Overview:
This week we’re looking at the new for 2006 Hyundai Azera Limited 4 door sedan that will knock your socks off for a car that speaks more than the sticker price would indicate. This is a very nice automobile. Ok, so it doesn’t have the fancy badge but you won’t pay a premium for the quality either.
There are a growing number of cars that will continue to make a name for themselves as quality cars with a price point that won’t break the bank – ‘your bank’ and this is one of those cars. The model year difference is not enough to wait for the 2007 and you’ll have much more bargaining power with the 2006.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 5%, Korea 93%
Assembly – Asan , Korea
Class: – Large Car
Cars: – Accent, Azera, Elantra, Entourage, Santa Fe , Sonata, Tiburon and Tucson .
Handling & Performance:
Superb for the money. The important thing here is that you’ll get features only available on cars costing much more.
Styling:
Cookie cutter to some extent but what isn’t these days. But hold onto your hat because the young lions in the design departments have been given the go ahead to put their ideas out there for the 21st century. Some have paid dividends, like the PT Cruiser from Chrysler but I have real doubts over some new ‘youth oriented’ designs by young surfer type designers in today’s world. Know what I mean.
Ford, on the other hand unveiled the new Italian designed Mustang at the LA Auto Show. The Italian designer, in broken English, explained his design to the press November 29th to a packed Media event. This first to be seen new Mustang Concept is sure to hit the showroom floors soon – because it is a winner and more importantly because Ford needs a positive shot in the arm. It is flat out beautiful and I would own one. Bravo Ford.
Fit and Finish:
Back to the Hyundai Azera that is sure to impress you as much as it has me.
Cost:
Outstanding bang for your buck Pocahontas was heard to say. And I agree with her but you can bet the price will go up when consumers begin to buy these lovely sedans.
Conveniences and comfort:
Excellent. This is a 10 in my book.
Consumer Recommendation:
You’ve gotta include this in your search for a family passenger sedan if in the $35,000 price range. You figure what to do with the other $9,000 you won’t give to its competition.
By the way, if you need confidence in the Korean car maker, consider that Toyota and other Japanese car makers are having their cars assembled in Korea . South Korea , of course. Face it; nothing exists in North Korea ‘s hold over of Communist form of Government. What a testimony to Western economic systems.
Incidentally you should be able to deal on a new 2006 model as they clear out stock for 2007 model year cars.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Azera $24-27,000, Ford Five Hundred $23-28,000, Buick Lucerne $26-35,000, Toyota Avalon $27-34,000, Chrysler 300 $24-40,000, Mercury Montego $24-29,000.
Good News:
Great handling and performance, nice styling and a roomy passenger sedan that is found in more expensive brands. Decent fuel economy (I got just over 25 mpg average). Very Good warranty.
Bad News:
Road noise is noticeable but didn’t deter me from recommending this for your consideration.
Gas Stats:
$2.37/ Gal avg. Nov 06
19 City and 28 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $26,835.
