark but this one is a misstep.
Looks like a tarted up Sonata. This is the sort of re-badging that pisses off consumers and eventually erodes profits and user ratings. Tisk, tisk...I expected more from the Koreans.
Totally agree about the interior. It's the first thing that came to mind when I looked at the photos.
Hmm I was hoping for 270-280 lb.ft. of torque, but at least it's fuel efficient.
The Lacrosse have a techno feeling inside but more classy. We could think to a CLS interior to be extreme and show my tought. This car miss it...
that interior is gorgeous!...
If anything the LaCrosse has a very distinct styling of its own and by its own. The Azera does not, and follows other Hyundai models. I'm not a fan of the LaCrosse's interior as I loathe the Robbie Robot looking center console, but the LaCrosse's interior come across better in photograph comparisons (as I have not seen the Azera's in real-life).
looks too much like the optima, except over styled and rather garish. i was hoping to love it, but i cannot see buting one over the optima or sonata for that matter.
Very expressive and involved interior, with superior detailing that exudes quality. Those in this market will appreciate it even if some of commentators here haven't a clue.
it would be better if they add Lane Departure Warning system, Advanced Smart Cruise Control system, rear heated seats, rear passenger entertainment control and etc........just like the Korean ones..... American version looks so cheap...
Sort of a Lexus/Toyota playback...but sometimes I feel all the products being offered are somewhat similar these days. Hyundai is on a good path of offering top quality products to its consumers with features we want. Heck just the fact we are talking about them and all the attention the company is getting for giving us better products is a very big achievement, and I think other car company's better keep a close eye on these guys.
This looks like a sonata.. I was hoping for more from the azera, sad.
it´s not really a world premiere, just a premiere for the US, in Chile we have it at least 2-3 months ago.
I love it !
I really like the interior with the dark red seats. I could not disagree more with the haters about the interiors but then again, their haters.
well this is much better then that maxima with over the top styling, but then again i guess the fact that not a lot of maximas sell speaks for itself...I bet this out sells that over styled maxima.
I sat in this car at the LA Car Show. It's a beautiful interior. Higher end feel than the Sonata. Feels and looks luxurious. Go check out yourself.
Korea had this a year ago.
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