Autoblog

Hyundai scrambling to keep U.S. market share but lacks inventory

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

Hyundai owns five percent of the U.S. retail market share, but it's trying to maintain that number with razor-thin inventory levels. According to The Detroit Free Press, the situation has forced the automaker to cut back on fleet sales and pump out every vehicle it can from its Alabama assembly plant, which is prepping a third shift in the fall.

How constrained is Hyundai's vehicle supply? Looking at the traditional measure of dealer inventory in "days supply," Hyundai tracks absurdly low, at just 25-27 days, or less than one month's supply of vehicles, according to the report. The new 2012 Azera has just 12 days inventory available. The Freep says that despite its five-percent share, for every 1,000 vehicles sitting on all dealer lots across the U.S., only 25 are Hyundais. Yet the company still expects to sell 700,000 units this year, some 100,000 more than it did in 2011.

John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's president and CEO, has said consistently that despite rumors of a second U.S. assembly plant, his company has no current plans to build one. Hyundai's South Korean parent has capped global production this year to focus on quality.

"We're still the leanest company in the industry," Krafcik tells the newspaper.

Hyundai scrambling to keep U.S. market share but lacks inventory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS crowns three new Top Safety Picks [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Safety, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Toyota

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crowned two sedans and a hatchback as Top Safety Picks: the 2013 Chevrolet Malibe Eco, 2012 Hyundai Azera and 2012 Toyota Prius c. The redesigned 2013 Malibu joins its 2012 model-mate as a Top Pick, and the 2013 earned a good side impact rating even without its optional side airbags.

The Prius c also has siblings that have won the award, the Prius and Prius v. The Azera had been rated in a few earlier tests, but in completing the testing regime with good marks all 'round it earned the accolade. The Top Pick moniker is given to vehicles that score "Good" in the IIHS's front, side, rollover and rear-impact tests.

Have a look below for video of the Malibu and Prius c going through their side-impact exams.

Continue reading IIHS crowns three new Top Safety Picks [w/video]

IIHS crowns three new Top Safety Picks [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai announces standard brake-override for all models

Jeff Sabatini — Sat, 05 May 2012 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Hyundai

Always looking for ways to one-up its Japanese competitors, Hyundai has announced that a brake override system will be standard equipment on its full line of vehicles, starting this month.

Truth be told, every 2012 Hyundai model save for the Elantra Touring already had a brake override system fitted. So why the announcement, and why now? Well, other than just tweaking Toyota, whose unintended acceleration problems led to widespread recalls, a Congressional investigation, and prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to propose requiring brake override systems on all new cars, the announcement likely has more to do with the end of Elantra Touring production than it does with anything else.

The old Hyundai i30, on which the Elantra Touring was based, has been redesigned, and reviews of the new model have already started showing up on foreign automotive websites. We won't get our version of the i30, dubbed Elantra GT here in the U.S., until later in the summer.

We'll be driving the GT in June and we promise to issue a full report, though we're going to try to avoid testing this new technology.

Continue reading Hyundai announces standard brake-override for all models

Hyundai announces standard brake-override for all models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Hyundai Azera [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, First Drives, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Finally Focusing On The FWD Luxury Game

Luxury used to be so simple in this country. Life was demarcated by a series of vehicular gradations from Chevrolet to Oldsmobile, Oldsmobile to Buick and finally, when one had clambered up every last rung of the socioeconomic ladder, Buick to Cadillac. But that was generations ago, a time before German automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz quietly brushed aside makes like Lincoln and Cadillac to establish themselves as the pinnacle of luxury. It was before names like Acura, Infiniti and Lexus elbowed their way up to the luxury buffet as well.

These days, buyers with an eye toward a comfortable, well-equipped vehicle have more options than nearly any other customer thanks to the careful segmentation of the luxury market. Hyundai has long positioned itself as an automaker that knows how to give buyers heaps of content for their dollar, and vehicles like the Genesis and Equus have proven the Korean company can play on the luxury field with the rest of the rear-wheel-drive bruisers out there.

For 2012, the company has sharpened its nearly forgotten Azera to give front-wheel-drive luxury buyers something else to chew on. With its new exterior, gorgeous cabin, V6 power and a host of standard equipment, the sedan is a natural alternative to hardware like the Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse and Ford Taurus.

