Vehicle Overview Hyundai’s full-size sedan is available as a base GLS and top-shelf Limited. The Azera competes with large sedans like the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300 and Buick Lucerne. Available luxuries include a powered tilt/telescoping steering column, a powered rear sunshade and leather upholstery.
New for 2009 Hyundai says it redesigned the steering and suspension for better ride and handling in 2009. The Azera also gets a new chrome grille, a new audio system interface, standard iPod/USB auxiliary inputs, new 17-inch wheels and upgraded interior accents.
Exterior The Azera’s large trapezoidal grille has horizontal bars and incorporates a Hyundai logo in the center. Wide headlight units wrap around into the front fenders. GLS sedans have body-colored side moldings, while Limited editions have turn signals integrated into the side mirrors. Built on a 109.4-inch wheelbase, the Azera measures 192.7 inches long overall, 72.8 inches wide and 58.7 inches tall. Compared with its competitors, the Azera has the smallest width and length, but is slightly taller.
Redesigned standard 17-inch alloy wheels
More distinctive chrome grille
Clear-lens rectangular fog lamps
Interior The Azera can seat up to five occupants. Each has a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, and there are 12-volt outlets up front and in back. Limited models get a power rear sunshade, leather seating surfaces and heated front seats; the latter two items, as well as a power sunroof, come with the Premium Package, which is an option on the GLS. The Limited sedan also opens up a gamut of options, including a powered tilt/telescoping steering column, rain-sensing wipers, power-tilting side mirrors and power-adjustable pedals. GLS models have a standard AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system. Limited models have a 10-speaker, six-CD Infinity stereo. The optional navigation system has a 12-speaker, surround-sound audio system. New for 2009 is an audio system interface with a larger display screen.
Standard features include:
iPod/USB auxiliary inputs
Wood-grain and metal interior accents
Dual-zone climate control
Power front seats
Manual tilt/telescoping steering column with leather-wrapped steering wheel
Remote keyless entry
Console armrest
Under the Hood There’s a choice of two V-6 engines, both of which are matched to a five-speed automatic transmission.
234-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 with 226 pounds-feet of torque (GLS)
263-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 with 257 pounds-feet of torque (Limited)
Five-speed automatic with manual shift control
Redesigned suspension and steering systems for 2009
Safety Standard safety features include:
Eight airbags, including seat-mounted side-impact and side curtain airbags for both front and rear seats
Active front head restraints
All-disc antilock brakes with brake-force distribution
