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By Autotropolis Editors
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Strengths: |
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Affordable price; smooth ride; spacious interior and trunk; extensive warranty. |
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Changes: |
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For 2008, the luxurious Hyundai Azera gets a number of upgrades and a revised lineup of standard and available features. Last year's mid-grade SE has been dropped from the lineup and the Azera is now only available in GLS and Limited trims. The base GLS now has standard 17-inch alloy wheels and body-color rocker panels, while the Limited model now has side-mirror turn signals, a power sunroof, and a ten-speaker Infinity audio system. An LG navigation system is newly available on the Limited.
Across the line, the suspension has been retuned for improved ride and handling. |
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Value: |
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The 2008 Azera ranks as Hyundai's most expensive sedan. But it's a relative bargain, with luxury features that rival those in vehicles costing significantly more, such as the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon. With an especially roomy back interior-more interior space than the Avalon, Mercedes E-Class, or BMW 7-Series, according to Hyundai-and a smooth ride, it's an ideal vehicle for family duty or road trips. |
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Overview: |
Two different Hyundai Azera models, GLS and Limited, are offered for 2008. Both come with a very generous amount of equipment compared to sedans in their price range, and they both come with different engines. GLS models get a 234-horsepower, 3.3L V6 engine, while the Limited steps up to a 263-horsepower, 3.8L DOHC V6.
Both engines have continuously variable valve timing and a variable intake system to help increase throttle response without lowering fuel economy. A five-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control is coupled with either V6 engine.
The roomy Azera has seating for five and a generous 16.6-cubic-foot trunk. A four-wheel independent suspension, with double wishbones in front and a multi-link setup in back, helps bring a smooth, quiet ride and responsive handling.
The suspension and steering has been further tuned for flatter handling and better compliancy over rough roads.
All the safety features offered in more expensive vehicles are included on the Azera, including electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, eight air bags, and active front head restraints.
The GLS gets some upscale appearance cues, including body-color sills and rocker panels, big 17-inch alloy wheels, and LED tail lamps and brake lights. Other equipment includes a HomeLink garage-door opener, power front seats, and automatic headlamps. An optional Premium Package adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof to the GLS.
The top-of-the-line Limited gets leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power rear sunshade, side-mirror turn signals, a power sunroof, and an upgraded, 315-watt, ten-speaker sound system with XM satellite radio and MP3 compatibility and a CD changer.
An LG navigation system, with touch-screen functions and points of interest, is now available on the Limited, and comes paired with an upgraded 12-speaker, 11-channel, 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 sound system. The Ultimate Package brings this, plus a power sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, woodgrain trim, rain-sensing wipers, and memory settings.
As other Hyundai models, the Azera is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, ten years or 100,000 miles of roadside assistance, and five years of roadside assistance. |
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Average User Rating |
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Overall |
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9
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Styling |
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8
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Comfort |
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10
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Performance |
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9
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Value |
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10
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