Hyundai's aspirational sedan fills a showroom void.
It’s hard to believe Hyundai has been selling cars in this country for more than 25 years. Wasn’t it just yesterday that the first Excel—remembered more for its low price than its Giugiaro-penned exterior—hit our shores with a thud? Since then, the brand has grown dramatically, in both the scope and quality of its offerings.Intent on competing hard in all segments, Hyundai felt underrepresented in the gap between the new Sonata and the Genesis sedan, Hyundai’s rear-drive offering for aspirational types who aren’t quite making Equus-level money yet. To wit: The base prices of the Elantra and Sonata sedans are separated by about $4500. The gap between the Sonata and the Genesis, however, is more than $14,000—financial territory the previous Azera had difficulty defending. Enter the all-new-for-2012, $32,875 Azera—a reasonably priced front-drive automotive statement that says of its owner to the world, “I needed a car, and Hyundai sells cars.”
The Azera’s exterior measures 193.3 inches long and 73.2 inches wide, neatly splitting the difference between the Sonata (189.8/72.2) and the Genesis (196.3/74.4). The exterior follows Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design ethos and, lingo aside, is undeniably handsome. A chrome grille initiates the winged “in flight” theme that continues throughout the car, and a wraparound LED taillight treatment is—for the time being—unique to the Azera. Eighteen-inch wheels with 245/45 tires are standard.
Power-adjustable leather-upholstered front seats (standard), a well-located shifter, and the optional power tilting and telescoping wheel make short work of zeroing in on an optimal driving position. The dash pad spreads outward, wing-like from the center console, a continuation of the all-encompassing design theme. Driver and passenger have more room than they’ll ever need; our fully grown rear-seat occupant rode in complete comfort, even after we jacked the driver’s seat all the way back in a thinly veiled attempt to shatter his ankles. Heated front and rear seats, a backup camera, a navigation system, integrated Bluetooth, and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system all come standard; pony up an additional $4000 for the Technology package, and you’ll get 19-inch wheels, a tilt-and-slide sunroof, an Infinity audio system, ventilated front seats, and a power rear sunshade.
Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-hyundai-azera-first-drive-review
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