Hyundai also claims that the Azera will be a better car to drive, thanks to a major update to its chassis and suspension.
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| The Azera should be a capable vehicle and more than able to compete with the Ford Five Hundreds and Toyota Avalons of the world. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
Improving control and reducing body roll, pitch and dive, while retaining a comfortable ride, were the main objectives of the suspension tuning. These criteria should be met by the revamped double wishbone front suspension and all-new multi-link rear suspension. While the Azera won't be as nimble as a BMW 5-Series, for instance, or even the Mercedes E-Class, it should be a capable vehicle and more than able to compete with the Ford Five Hundreds and Toyota Avalons of the world. An electronic stability control system and ABS are standard on all models, more than can be said about the latter-mentioned Toyota.
The Azera will be offered with a choice of two engines, one of which is the new 3.3-litre DOHC V6 that debuted in the 2006 Sonata, which generates 233 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque in Azera tune. Aside from the Mitsubishi-developed V8 motors featured in the Centennial/Equus sedan, not sold in North America, this all-aluminum V6 is the most powerful motor to be offered in a Hyundai. Later on, a 145-horsepower 2.2-litre turbodiesel will be offered in European Grandeurs, a first for a large Hyundai sedan. Both engines will be paired to a five-speed automatic gearbox with "H-Matic" manual mode, driving the front wheels.
Initial impressions of the Azera's interior show an environment that's completely different from any other Hyundai. Light
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| The Azera's interior is an environment that's completely different from any other Hyundai. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
coloured, soft-touch plastics create an airy feel inside the vast cabin, while standard leather-trimmed seats, plus wood and metal accents further create an upscale ambience. Features such as an electro-luminescent instrument panel, dual-zone climate control, and a premium Infinity sound system should help buyers to feel like they've escalated into the same lap of luxury as Lexus, Infiniti or Acura owners. The combination of high-end appointments and solid build quality could even leave people questioning which brand of luxury car they're driving... if it weren't for the Hyundai badge on the wood-rimmed steering wheel.
