2006 Hyundai Azera

For a boxer, moving up in class is tricky business. How do you add what's necessary to compete in a new class—size and power—without losing the things—quickness and agility—that got you where you are? Ultimately, you don't know how you're going to do, until you go toe-to-toe with the competition. The challenge is much the same for automaker Hyundai as it adds a new flagship model. But, the fight has one added wrinkle: Hyundai has to win a decision from a buying public who likes to pigeonhole products, those who see Hyundai solely as a maker of economy cars. Think that's no problem? Ask Volkswagen about Phaeton.

Style

Expanding the brand is a process, not an event. So, like the fighter stepping up, it's best done gradually. In Hyundai's case, their steady success with small sedans and a sport coupe was followed first by one, then two popular sport-utility vehicles (with a third, midsize sport ute in the works). Now comes the new premium sedan called Azera and, with it, the biggest challenge so far, for with higher price comes higher expectations and better competition.


Whether with people or people movers, first impressions start with appearance. Azera has a refined design. Leaning ever so slightly on the sporty side of this conservative sector, with styling that is particularly striking from the back. A light bar stretches full length from side to side, wrapping around the corners. It houses some 132 LEDs that make braking visually distinctive.


One advantage of buying a premium car is that you get to enjoy the dimensional dividends that only a larger car typically affords. Azera's scale allows comfortable seating for six footers front and rear, and the trunk (16.6 cubic feet) has a healthy appetite for luggage. Liftover height in back is low and the rear seats split and fold to accommodate larger items. Inboard storage includes door pockets flared to hold water bottles, and a standard complement of bins, cupholders and cubbyholes are sprinkled about the interior.

Interior

Two trim levels are offered—SE and Limited—and the list of standard features is generous. Dual front HVAC controls allow couples to live in separate climates; both halves get power seat adjustments (except lumbar), and the rearview mirror is electrochromatically self-dimming. The luxury of safety is well represented, too. The list of active and passive standard equipment includes Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-Lock Disc Brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and a total of eight airbags. Limited models offer added perks such as leather seating, a power rear window sunshade and electroluminescent instrument cluster. Sound buffs may want to opt-up to the Infinity audio system. It channels 315 watts through 10 speakers and adds an in-dash, 6-disc CD changer. Speed-sensitive volume keeps up with traffic noise and redundant controls on the steering wheel allow you to fine-tune your tunes, without undue distraction from your driving.