Forbes.Com Names Hyundai Azera "Best Luxurious Car For A Non-luxury Price"

Fountain Valley, CA - June 3, 2006: Forbes.com has named the Hyundai Azera 'Best Luxurious Car for a Nonluxury Price' in the 2006 "Best Cars for the Bucks" list. Forbes.com editors praised the Azera's powerful engine, styling, interior volume and other standard upscale amenities, offered at a sticker price well below other premium brands.

"Azera is our flagship - with segment-leading standard safety technologies like Electronic Stability Control and eight airbags, a clean, fuel-efficient, powerful 3.8L V6 engine, and a bigger passenger cabin than the BMW 760i," said John Krafcik, vice president of product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "This recognition from Forbes.com, along with AutoPacific recently awarding Azera the Vehicle Satisfaction Award for a large car, demonstrates we're succeeding in raising the bar for value for customers in all vehicle segments."

Starting at under $25,000, the Azera offers the most standard safety technologies in its class, including eight airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System. The vehicle features a powerful 263-horsepower, 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine, and other luxurious appointments such as dual-zone climate control, leather interior and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 capabilities. Azera buyers also receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years

In compiling this year's list of the best deals, the editors at Forbes.com evaluated vehicles based on sticker price and the level of power, comfort, safety and accident-avoidance technology, reliability and build quality.

The Toyota Avalon and Buick Lucerne CXL were also ranked second and third respectively as Best Luxurious Car for a Nonluxury Price. Other vehicles recognized by Forbes.com included: Best Car for the Bucks Overall - Honda Civic · Best Pickup for the Bucks: Ford F-150 · Best SUV for the Bucks: Toyota RAV4 · Best Convertible for the Bucks: Mazda MX-5 Miata · Best Deal on a Luxury Car: BMW 3 Series · Best Premium Vehicle for the Bucks: Acura RL · Best Bargain Supercar: Chevrolet Corvette Z06