2011 Hyundai Azera Overview

Overview

The Azera is possibly the most invisible model in Hyundai's lineup, mostly because it suffers from what plagued the previous Sonata: being a perfectly capable car and a great value in a near-invisible shell. At the time the Azera was launched for the 2006 model year, it was the flagship in the line. Now it falls between the Sonata and the Genesis in Hyundai's lineup.A lot has changed since then, and in some ways it's those changes that left 
the Azera in the dust, not the least of which was the 


introduction of the Genesis sedan. And even though the car gets improvements to styling, engines, and the transmission, it has already been overshadowed by the all-new Sonata and new-to-the-U.S. Equus.But there is a lot of car here for the money: a choice of 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter V-6, both backed for 2011 by a six-speed automatic transmission. The interior is more luxurious than you'd expect, and the ride more highway cruiser than canyon carver.

The Range

Body styles: Sedan
Engines: 3.3L V-6, 3.8L V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Models: GLS, Limited

What's New

The 2011 Azera receives more power in each V-6: the 3.3-liter gets 26 more horses for a total of 260; the 3.8-liter gains 20 horsepower for 283. Both engines now use an in-house six-speed automatic. There's a new grille, bumper, headlights, and foglights, plus a revised rear end. There are also redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels and minor styling changes in the cabin.

Exterior

The 2011 Azera looks a lot like last year's model, except that the front end looks fresh and crisp. The most distinctive design cue on this model is the side lines above the rear fenders.

Interior

Cloth eight-way power seats are standard with the GLS; the Limited gets leather, heated seats. There are wood- and metalgrain accents in both models, but the center console trim has changed for 2011 from grained metal to smooth.

Performance & Handling

The Azera isn't meant to have sport sedan performance, but there's relatively little body roll and the ride is comfortable. During instrumented testing, the 2010 Azera 3.8-liter Limited model moved from 0-to-60 in 6.5 seconds, and through the quarter mile in 15.0 seconds at 94.9 mph, numbers that are sure to improve for 2011.

Safety

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution is standard; so are brake assist, traction control, and stability control. Eight airbags are standard: dual front, driver and front-passenger side-impact, rear side-impact, and front/rear side-curtain airbags.

EPA Fuel Economy

3.3L: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway
3.8L: 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway

You'll Like

• Terrific value
• Comfortable interior
• Top-notch warranty

You Won't Like

• Bland handling
• Bland styling

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2011/hyundai/azera/#ixzz1kxYGjovA