Introduction
The Hyundai Azera is a full-size 4-door sedan. The Azera, known as the Grandeur in Asia, was Hyundai's flagship sedan prior to the introduction of the Genesis sedan in 2008. It features what the manufacturer calls a "Fluidic Sculpture" design with a softly curving roof and a roomy rear (36.8 inches of leg room in the back seat). The Azera seats five, features front-wheel drive, and is available in a single trim level. Its competitors include other large cars including the Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon, and Buick LaCrosse. The 2013 model carries over unchanged from the previous year, when the Azera underwent an extensive redesign.
Exterior Features
The 2013 Hyundai Azera is offered in Black Onyx Pearl, Porcelain White Pearl, Silver Frost Metallic, Smoke Gray Metallic, Hyper Silver Metallic, Venetian Red Pearl, Bronze Mist Metallic, and Midnight Blue Pearl. Standard exterior equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, fog lights, and keyless entry and ignition. According to the manufacturer, the Azera's high-efficiency LED lighting minimizes energy consumption. A chrome-tipped dual exhaust system is incorporated into the rear bumper.
Interior Features
Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, full power accessories, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, chilled glove box, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated 8-way power front seats, and heated rear seats with a 60/40 split-folding configuration. Upholstery is camel, black, or brown, depending on the exterior color chosen. Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, navigation system with a 7-inch touch-screen interface, HD Radio, and a 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio are also standard. Trunk capacity is 16.3 cubic feet.
Optional Features
Hyundai offers a Technology package that includes 19-inch alloy wheels, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, premium Infinity sound system, rear park-assist sensors, and interior ambient lighting. Available accessories include carpeted floor mats, first aid kit, iPod cable, cargo net, wheel locks, mud guards, and a cargo tray.
Under the Hood
The 2013 Hyundai Azera is powered by a 293-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 engine that produces 255 lb.-ft. of torque. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2013 Hyundai Azera are 20/29/23 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Safety
Standard safety features on the Azera include anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, driver knee air bag, front-seat and rear-seat side-impact air bags, and side curtain air bags. In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2013 Hyundai Azera receives an overall rating of 4 (out of 5) stars for frontal crash protection, and 5 stars for side crash and rollover protection. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2013 Hyundai Azera received a rating of "Good"--the Institute's highest--in all impact tests. The IIHS designated the 2013 Hyundai Azera a "Top Safety Pick."
Technology
Several of the automaker's technological initiatives are available on the 2013 Hyundai Azera. The telematics system features a built-in GPS that is connected to various other electronic devices in the vehicle to provide the driver with comprehensive information and ensure a safer drive. Hyundai also addresses ecological issues with its environmentally friendly exhaust systems.
