Automakers sure do love funky names. No disrespect intended, but come on: if your car is named after a coffee – as in Verona – or after a naval officer’s title – consider the Commander – perhaps a visit to your advertising agency is in order. Worse yet is the numerical sequence name game, where automakers choose an obscure rationale, attach some numbers to it and slap it on the back of a car.
Hyundai is one of the worst at the name game, and a perfect example is the recent debut of its new flagship, the
. Yes, it roles off the tongue a little – Ahhhzeerah – but it could be anything from a far-away news outlet to the name of a new jungle creature. But at least Azera is better than the non-descript moniker given to the outgoing XG350, the vehicle it replaces. Not that it really matters – if the car is good enough, you can call the thing anything you want – people will get used to it. If that happens with the Azera, a likely result will be plenty of smiles that have nothing to do with names, and everything to do with a nice ride, ageless styling and a great interior.
Overview The name Azera comes from the French word azure, which means blue. To Hyundai, the significance of the color blue is up above, as in blue skies for the company, which they feel is best represented by this new
luxury sedan. As the replacement for the XG sedan, the Azera will compete as a higher-end choice, or so Hyundai hopes. The Azera will compete with the big boys on the luxury block as a lower-end luxury choice. Their optimism isn’t far off, judging from a first look at the
new luxury car.
FeaturesWith loads of features and a grown up style, the 2006 Hyundai Azera will likely fetch a higher price than the outgoing XG, which was positioned as a discount-lux alternative. The 2006 Hyundai Azera will be offered in GLS, LX and Limited trim.
Standard equipment will include dual-zone climate control; electronic tilt and telescoping steering column; a memory system for the driver’s seat, outside mirrors, steering column and foot pedals; a power rear sunshade; rain-sensing windshield wipers; and the requisite leather seating surfaces. The Azera will also be available with an Infinity audio system and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), front dual active headrests, and eight airbags including roof-mounted side curtain airbags.
As with all
Hyundai vehicles, the Azera comes with a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty for five years or 60,000 miles, 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years with no mileage limit, and a limited powertrain coverage of 10 years or 100,000 miles – coverage that remains in effect when ownership of the car is transferred to other family members.
PerformanceWith a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes an estimated 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 257 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, the 2006 Hyundai Azera should get down the road with no trouble. Emissions ratings are projected to be Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). Controlling the engine is a five-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control. Responsibility for road manners is assigned to a four-wheel independent suspension featuring double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. Sixteen-inch wheels come standard, with 17s available.
DesignIf the Azera is supposed to conjure the peaceful easy feeling of blue skies, it hits the mark – and that’s both bad and good. It’s good because it carries with it a nice, smooth style that will avoid polarizing potential buyers. But that’s also the bad part – the exterior styling is not a head turner. This will likely pay dividends, as a classic sedan design ages slowly, whereas something new and edgy fades and looks, well, amateurish and nervous after a few years on the road. According to Hyundai, compared to the 2005 XG350 the all-new Azera is longer, wider and rides on a wheelbase stretched 1.1 inches over the XG350.
Inside, it’s surprising that the Azera is a Hyundai. Really. There’s dual-zone climate control; an electronic tilt and telescopic steering column; a memory system for the driver’s seat, outside mirrors, steering column and foot pedals; a power rear sunshade; rain-sensing windshield wipers; and leather seating surfaces that almost shout “Lexus.” Add to that an available Infinity audio system featuring a seven-channel, 315-watt digital amplifier; 10 speakers and a subwoofer; speed-sensitive volume; steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; and an in-dash six-disc CD changer, and you’ve got yourself quite a comfy ride.
Wrap UpIf Hyundai dealers get people to sit inside the Azera, it will sell. The leather is comfortable, controls are nicely designed and there are plenty of luxury touches, such as dampened controls and wood grain. The style focuses on traditional luxury sedan design with a few touches of personality – probably fine for the buyers that Hyundai seeks. Whether you like the look or not, however, the 2006 Hyundai Azera is a clear step up from the XG350, and looks to be another win for Hyundai
Photos courtesy of Hyundai
