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2012 Hyundai Azera

168 messages,  Last post on Nov 03, 2012 at 10:15 AM

You are in the Hyundai Azera Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Azera, Sedan

Messages Page 14 of 18

#125 of 168 Re: Disappointing Performance [m6user] by gearjammer62

Apr 06, 2012 (2:42 pm)

Replying to: m6user (Apr 05, 2012 4:23 pm)
My wife has a 2010 Lexus RX, and we just drove a new Azera last weekend. The leather in the Azera is much softer to the touch and more comfortable on first impression. The stitching on the seats and dash far exceeds anything in the RX. How it will hold up over time is unknown. Plusher carpeting, too.
 
Also, certain parts in the RX, such as the cruise control stalk and headliner material to name just two, are right from the Camry parts bin, and the carpeted mats are held in place with plastic tabs, not metal hooks as in the Azera, and come unhooked with ease - unintentionally. Not to mention the sun visor than fell into my wifes lap as she was driving (apparently some one at the Lexus factory failed to instal one of the screws that held it place). Point is, to make a blanket statement that everything in a Lexus must be more "luxurious" than Hyundai simply is not true. Drive them back to back and then you can make a better opinion. Oh, cost of the Lexus, $46k. Price of the Azera $33k. Perhaps a $70k Lexus LS doesn't skimp on "luxury" ala the RX, but one could buy two Azera's for that, and have change left over.
 
As for the Impala as a competitor - I had to laugh out loud when I read that! I recently drove a loaded 2011 with less than 3k miles, and such poor build quality that it hits you right in the face- splotchy-looking paint job, gaps in the dash, a rattle from the back seat, air leaks around the passenger A-pillar, abysmal Bose sound system, clumsy handling, and jittery ride. Pretty much consistent with just about every review of the it for the last 5 years. The new one at the NY auto show looks better, but if it's built in the same factory with the same attention to detail as the current one, Hyundai has nothing to worry about, and no informed person will seriously cross-shop these two cars after one test drive.
 
As for the sunroof, I think I've opened mine in the RX 3 times in two years. My wife never does. Probabaly wouldnt miss it.

#126 of 168 Re: Disappointing Performance [gearjammer62] by m6user

Apr 06, 2012 (2:46 pm)

Replying to: gearjammer62 (Apr 06, 2012 2:42 pm)
I guess we just disagree. If you want to think that a Hyundai is better and more luxurious than a Lexus that is certainly your perogative. But I still believe you get what you pay on the most part.

#127 of 168 Near Luxury? by jsmit86

Apr 07, 2012 (6:39 am)

I agree that the Azera is not quite the same class as Lexus, Audi, Acura etc., but it looks to be a great value.
 
2 Years ago, I traded my 2003 Infiniti G35 for a 2011 Sonata Limited with Leather, Nav, etc. While it certainly lacks the refinement of the Infiniti, it actually is a nicer car in some respects, and had a great deal of bang for the buck.
 
When the YF Sonata was launched, there was a surprising amount of postings on multiple car forums by purchasers who had traded from true luxury brands. IMHO, a lot of this had to do with our economy; many of these buyers were stepping down due to $$$$. What I found interesting, is that many of these purchasers for the first time considered a Hyundai product.
 
I had owned several Hyundai's previously, but just for family members; never as my primary car. When I bought the Sonata, I made the decision after a very negative experience with my local Infiniti dealer. I was very close to purchasing a G37X, and then a M35X. The Infiniti dealer was intent on getting my trade for about $4K under its actual cash value. I decided that the Sonata, while "not an Infiniti", was very adequate for my needs, and IIRC, saved me about $17K. I have been very happy with the Sonata, and am amazed by the fuel economy.
 
The new Azera steps up the game. I will keep an eye on the Azera. I expect that it may well be in my consideration set the next time I trade, and I think Hyundai will continue to get sales growth from buyers who consider the total value compared to "Luxury" brands.

#128 of 168 Re: Near Luxury? [jsmit86] by m6user

Apr 07, 2012 (9:37 am)

Replying to: jsmit86 (Apr 07, 2012 6:39 am)
Well put. The differences are getting smaller as the regular(for lack of a better word) step up their game with quality and refinement and the luxury brands stumble a little bit here and there. And I think you're right about the economy.
Hyundai is a great value for what you get. If they would just improve their suspension/steering I would be right there. When I made my last car purchase it was down to the Sonata or a Mazda6. I chose the 6 because the Sonata was just to bouncy, noisy and loose in the suspension and steering. They need to hire some engineers from Mazda or Audi to work on that or just copy them. Kia hired the designer form Audi so it's not that far fetched. I know everybody complains when a manufacturer copies a body style element but who would complain about copying some really nice handling attributes?

#129 of 168 Drove the 2012 Azera today. by jsmit86

Apr 07, 2012 (1:14 pm)

I took a quick test drive of the new 2012 Azera today. I was pretty impressed. The car was definitely quiet and smooth. Probably not quite in the ES350 league, but very nice. I also could not fault the steering. A bit crisper than my 2011 Sonata.
 
The leather interior was very nice. In fact, I would put it on par with my previous car, an Infiniti G35. I'd also say that the seats were a lot nicer than the last Acura TL I checked out.
(I will give the TL a slight nod over my Sonata Leather though.)
 
I went over some pretty bumpy roads, and the Azera seemed pretty composed. I never actually had to floor it, but I did get a chance to merge on a highway ramp. Plenty of power.
 
