Car Reviws |
| 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited, an AW Drivers Log: Posted: 07 Jan 2011 08:35 AM PST       
NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: Hurtling toward One AutoWeek Tower two days after Christmas, I couldn't help but be impressed with the Azera. The power was evident from this strong 283-hp V6 as I cut through the dim morning, and the comfortable chassis exuded a posh demeanor. This is a premium car, indeed. The Azera drew rave reviews from my discerning, car-oriented family for its prowess during the holiday travels. The engine especially stood out to passengers, and I blipped across expressways and launched from stoplights with ease. Really, this is the six-cylinder that offers the Genesis plenty of poke, so in slightly lighter and shorter packaging, it's even better. The steering has suitable response and it's simple to direct this big car in nearly all situations with little effort. There's not excessive roll in corners, and you can lightly prod this sedan without it coming unnerved. The cabin is adequately quiet at speed during highway travel, but more than a bit of wind noise protrudes. It's a simple layout inside, which is fine with me, but it pales in comparison with the lower-slotted-yet-dressed-up Sonata. The outside of the Azera has a large-car character, with bulges on the fenders and a long, battle-cruiser look. I liked it. Really, Hyundai does a nice job with the Azera. But here's the rub: For almost the same money, $33,800, you can select the Genesis with rear-drive power and more of a true sense of luxury. Or, be spend-thrift and get the Sonata, which offers a ton of value and is handsome in its own right. With the Azera, you're sort of splitting the difference. It's a middle ground for mainstream consumers who might think the Sonata's styling is a bit much, or for those who simply don't want a RWD barge in Genesis guise. The Azera is a solid product, but I'd say it's lacking in identity. COPY CHIEF WENDY WARREN KEEBLER: I couldn't agree more with Greg about the Genesis and the Sonata both probably being better choices than the Azera (I called it Hank, in honor of actor Hank Azaria), especially for the money. Its looks left me cold, and, really, so did driving it. There was a bit of drivetrain noise, a rough sort of crunchy grinding during acceleration, not loud but noticeable. And I see that the observed fuel economy, for combined city and highway driving, was lower than even the EPA city number alone. Hmm. Otherwise, it was comfortable enough, with its heated seats and nice interior, fine for driving the visiting mother-in-law to get her nails done. I heard no complaints, which says a lot. INTERACTIVE EDITOR DALE JEWETT: Having spent the night before a long holiday weekend in our new long-term Sonata sedan, the vibe I got from the Azera was “old Hyundai”--as in, this was the type of product that kept Hyundai from being a big-time player in the market. There is nothing particularly pleasing or offensive about the Azera's exterior styling, but that's a problem. This design is so boring and nondescript that it rivals many generations of Toyota Camry. Inside, I would have been happy to have another inch or two of rearward travel for the driver's seat. I'd guess that the travel was cut short to preserve legroom for a rear passenger. But it forced me to recline the seatback more than I prefer to attain a comfortable driving position. The Azera's 3.8-liter V6 is definitely potent, and a healthy stab on the throttle brings a lusty roar from the engine compartment. But it's when you bring the Azera to a stop that the car's 3,651-pound curb weight becomes apparent--requiring more brake pedal pressure than I expected to haul everything to a stop, with noticeable downshifts from the transmission and a strong pull from the engine. The interior is roomy and well appointed. Heaters for the front leather seats are strong--appreciated on a cold December day. But the layout of the instrument panel is boring, and the graining of the interior trim makes it look cheaper. And while the LG navigation unit is nice, the graphic interface for the satellite-radio function is maddening in its complexity--and there's no knob that would easily let you dial to a new station. You're forced to use the touch-screen controls. Not easy to do when you're driving. The high standards set by the Genesis and Sonata sedans overshadow the Azera. This car might make a fine used car some years down the road. But I'll bet it gets overlooked on the showroom floor today. 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited Base Price: $30,870 As-Tested Price: $32,720 Drivetrain: 3.8-liter V6; FWD, six-speed automatic Output: 283 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 263 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm Curb Weight: 3,651 lb Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 22/18.2 mpg Options: Navigation package including LG DVD navigation system with touch-screen display, 12-speaker premium sound system ($1,750); carpeted floor mats ($100) |
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