The new Hyundai Sonata has received praise for its fresh styling. Now its bigger brother, the executive-class Azera, is to be launched in South Africa early next year… with keen pricing?
The new Hyundai Sonata has received praise for its fresh styling. Now its bigger brother, the executive-class Azera, is to be launched in South Africa early next year… with keen pricing?
Hyundai says the new Azera, which was showcased in South Korea recently, will compete directly against established European competitors in the executive saloon class of the market.
The new saloon will rely on its overall levels of refinement, build quality and distinctive European design to lure customers away from lower end executive saloon models from BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar and Audi, as well as the top-of-range Toyota Camry, VW Passat and Volvo S60 offerings. Hyundai SA said it hoped to launch the 3,3-litre Azera, which is 4 895 mm long, 1 850mm wide and 1 490mm high, in March with a list price of around R300 000.
Bearing a strong family resemblance to the Sonata (click here to view the gallery), 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.
The car rides on a double wishbone front- and redesigned multi-link rear suspension and its safety specification includes ABS with EBD, ESP, active headrests and front and rear side and curtain airbags. The Azera’s 3,3-litre all-aluminium V6, which develops 171 kW at 6 000 r/min and 304 N.m of torque at 3 500, is mated with a smooth and sophisticated Hyundai 5-speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox, with H-matic offering clutchless gearshifts.
Hyundai claims the Azera’s “graceful dashboard lines and a clear and sporty design for the instrument panel” contributes to the cabin’s “feel good” ambience. Supportive seats, well-planned ergonomics, easy access and quality trim materials “all play a vital role in approaching the target market”, the manufacturer said.
Offering a high specification compared with other entry-level executive saloon models could be the Azera’s biggest trump card… Dual zone climate control with air quality control system and full leather trim, featuring a combination of metallic and wood inserts, will be standard. Apart from its sophisticated power steering system, the Azera’s tilt and telescopic steering column is electrically-operated and its premium sound system includes Infinity speakers and steering wheel-mounted controls.
In addition, “the Azera comes with a full complement of convenience and personal comfort facilities ranging from sunglass storage lids and cup holders to rear passenger comfort lights and handbag retaining hooks,” a Hyundai spokesman said.