2006 Hyundai Azera Preview

The Azera arrives on the scene loaded to the gills with everything but the

The Azera arrives on the scene loaded to the gills with everything but the proverbial kitchen sink. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada)

proverbial kitchen sink. Active headrests and front, side and curtain airbags are all on the list of standard features, while an electronically heated windshield, bi-xenon headlamps and navigation system are optional.

Although the car was launched in Europe, offering such continental necessities as evocative styling and a diesel powerplant, its biggest export market is expected to be North America. Generally speaking, buyers here are less fussy about what badge is on the grille of their vehicle, taking other factors such as reliability and value into account, two of the major reasons why Hyundai has been so successful over the past few years.

Add that to an unbeatable 84 month/120,000 km powertrain warranty, and it's easy to see why so many people opt for Hyundai. Though

If Hyundai rolls its dice properly, the Azera could be the hit the brand needs to help it achieve its goal of being a top five auto manufacturer by 2010. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada)

unannounced, pricing will probably reflect Hyundai's reputation for affordable cars; expect the Avalon-sized Azera to be sold for Camry V6 money.

Today, the large luxury car segment is as strong as ever in North America, and growing in popularity. For proof, look no further than that previously mentioned Toyota Avalon, completely revised for 2005, or for that matter the car that has single-handedly turned Detroit's prospects around, the ultra-trendy Chrysler 300. There's also the equally large and not so trendy Ford Five Hundred, but for a better example of what is on the horizon look to Buick's upcoming 2006 Lucerne. The Azera won't be without full-size rivals.