Continue reading 2012 Hyundai Azera [w/video]

2012 Hyundai Azera [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Hyundai Azera priced from $32,000 and Gen Coupe from $24,250*

John Neff — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Hyundai, Luxury

We've gotten word from our man on location driving the new 2012 Hyundai Azera that the Korean automaker's fully redesigned full-size front-wheel-drive sedan will start at $32,000, not including $875 in destination charges, when it goes on sale this spring. The only option available will be a $4,000 Tech package. We're not certain yet what all will be included in the Tech package since items like touch-screen navigation and a back-up camera will be standard equipment on the 2012 Azera, but we're looking into it.

Hyundai is asking an awful lot more for its new Azera compared to the one it replaces, which carried a base MSRP of just $25,495. We'll have our First Drive report on the 2012 Hyundai Azera ready soon to let you know if the price jump is justified.

We likewise have pricing information to report for the refreshed 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, which will start at $24,250, again not including $875 in destination charges. That's for the four-cylinder 2.0t model with a manual transmission, while the upper bound on pricing is represented by the 3.8-liter V6-powered Track model with the new eight-speed automatic transmission that costs $34,250.

Lastly, while rumors had resurfaced again that Hyundai was considering creating a luxury sub-brand called Genesis that would sell both the sedan and coupe along with the larger Equus, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik has told Autoblog, "There is no plan to create Genesis sub brand." He did, however, indicate that the next-generation Genesis sedan should have all-wheel drive as an option.

2012 Hyundai Azera priced from $32,000 and Gen Coupe from $24,250* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CEO Krafcik says to expect more family vehicles from Hyundai, not trucks

Chris Shunk — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Truck, Crossover, Hatchback, Hyundai, South Korea

Hyundai has been hitting on all cylinders of late, adding the Elantra Coupe and Hatchback, the Veloster Turbo and the upcoming Azera. That's a lot of new metal for one calendar year, and it appears the Korean automaker is just getting warmed up.

Fox News reports that Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik hinted to a new entry into the six- and seven-passenger crossover segment. The affable exec pointed out that Hyundai needed to do a better job of attracting families to the brand, adding "it's probably fair to say we need more presence in the six and seven passenger crossover segment where we have the Veracruz now."

Hyundai is also expected to unveil a new Santa Fe at the New York Auto Show, so the automaker's CUV offerings are definitely looking up. As we reported back way back in June of 2010, we expect Hyundai to eventually offer a long-wheelbase three-row version of the new Santa Fe to replace the slow-selling Veracruz, though the automaker has yet to confirm this development.

But while Krafcik hints that some new CUV metal is coming, fans of the Italic H shouldn't hold their breath in anticipation of a pickup truck. Krafcik reportedly told Fox News that the automaker could build a truck if it wanted to, but the brand will instead focus on more efficient vehicles.

CEO Krafcik says to expect more family vehicles from Hyundai, not trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Hyundai Azera goes Fluidic, gets direct injection power [w/video]

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

The 2006 Azera was the first shot that Hyundai took at going upmarket, a big, soft, front-wheel-drive sedan packed with content and offered at a bargain price compared to the Toyota Avalon and Buick LaCrosse. But today, this Korean import seems more like it comes from the Island of Misfit Toys. Azera has quietly persisted while Hyundai has launched several well-received models, from the Genesis to the 2011 Sonata to the brand-new Veloster. Now comes the Azera's 15 minutes of fame, in the form of a complete overhaul for 2012 designed to make the Azera more of a premium offering.

The new Azera adopts Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language that we've loved on the Sonata, but in this application something went amiss. Everything looks good up front, as the Azera's Fluidic front fascia looks similarly aggressive. But follow the attractive chrome trim strip back from the headlights and something goes bump in the night. The Azera's rear quarter panel retains a bulging character line similar to the old model, except that in the new sheet metal the flanks are even more pronounced - and Buick-like. Things get better out back, as the new Azera has an elegant decklid and rear taillights that wouldn't look out of place on any luxury car.

Underhood, the second-generation Azera gets a new 3.3-liter V6 with direct injection. This "Lambda II" powerplant is good for 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, while providing an estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. Hyundai has also fitted the new Azera with its Active Eco mode, which should be good for a five-percent boost in fuel economy, according to the automaker. Like the old Azera, power is fed to the front wheels through a six-speed transaxle.

Standard Azera equipment includes some formerly optional content, like a navigation system with rearview camera, and Hyundai is also equipping Azeras with its Blue Link telematics system. Leather interior with heated front and rear seats, 18-inch alloys, and Vehicle Stability Management are all included, as well.

The 2012 Azera goes on sale in February, and while we will admit to being more excited about some of Hyundai's other launches next year (that's you, Elantra coupe) we're certainly not going to complain when we get our opportunity to chew up some comfortable highway miles, Azera style.

