Azera
Hyndai Azera Overview
The Hyundai Azera is the flagship model of the Hyundai Car range, competing with the likes of Lexus and the Nissan Maxima. The model available in South Africa is the 3.3 liter 5 speed Automatic, as opposed to the choice between 2 or 3 models with various levels of ‘trim’ and coming in an 3.8-liter, 263-horsepower V6, in the international market (mostly the USA).
Interior
The interior of the car speaks of high quality and attention to detail, with quality finishes and well designed controls and instrumentation panel. It has a roomy interior and is very kid friendly with armrests housing cupholders, back-seat pockets and overhead lights.
It comes with all the ‘standard’ features for a luxury car such as air conditioning, speed control, electric windows, electrically controlled and heated outside mirrors, illuminated ignition switch and much more. One of its more notable luxury features is a powered rear sunshade to keep the car cool inside. For safety, the shade automatically goes down when the car is in reverse, then goes back up again when the car is moving forward.
Hyundai likes to boast that this car has more interior volume and a bigger trunk than many full-size luxury sedans.
Although its sound system is excellent, surprisingly, what is missing for a car of this class and sophistication is Bluetooth and navigation integration, as well as other electronic gadget interfaces such as for ipods.
Exterior
The overall look is tasteful, classic and sophisticated, however, some car reviewers found it rather bland and not ‘exciting’ enough.
The South African version comes in 4 colours - Charmin Grey, Crystal Silver, Ebony Black, Noble White - and please note that the metallic colours adds an additional R1400 or so to the price.
Performance and Handling
Acceleration is quick enough to satisfy in most situations, offering in general a smooth and comfortable drive. Some criticisms can be leveled at its suspension which is sometimes seen as being a bit ‘bouncy’.
The transmission is a five-speed automatic transmission, with overdrive, shift interlock and SHIFTRONIC®, which allows up-and-down manual shifting of the automatic transmission.
Safety
Safety is a very high concern of the Azera and the safety features are quite comprehensive.
The South African version of the car only seem to have 6 airbags, as opposed to the eight airbags that are standard (frontal airbags, as well as full coverage side impact airbags) in the overseas versions.
It comes with electronic stability control, which helps keep the vehicle on its intended course.
It also has comprehensive child protection safety belts, as well as active head restraints, which are designed to help protect the front occupants from whiplash in a rear collision.
The braking system sports antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).
PROS
• Very spacious interior with good-quality materials and solid fit and finish
• Good value for money.
• Solid engine, offering smooth power and good response
• Good sound system with high power and quality sound
CONS
• Some find the ride and handling somewhat vague and squishy
• Lack of navigation system or Bluetooth options
• Nothing especially striking in the exterior styling - it is considered to be rather bland
Price range comparison
The Azera is seen as a very good ‘value for money’ buy in the USA, with an exceptionally long guarantee period, as well as competing in the luxury car range at under $30 000. In the South African market, the price range is around R335 000, which does not make it exceptionally cheap with regards to the luxury car market in South Africa.
Prices as compared to other cars in the same target market:
Lexus IS - R307,500.00
Lexus GS - R445,100.00
Chrysler 300C 3.5L V6 Auto - R 359 900
Rate the Azera and post your own opinion!
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Tags: azera, car range, crystal silver, ebony black, electric windows, electronic gadget, flagship model, horsepower v6, hyundai azera, hyundai car, interior volume, luxury features, luxury sedans, metallic colours, nissan maxima, price performance, rear sunshade, roomy interior, seat pockets, speed control
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May 20th, 2008 at 12:09 am
This car does not have emission control system. That is against the law. You guys must be brought to book for damaging the South African environment. Sell your polluting cars elsewhere.
December 8th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I bought a 2008 azera but it seems that the cental locking does not lock when you pull away is it not equipped to do so?For a car of this price it surely should have a outomatic locking device especially in South Afica
January 5th, 2009 at 9:05 am
I am a lover of Hyundai products since i started using your produt in 1996. I wish you give your answer to the 2 response above on emission on central locking system. I wish to buy one of the Hyundai product this january 2009. Contributing from NIGERIA .