|
The Azera is
new for 2006, featuring a platform derived from Hyundai’s award-winning
midsize Sonata and a larger engine than either its predecessor (called the
XG350) or its downmarket equivalent. Like the new Sonata, it combines
excellence and value, featuring comfort, refinement, and power at the same
level as the Buick Lucerne and Toyota Avalon for thousands less. It does not
come out ahead for exceeding those benchmarks, but for essentially equaling
them in every way for a much lower price. The others master the details, but
the Azera comes close enough for those slightest differences to be obscured by
the solid price difference.
The Azera
has a very comfortable ride, soft and absorbent yet better-controlled than the
Avalon’s, at the expense of some near-negligible isolation on rough pavement.
It also handles better than the Avalon, with quicker, firmer steering and
better-controlled body roll. Hyundai’s new 3.8-liter V6 is not quite as potent
as the Avalon’s, but can still provide acceleration comparable to the V8
Buick’s. A rich engine note accompanies acceleration, but fades to silence
otherwise. Wind noise is negligible, but more road noise enters the Azera than
its benchmarks over coarse road surfaces. Fuel economy is better than the V8
Lucerne, but not near the Avalon’s levels of efficiency.
Inside, the
Azera’s front seats are roomy, well-shaped, supportive, and very comfortable.
The rear is also quite comfortable, with a well-shaped and supportive seat,
though there isn’t quite as much space as in some competitors. Also, the seat
isn’t as wide as several others in this group, but middle occupants will fit
fine.  The interior is not as
sumptuous as a few competitors, but the materials are high quality, and fit
together very well. The gauges are large and clear, and the high-mounted
instruments are easy to reach, logically placed, and simple to use, though a
few stereo controls could be larger. The steering wheel includes convenient
controls for the automatic climate control system. Drivers sit comfortably
even without the optional power-adjustable pedals, and have very good
visibility. Entry/exit is easy to both the front and rear. The trunk isn’t
especially large, but it is well-shaped and the rear seat folds to expand the
space.
The Azera
has not been crash-tested by either the IIHS or by NHTSA.
The Azera
reviewed here came in at a mere $27,705, over $1,500 less than the V6 Lucerne,
close to $3,500 less than the Avalon, and well over $4,000 less than the
Lucerne V8. At that price, it lacks satellite radio, and the optional power
adjustable pedals and steering wheel with memory, but does include active head
restraints, eight airbags (beating this group’s next-best Avalon’s seven by
including rear-seat torso protecting side airbags), and a power rear sunshade.
Overall, the
Toyota Avalon and the V8 Buick Lucerne may edge out the Azera in little
details here and there, but the Azera’s overall package is decidedly similar,
and adds a few advantages of its own, such as better handling and more trunk
space than the Avalon, and better fuel economy than the Lucerne, and a longer
warranty than either. While the runner-up Toyota or Buick may be slightly
better cars than the Azera, neither has set of advantages that is nearly
sufficient to cover the extra cost.
|
