Smooth Step-up: 2012 Hyundai Azera
22.05.12
Azera — Hyundai's new, near luxury sedan — slots into the Hyundai lineup just above the midsize Sonata and below the mid-luxury Genesis. The tale of the tape backs its standing in the pack. Azera is 3 1/2 inches longer, 1 inch wider and 0.2 inches taller than Sonata; 3 inches shorter, 1.2 inches narrower than Genesis.
Designated as a Premium, Large Car by the EPA , Azera will joust in the marketplace with models like the Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Buick LaCrosse, Acura TL and Lexus ES350: large cars all, with luxury leanings. Azera is all new for 2012.
One way to check a car's class is to count the cylinders beneath the hood. With few exceptions, a step up in class is accompanied by an increase in engine size. So it is that Sonata fields a trio of four bangers, while Genesis offers a six and an eight. Azera is parked right in the middle, the sole engine offering being a 3.3 liter V6. The direct injection motor generates 293 horsepower and 255 lb. ft. of torque, and it's matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. The even-tempered engine ushers the Azera along nicely, and the six-speed transmission provides quiet passage from gear to gear. Fuel economy is EPA rated at 20 city/29 highway. That ties Azera for first in its class in both city and highway mileage, with the Acura TL. Underpinning the Azera's 112-inch wheelbase is a MacPherson strut front suspension, and independent, multi-link rear.
Source: Albany Times Union