Hyundai Azera
The Hyundai Azera is
a mid-size sedan introduced for the 2006 model
year. It replaces the XG350 and shares many
of its components with the Sonata.
Being
a step up from the Sonata, the Azera is
priced from $24,995 for a base 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 (multilink 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 6.5
s to accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) and a
top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h). 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.
The
Limited trim level adds 17 in alloy wheels,
heated leather trimmed seats, and a power
sun shade in the rear window. The Ultimate
Package includes an enhanced audio system
with 10 speakers and a 6 CD changer, a power
sunroof, telescopic steering wheel, and
rain-sensing windshield wipers.
The
Azera was named "Best New Family Car
(over CAN$35,000)" in the 2006 Canadian
Car of the Year awards.
