The Azera sedan debuted in 2006 as a 2007 model, replacing the underwhelming XG350 as Hyundai's top-flight offering. It wasn't very long until the South Korean automaker took even bigger steps into the profitable, but demanding elite level of luxury.
In 1998, Hyundai had a miniscule .06 share of the U.S. retail auto market. In 2012, that percentage figure soared to just above five percent. Helping achieve this growth was a 10 year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty which has served the automaker very well for more than a decade. Hyundai began U.S. operations in the mid 1980's.
Until relatively recently, Hyundai's lineup of cost-effective vehicles offered few aspirational selections making Azera's debut all the more significant. Adding to Hyundai's more diversified lineup two years after Azera's entrance was the sports-tuned, rear-drive Genesis. In the 2012 model year, the ultra-luxurious, rear-drive Equus sedan took to the stage aiming at top-flight competitors such as the BMW 7-Series, but with a bottom line thousands less than what European rivals post on their windows.
The front-wheel-drive Azera underwent a full-scale second-generation makeover in the 2012 model year adding updated exterior cues and all-new V-6 powertrain. Changes for 2013 are minimal. Azera is the latest Hyundai to adopt the "long, light and low," 'Fluidic Sculpture' architecture inside and out. This template was recently incorporated into the mid-size Sonata, compact Elantra and sub-compact Accent sedans.
Sizewise, Azera fits between the four-cylinder-exclusive Sonata and even longer V-8-friendly Equus. Think of it as a slightly roomier mid-sizer although Hyundai insists a full-size designation is in order. Direct competitors include the Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon and Buick Lacrosse.
An indirect competitor may be the value-driven Sonata itself. Hyundai has done a magnificent job of transforming it into a value-driven choice with sleek exterior and user-friendly layout. However, Azera's stretched frame provides a second row worthy of three full-sized passengers taking advantage of increased leg room while the standard V-6 adds a smooth, powerful punch.
Historically, Azera's annual sales check in at a fraction of Sonata's. Both Azera and Equus are lower-volume efforts aimed at a niche audience, not the volume-driven main stream. In 2012, Azera sales totaled 8,431 with Equus tallying 3,972. Sonata enjoyed a record-setting pace at 230,605 units.
Azera's marketing plan continues simple and straightforward: one trim level, one V-6 gas direct injection engine, one transmission, one front-wheel drivetrain (all-wheel drive not offered) and one option package. A limited number of stand-along after-market-type extras are available while a high-resolution, seven-inch, in-dash navigation with rear-view camera view is one of the many standard features. Nine air bags come along, including a driver's knee air bag.
The sole powertrain is Hyundai's well regarded, high-pressure, Lambda II 3.3-liter V-6 Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engine mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The 293 horsepower produced rates as one of the best in the upscale, diminutive full-size segment. Decent fuel estimates of 20 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway place it above the mid-point, but below Toyota's Avalon (although Azera produces 25 more horses). Unleaded regular fills the 18.5 gallon tank. This engine provides more than enough horses for tooling around the suburbs. Merging onto area tollways, the engine had plenty in reserve. It's a luxo-comfort ride, not a sporty-type, sometimes harsher suspension.
Starting price for the 2013 model year checks in at a comparatively hefty $32,250. This pricing reflects items including rear leatherette heated seats and cooled glove box, some items for which some rivals require extra cash. Our red pearl tester's bottom line ended at $37,225 with $4,000 tech package, $100 iPod cable and $875 destination charge. By contrast Toyota's 2013 Avalon starts at $30,990 and a Buick Lacrosse checks in at $31,660.
The optional technology package includes larger 19-inch tires, long panoramic sunroof, power rear sunshade manual side window shades, rear park assistance sensors and upgraded 14-speaker sound system.
Standard is a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a power version is optional as with the technology package. Azera-type vehicles striving for upscale clientele should include power standard, not optional. But kudos for positioning front bucket seat power controls on the front doors rather than on the outboard side of the cushion. This allows a better visual connection to the larger-sized controls laid out in the shape of a high-back seat.
As with most recently tested Hyundais, bucket seats are comfortable and supportive even during extended treks; this testimonial from a lower back on the far side of 50 years with extra sensitivity to sciatic nerve flares.
Push-button start, right of the steering column comes standard. The four-spoke steering wheel features secondary audio control on the left-side face with cruise control buttons to the right. The easy-on-the-eyes instrument panel includes two large, circular analog gauges flanking a vase-like center digital center with miles-per-gallon average and other data. At night, pin-thin ambient lighting (also part of tech package) illuminates and trims the four doors and continues through the center of the dashboard creating a crisp ambiance. Both trunk release and fuel-door release buttons are found on the left-side dash, instead of the after-thought floor location.
The attractive, modern dashboard layout includes a slightly protruding center column while tops of each side of the dash 'flow' or curve towards the center column's midsection. The top of the column sports a tri-angle brim with outward edge rounded, forming a visor for the standard in-dash navigation screen. One of the few decisions consumers must choose is which one of three interior colors to select: camel, graphic black or chestnut brown; which intertwines with the dashboard's dark top. Below the Nav screen is an extra-large volume control dial flanked by seek, tune and other audiophile buttons. Satellite radio is standard.
Towards the bottom, ventilation controls include a central medium-sized fan dial flanked on both sides and along the bottom by push and toggle buttons, including ones for mode and dual-zone temperature. Below is a large, retractable flap which opens to a storage area doubling as an iPod plug in port and 12-volt outlet plug-in. On the road, the interior remains pleasantly quiet and well insulated.
A complimentary three-month trial of Hyundai's 'Blue Link' is included. The two-year-old Hyundai-owned Blue Link telematics interface consists of three packages with a total of 30 different features (connected to a central server), including a monthly vehicle maintenance report from recovered electronic data. A black button located under the rear-view mirror (shouldn't it be tinted blue for consistency sake? Just asking), connects occupants with the system.
Outside, narrow side windows and rear 'C" pillar team up with a high, diminutive deck lid and adjacent large, square rear window. Chrome trim surrounds side windows and a piece extends up to the cat's eye-shaped head light housing along the top side fender. In between the lights is a horizontally slated chrome grille. High side belt lines and strap-like handles create a 'back-to-front' slope in keeping with the Sonata and Elantra optical DNA. Dual chrome exhaust tips built into the bottom molding comes standard. The trunk holds 16.3 cubic feet, good for a mid-size, but only average in full-size models. Interior goose-neck-type hinges are padded so as not to dismember any stowed cargo.
2013 Hyundai AzeraPrice as tested: $37,225
Wheelbase: 112.0 inches
Length: 193.3 inches
Width: 73.2 inches
Height: 57.9 inches
Engine: 3.3-liter V-6
Horsepower: 293
Curb weight: 3,605 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 10 year/100,000-miles
City/Highway economy: 20 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway
Assembly: South Korea