Hyundai Azera

The Hyundai Azera is a automobile model from Hyundai Motor Corp. that was introduced in 1986. The third generation vehicle was marketed as the Hyundai XG in North America, while the fourth generation is called the Hyundai Azera in the same market.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Hyundai Azera Review.

Recent Changes

 * On Nov 18, 2010, Hyundai released teaser sketches of the next generation Azera/Grandeur which is due out in MY2012. UPDATE: On Dec. 08, 2010, Hyundai released initial info and pics of the car.

The all new Azera debuted in 2006 as an upscale sedan that offers many features and amenities that are usually reserved for more expensive cars. The Azera replaces the Hyundai XG series, and offers the full-size luxury car consumer a more stylish cabin, more safety features, a smoother ride, and a bigger bang for the buck.

Styles and Major Options
The Azera delivers plenty of perfomance with an awe-inspiring 263-hp DOHC V6 24-valve aluminum power plant with CVVT, variable induction and cold-air intake.

A double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars to provide an optimized ride and handling, makes the Azera the most uncompromising car Hyundai's ever created.

The Hyundai Azera is certified an an Ultra Low Vehicle Emission. With a trip computer that allows for MPG monitoring, the Azera helps the driver reach amazing levels of efficiency.

The Limited trim level adds 17 in alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather seat-upholstery, and a power sun shade in the rear window. The Ultimate Package includes an enhanced audio system with 10 speakers and a 6-Disc CD changer, a power sunroof, telescopic steering wheel, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Hyundai Azera can be found at CarsDirect.

Gas Mileage
Add more fields as necessary.

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Reliability
RECALL ALERT: On Jan 7th 2010, Hyundai issued a recall affecting 65,226 2006-2009 Azeras due to a seatbelt issue, namely, the wiring harness for the front right seat belt tension sensor may become damaged after repeated use over time. If the sensor wiring is broken, the airbag will not deploy in the event of a serious crash or collision. This recall is filed under NHTSA Campaign ID 09V497000. 

Safety


Hyundai claims that their Azera has more standard features than the Toyota Avalon with Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, as well as Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). The Azera also come standard with 8 airbags and remote keyless entry, and an anti-theft engine immobilizer.

Colors
Exterior
 * Aubergine
 * Bright Silver
 * Ebony Black
 * Golden Beige
 * Power White Pearl
 * Sage Green
 * Steel Gray
 * Venetian Blue

Interior
 * Beige
 * Black
 * Gray

Main Competitors

 * Mercury Sable
 * Buick Lucerne
 * Nissan Maxima
 * Toyota Avalon

Hybrid Models
There are currently no plans to create a hybrid version of the Azera, as it already meets ULEV standards.

Criticisms

 * "If you are going to be driving long distances a lot of the time, you may want to shop around. We found the ride quality and inside cabin noise to be among the lesser of the Azera's many qualities." - Kelley Blue Book


 * "Tire noise, occasional bouncy ride, touchy brake pedal." - Dan Jedlicka, MSN

Fourth Generation (2006–2011)
The ''Azera/Grandeur TG" is a full-size sedan introduced for the 2006 model year. A redesigned XG350, it shares many of its components with the Sonata. It is sold as the Hyundai Azera in North America.

Being a step up from the Sonata, the Azera is priced at $24,995 for a base SE model, $27,495 for the Limited version, and $29,995 for the Ultimate Package. The flagship Azera will be the most luxurious sedan Hyundai is selling outside of Korea, until 2007, when an all-new rear-wheel drive luxury sedan is released under the Hyundai name to test the waters for a future luxury brand.

The Azera has a four-wheel independent suspension (multi-link in the rear) and uses the company's new 3.8 L Lambda V6, which produces 263-hp (196 kW). The power is sent to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission with "Shiftronic" manual gear selection. Hyundai claims 6.3 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) and a top speed of 157 MPH (252 km/h). The Azera has a fuel economy of 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) in the City and 28 MPG (8.4 L/100 km) on the Highway is expected.

Third generation (1999-2005)
The Grandeur XG was a mid-size luxury car. In some other markets, namely North America, it was called the Hyundai XG. It shared a platform and engines with the Kia Amanti. Sales of the XG350 were poor.

XG300 The XG300 debuted in 2000 with a 3.0L Sigma V6.

XG350 The XG350 name was used starting in 2002 to signify the new 3.5L version of the Sigma V6.

Second generation (1992-1998)
The Azera/Grandeur and the third generation of the Mitsubishi Debonair were the products of a joint development between Hyundai and Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi was responsible for the powertrain, and Hyundai was responsible for the body and trim design. Production of the car began in September 1992 and ended in 1998.

First Generation/Origins (1986-1992)
The first Azera/Granduer was a rebadged Mitsubishi Debonair that was produced by Hyundai.

License-built Ford Granada MKII (1978-1986)
Before the Azera and Grandeur was a license-built Ford Granada MKII.

Main Article-Ford Granada

Worldwide
The Azera is also known as the "Hyundai Grandeur" in other worldwide markets.

Awards

 * The Azera was named "Best New Family Car (over $35,000)" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards.
 * It also was awarded by Car and Driver as having more rear legroom than a BMW 7 Series. It is also said to have more overall interior room than the BMW 7 Series.