The Azera will be on my short list when I'm in the market again.
 
Before I drove the Azera, I also drove a 2012 Camry. (Will get a $50 Gift Card due to a mail offer asking for test drives) The new Camry is much improved compared to the previous version. The car was slightly quieter and smoother than my Sonata, but the steering and road feel was not as good. Nice tech with Nav, XM, Bluetooth etc.. I also give them kudos for having the power passenger seat. The leather in the Camry is probably slightly softer than my Sonata, but not as nice as some previous Camry's I have inspected.
All in all, I'd probably stick with the Sonata vs. the Camry, but I will give Toyota credit for the improvements.

#130 of 168 Re: Near Luxury? [m6user] by jsmit86

Apr 07, 2012 (1:21 pm)

Replying to: m6user (Apr 07, 2012 9:37 am)
I'll agree that Hyundai's biggest opportunity is on NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and suspension. The current Sonata comes with tires that sometimes seem smooth, and at other times pretty noisy. This varies dramatically depending on the road surface.
 
Next chance you get, check out the new Azera. Hyundai has definitely stepped up their game on this car. Not quite as tomb-like as a Lexus, but it definitely has better road feel than an ES.
 
It will be interesting to see how this car performs over the next year or so.

#131 of 168 Re: Near Luxury? [jsmit86] by alanjg1

Apr 07, 2012 (1:41 pm)

Replying to: jsmit86 (Apr 07, 2012 1:21 pm)
I have owned Hondas and then Acuras since 1983. I currently own a 2009 Acura TL and am starting to look at a new car. I always thought that the TL gave bang for the buck and I am seriously considering the Azera since it appears to do the same. Years ago I would not even have considered a Hyundai but times have changed for this automaker. In this day and age of high gas prices, I am glad that I would not have to put Premium fuel in the Azera. It is definitely a beautiful car.

#132 of 168 Re: Luxury Sedan? [dodgeman07] by gearjammer62

Apr 07, 2012 (11:31 pm)

Replying to: dodgeman07 (Apr 06, 2012 1:45 pm)
The Lacrosse appears to be a solid hit for Buick - never been in one but they are good-looking.
 
I've read very good reviews about it being a worthy ES-fighter, although I've never bought into the hype of the ES as a luxury car. It's a very nice Camry with better leather, more wood and chrome trim, and $15k extra in price for $5k worth of material (The upside is you can save money buying parts for both it and your Corolla at the Toyota dealer).
 
The Lacrosse is probably the only current GM car that realistically would be cross-shopped with the Azera.

#133 of 168 Re: Luxury Sedan? [gearjammer62] by hjc1

Apr 08, 2012 (6:24 pm)

Replying to: gearjammer62 (Apr 07, 2012 11:31 pm)
I did drive the Buick.. it's a nice car however I ended up buying the Azera.
The Azera offered more feature for the dollar and IMHO out classed the Buick.
I also liked the 10 year 100K drive train warranty and the 5 year 60K bumper to bumper warranty

#134 of 168 Overall the Azera was very impressive by akg4y

Apr 14, 2012 (1:51 pm)

I went to Hyundai to test drive a Sonata and Sonata Hybrid (as a comparison with the Kia Optima & Optima Hybrid) and ended up test driving an Azera with Tech package. I was so impressed that now Im debating whether or not I want to wait a few months for the Azera to ramp up production so Hyundai starts offering incentives and sells for 3-5k below MSRP as is typical for the Genesis and Sonata. Unfortunately right now with it being a brand new release and dealers having 1 maybe 2 of them on the lot essentially the best deal I have been given is $1k below MSRP plus $500 matching from motozuma which would put me around $35.5k before TTL. Im shooting for $32-33k but may just go with the Optima rather than wait 6-8 months for a deal that may not materialize. My bet is the Azera will be in short supply until next year.
 
I looked at the Buick Lacrosse and Toyota Avalon as well and Im not sure why anyone puts those in the same category other than size and price. The real competitors in my opinion are the Lexus ES350, Acura TL, Hyundai Genesis, and later this year the Kia Cadenza.
 
The Buick and the Toyota both feel cheaper inside with the plastic Buick uses for the dash and the faux wood trim being the main culprits. The Azera on the interior is at least one level above on interior materials and then throw in the little details like the ambient lighting and it really is no comparison.
 
My in-laws have a Genesis which is a nice car but has that standard soft and fluffy ride typical of Toyota and Lexus whereas to me the Azera was a nice fit somewhere between the sporty ride of an Acura TL and the "luxury sedan" ride of a Lexus. I tend to prefer the Acura type drive but the TL interior leather and just overall feel doesnt seem quite as 'tight' as the finish of the Azera inside.
 
Downside? I did feel like even though it has 293 HP it was slightly lacking in power. Pushing down on the pedal you get a steady acceleration it isnt quite as quick to shift to a lower gear and show you some power, unlike the Acuras and even the Lexus ES. Part of that is likely the size of the car since it is bigger.
 
I would be really interested to hear real world calculated MPG numbers on the Azera from any of you that have purchased. Hyundai and Kia both seem to have widely varied reports on real world MPG in their cars, and few people report actually hitting the EPA rated expectations so that is a concern. 20/29 isnt great and if that is closer to 20 real world with a 50/50 split local/highway then the Azera would probably be out for me, although so would all of the cars it "competes" with.

Messages Page 14 of 18

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