The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Heels On Wheels: 2013 Hyundai Azera Review


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
2013 Hyundai Azera


HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE 2013 HYUNDAI AZERA VEHICLE
To reign over the full-size sedan market, you’ve got to offer full-size attraction, and the 2013 Hyundai Azera brings exactly that with racy flare and a very reasonable price. Stylishly designed with a long list of impressive modern conveniences like heated front and rear seats and a seven-inch navigation screen with backup camera, you also get powerful results from a direct-injection V6 engine.

I drove a 2013 Hyundai Azera with the standard 293-horsepower Lamba II 3.3-liter Gasoline Direct Injection V6 engine dropping paired to a six-speed automatic transmission system with SHIFTRONIC. Available in one trim, the Azera comes with the following standard highlights: push-button start; heated front and rear seats; dual climate control; a ten-way power driver’s and eight-way power passenger’s seat; steering wheel mounted controls; Bluetooth; a seven-inch navigation screen with backup camera; and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics for streamlining everyday connectivity needs like voice text messages, web search downloads, and turn-by-turn directions. As described, starting price for the Azera begins at $32,250.

The Azera is unchanged for the model year, as the previous model brought in the new 3.3-liter V6 engine. Main competitors include other full-size sedans also carving a home on the outskirts of more luxurious nameplates – cluster the Chrysler 300 and redesigned Toyota Avalon into this category.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable: The Azera runs rampant with luxurious appointments usually reserved for pricier sedans, from soft-touch interior materials to best-in-class legroom and cargo space. It also looks incredibly sophisticated doing it with a winged chrome grille, flowing beltline and wrap-around taillights. My test drive featured a $4,000 Technology Package that added a beautiful panoramic sunroof, nineteen-inch hyper-silver alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, rear parking radar, an upgraded Infinity audio system, a driver’s seat cushion extension, power rear sunshade (classy touch), and ambiance lighting – money well-spent for a brand that continues to understand what delivering true value to the consumer means.

Reliability & Safety Factor: The 2013 Hyundai Azrea is a Top Safety Pick with The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for earning crash-test ratings of “Good” in all areas. It is not yet rated by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include impact-reducing seat system and nine airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, Motor-Driven electric Power Steering and a state-of-the-art braking package.

Cost Issues: The Azera comes at you with one trim and price: $32,250. In a market that loves to bump the price another $10k with options, the Azera just offers one – the $4k Technology Package. It’s a refreshing if not minimalistic approach to the optional extras, but the package itself is well-rounded with a significant amount of desirable equipment and conveniences. This means the Azera tops out at $36,250 (without destination charges).

Activity & Performance Ability: Built with fast-acting acceleration, smooth shifting and a suspension tailored for smooth response, Hyundai does a pretty remarkable job of welding drivetrain characteristics into one engaging experience.

The Green Concern: Such fast-acting acceleration delivers fuel economy results at 20 miles-per-gallon city and 29 highway for a combined 23 – about average for the powertrain size, but disappointing if you want four-cylinder efficiency.

FINAL PARTING WORDS
With style that squarely knocks out similar competition, the 2013 Hyundai Azera’s full-size sedan uber-sleek design and value reaches far enough to cause consumers stuck on pricier nameplates to reconsider what this Korean-based brand can do.

©2013 Katrina Ramser