By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Hyundai Motor America
For 2016, Hyundai has again increased the appeal of its Azera premium sedan, offering new convenience driving technologies such as Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start capability and Electronic Parking Brake to Limited models.
Exterior
Azera’s Fluidic Sculpture design takes inspiration from the mechanics of flight. The exterior is long, light and low. The unique, undulating beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window and wraparound LED taillights. A monoform side profile includes flowing lines into the rear quarter panel. The face is masculine, with a powerful, winged chrome grille and available HID headlamps that integrate precise details, coupled with LED fog lights on the Limited model. From the side, the stance is complemented by large diameter multi spoke alloy wheels.
In addition, Azera also offers an innovative Hands-free Smart Trunk opener that automatically opens the trunk when the key is detected near the trunk for three seconds, for a convenient means of trunk access. Unlike some competitors, the system opens by simply the presence of the key near the trunk, and does not require a kicking motion under the trunk by the driver. The system can be disabled whenever desired as well.
Interior
The elegant look continues inside where Hyundai has created an upscale ambiance, with a flow through center stack and instrument panel that creates a dual cockpit front passenger space. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers. Also on the interior, illuminated door sill plates greet passengers as they enter the vehicle.
Hyundai focuses heavily on other interior details, such as an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin, and 3D Carbon interior accents. Other available luxury equipment includes a power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades. The side shades, not found on any other car in the Azera’s segment, can be conveniently tucked away when not in use.
Given the functionality and design, seat quality and comfort is of extreme importance to the feel of the car. Azera offers first class seating for all passengers, offering leather seating as standard equipment with a 12-way power driver and eight-way front passenger seat. The driver’s seat includes a seat cushion extension and an integrated memory system for the seat, steering wheel column and side mirrors, while the climate and seat temperature controls keep occupants in total comfort.
Advanced Connectivity
The Azera is equipped with Hyundai’s next generation Blue Link safety, service and infotainment telematics system. Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google, Remote Door Lock/Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. In addition to these features and services, Azera models come with one year of complimentary Blue Link Connected Care. Connected Care is a suite of safety and car care features providing Hyundai owners with services including Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, monthly vehicle health reporting and maintenance alerts.
An eight-inch touchscreen navigation system with integrated backup camera is standard, as well as an Infinity 550watt, Logic7 Surround Sound premium audio system with 14 speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier.
The system display offers superior brightness and touch sensitivity, making touch and drag functions easy, while offering a split screen mode that simultaneously displays navigation and music modes. This LCD screen will also display album cover art from appropriate media sources. The unit can be controlled via either eight inch WVGA touchscreen or voice activation by an overhead console mounted microphone. The system features 8GB of flash memory and comes matched with a sound system that plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passengers to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit.
Engine and Transmission
With the introduction of direct injection, Hyundai didn’t have to increase the displacement of the V6 engine in the pursuit of more power. The sophisticated Lambda II 3.3liter Direct injected V6 engine is the heart of the Azera. It produces an output of 88.8 horsepower per liter, while also boasting the smallest displacement V6 in its class. The engine’s high pressure direct injection system, increases power and torque, while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The engine is mated to a Hyundai developed six speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control. This system offers smooth shifts and gear ratios that ideally suit engine torque delivery characteristics. The Azera powertrain also has an Active Eco mode, which modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy.
Summary
The 2016 Azera represents an advanced approach to the traditional premium sedan segment by delivering a powerful yet efficient powertrain, modern design, and luxury features combined with Hyundai’s consistently strong value proposition. Azera continues to offer customers the highest levels of luxury, performance, and efficiency, all brought together in an innovative design. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $39,300.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 19 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
