Hyundai SA’s new flagship, the Azera, is very competitively priced. At R299 900, it offers a tempting option for buyers in the market for an entry-level executive saloon.Hyundai SA’s new flagship, the Azera, is very competitively priced. At R299 900, it offers a tempting option for buyers in the market for an entry-level executive saloon.
The Azera, which is 4 895 mm long, 1 850 mm wide and 1 490 mm high, has a 3,3-litre all-aluminium V6 under its bonnet and Hyundai claims the big car can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 7,8 seconds. The petrol-powered powerplant develops 171 kW at 6 000 r/min, 304 N.m of torque at 3 500 and is mated with a five-speed electronically-controlled H-matic automatic transmission.
Bearing a strong family resemblance to the Sonata, the Azera has LED safety rear lights that highlight the purposeful rear treatment while Xenon headlights are an option. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 tyres and dual exhaust pipes are standard.
Overall levels of refinement and build quality are good, thanks to double door seals and extensive sound-deadening material under the Azera’s bonnet, inside the engine compartment and under the floor. Hyundai claims the car’s “graceful dashboard lines and sporty design for the instrument panel” contributes to the leather-, wood-, and metallic-trimmed cabin’s “feel good” ambience.
The Azera arguably offers a higher specification compared with other entry-level executive saloon models from BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar and Audi, as well as top-of-range Toyota Camry, VW Passat and Volvo S60 offerings, including: dual zone climate control with air quality control system, memory switches that store the electrically-adjustable seat, mirrors and steering column settings, satellite audio and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, automatic sensors for the headlights and windscreen wipers, rear parking radar, auxiliary power sockets front and rear, electro-chromatic rear-view mirror and electric windows all round.
In addition, “the Azera comes with convenience and personal comfort facilities ranging from sunglass storage lids, a luggage net for the 469-litre boot and cup holders to rear passenger comfort lights and handbag retaining hooks,” a Hyundai spokesman said.
The car rides on a double wishbone front- and redesigned multi-link rear suspension and its safety specification includes, among other things, ABS with EBD, ESP, active headrests and front and rear side and curtain airbags (eight ‘bags in total).
The Azera costs R299 900, which includes a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