We've got the official press release from the LA Auto Show after the jump, as well as a full gallery of Azera images.

Continue reading 2012 Hyundai Azera goes Fluidic, gets direct injection power [w/video]

2012 Hyundai Azera goes Fluidic, gets direct injection power [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is what the interior of the next Hyundai Azera looks like

Zach Bowman — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Videos, Hyundai, South Korea

If you're itching for a chance to lay an eyeball on the interior of the next-generation Hyundai Azera, itch no more. The Korean motoring press have gotten their hands on the Grandeur, as the vehicle is known in its homeland, and someone has been kind enough to shoot a quick, techno-laden video of the vehicle inside and out for the world to enjoy. The clip gives us an unobstructed view of the sedan's new lines as well as an extended peek into the cabin. Judging from what's shown here, it looks as if Hyundai is continuing to expound on the design language the company pioneered in the Sonata and grew with the Elantra. We like what we see.

The redesigned Azera has already been confirmed for the U.S., so it's only a matter of time before we see the big four-door cruising around on our streets. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading This is what the interior of the next Hyundai Azera looks like

This is what the interior of the next Hyundai Azera looks like originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Awesome pedal-powered Hyundai Azera created in China

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai, Toys/Games

We've seen some pretty entertaining urban marketing campaigns here in the States, but we have to hand it to the Hyundai China team for the creative way that the company is choosing to drum up buzz about its new Azera. A team of skilled artists whipped up a full-scale, pedal-powered interpretation of the four-door sedan constructed from a tube-steel frame, sheets of plastic, Styrofoam and a vinyl wrap, then spent some time whirring around town to show the contraption to the public at large. Hilarity ensues at valet drop-offs and the like.

We're having a hard time coming up with any official word on exactly who was involved in the vehicle's build or what Hyundai China is doing with their pedal-powered Azera now. We're thinking that with a little modification, this thing would have made an awesome soap box derby racer, but it'd be a shame to see all that hard work risk getting crunched. Hit the jump to check out a few videos off the contraption in action.

Continue reading Awesome pedal-powered Hyundai Azera created in China

Awesome pedal-powered Hyundai Azera created in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Help Hyundai build the 2012 Azera by... building a 2012 Azera

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Concept Cars, Sedan, Hyundai

Hyundai is almost ready to sell you a 2012 Azera. Before it does that, however, it needs your help. The Korean automaker has posted a link that leads you to a configurator for the 2012 Azera, and there is a survey posted at the end. The configurator will give you a good idea of how much the Azera will end up costing, as well as what color choices will be made available.

We built our own 2012 Azera, and think it looks mighty fine in Smoke Gray Metallic with a Graphite Black leather interior. Checking the box for the Premium Package, our prototype Azera would cost us around $36,000.

Check out the configurator for yourself by clicking here, and be sure to answer the survey at the end. Maybe your decisions will help dictate what type of car we see when the Azera is revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Help Hyundai build the 2012 Azera by... building a 2012 Azera originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Hyundai Azera to debut at LA Auto Show

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai

The Azera has become something of an odd fit within the Hyundai lineup. It slots above the Sonata but below the Genesis sedan and utilizes front-wheel-drive architecture. Think of it as a sort of Toyota Avalon competitor, a larger, comfortable cruiser for more traditional buyers. Nevertheless, Hyundai is committed to offering the Azera here in the United States, and the automaker has just confirmed via Twitter that next-generation 2012 model will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year.

It's probably safe to assume that the 2012 Azera will take a shape very similar to the Grandeur sedan seen here. The Grandeur has design elements of both the Sonata and Genesis, keeping in line with the automaker's "fluidic styling" language. As for powertrains, Hyundai hasn't said a peep, but our best guess is that the automaker's 333-hp 3.8-liter V6 will be found underhood, or perhaps a variant of its 274-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. We'll have the full details later this year.

2012 Hyundai Azera to debut at LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NADAguides reveals six top auto picks based on low depreciation

Zach Bowman — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Crossover, Acura, Dodge, GMC, Hyundai, Toyota

NADA Guides Car Buyers Market Study - Click above for high-res image gallery

NADA Guides has released its Quarterly Car Buyers Market Report, and six models earned the organizations Top Recommended Buys designation. The 2011 Acura TL, Dodge Challenger R/T, GMC Terrain SLE-2, Hyundai Azera Limited, Toyota Tacoma Double Cab V6 Manual and Toyota Venza I4 AWD all made the cut. While low first-year depreciation rates factor into which vehicles win out in the report, NADA Guides also evaluates vehicles based on criteria like whether or not a model is competitively priced, is available with incentives or rebates, and dealer inventory volumes.

Surprisingly enough, the 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T carried the lowest first-year depreciation rate of all the vehicles on the list. With a rate of just 8 percent, the Mopar muscle car beat out the vehicle with the next-lowest rate - the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab V6 Manual - by two percentage points. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Azera limited packed the highest depreciation rate among the vehicles on the list at 21 percent, followed by the Acura TL at 19 percent. You can check out the full report after the break.

Continue reading NADAguides reveals six top auto picks based on low depreciation

NADAguides reveals six top auto picks based on low depreciation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hyundai confirms Elantra Coupe, redesigned Azera for U.S.

Chris Shunk — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Elantra - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai is on a big-time roll right now, as evidenced by hot-selling new product like the Sonata and Elantra. The Korean automaker could likely take a quick product development catnap and wake up with a still-fresh lineup, but apparently that isn't in the plans.

Automotive News reports that Hyundai informed dealers who attended the automaker's make meeting that there will be two new italic H-badged vehicles by January 2012. The first and perhaps most interesting new Hyundai will take the size and shape of an Elantra Coupe. And we won't have to wait very long to get our hands on the Elantra two-door, either, as sales will reportedly commence by spring.

As expected, the Azera will also be fitted for new duds by next January with all-new sheetmetal and a revised 3.3-liter V6 capable of at least 260 horsepower. Hyundai expects the redesign of the Azera to result in much higher sales, from only 3,051 in 2010 to up to 20,000 for 2012.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Hyundai confirms Elantra Coupe, redesigned Azera for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hyundai Grandeur/Azera gets KDM 4D promo

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai, South Korea

Hyundai Grandeur/Azera gets the 4D treatment - Click above to watch video after the jump

Avatar may have been a box-office king thanks in part to its wonderful use of 3D film-making. Hyundai, however, is not impressed by Mr. Cameron's science-fiction epic and it's decided to show-off the all-new Grandeur/Azera to the Korean public by way of a 4D commercial shown in theaters.

Hyundai wants those watching this clip to get the sensation that they're actually behind the wheel of the lux'd-up full-size sedan. While we can't get that feeling from watching a video on the internet, we can imagine where some well-placed mist and wind might show up to tantalize senses beyond just vision.

If you really want to try and recreate the 4D experience, have a friend on hand with a fan and a spray bottle then click past the jump to watch the clip. Thanks for the tip, Spark!

Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Grandeur/Azera renderings

[Source: Hyundai via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hyundai Grandeur/Azera gets KDM 4D promo

Video: Hyundai Grandeur/Azera gets KDM 4D promo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: New Hyundai Azera/Grandeur caught in motion

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Hyundai, Design/Style, South Korea

Hyundai Azera/Grandeur caught running down the highway - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've seen spy photos of it running through Europe and renderings of what it will look like unmasked. Now we have clear footage of the 2012 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur as it rolls down the highway. The lines stay very true to what we saw in the rendering and the result is a uniquely-Hyundai, stylish full-size sedan. The big Hyun's 'fluidic sculpture' design language comes through without being shoved in one's face and the overall aesthetic of the car is quite appealing, with a look that reminds us of a slightly larger and more refined Sonata.

We're really looking forward to seeing this one in the flesh, but for now all we have is the video that is waiting for you after the jump.Thanks for the tip, Paulo!

Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Grandeur/Azera renderings

[Source: YouTube via Blog.Naver.Com - Korean Language website]

Continue reading Video: New Hyundai Azera/Grandeur caught in motion

Video: New Hyundai Azera/Grandeur caught in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai previews next-gen Azera with new batch of renderings

Noah Joseph — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

2010 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur official renderings - Click above for image gallery

Once derided as a budget brand, Hyundai has been campaigning a relentless march up-market over the past few years with the likes of the Genesis and the Equus. Beneath them sits the Sonata - an impressive new vehicle to be sure - but there exists a wide gulf between these models, and it's the Azera's job to fill that gap with a larger-than-Sonata front-wheel-drive sedan.

Now in its fourth generation, the current Azera - also known as the Grandeur in some overseas markets - looks rather dated and unremarkable nestled in between its flashier stablemates and has been on the market since 2005. We've seen spy shots of its fifth-generation replacement undergoing testing, but Hyundai has now released the first batch of official images showing us what to expect from the new model.

As you can see for yourself in the gallery below, it looks promising, applying the Korean automaker's "fluid sculpture" design language to a new shape that's expected to arrive sometime in the new year as a 2012 model. Accompanying announcement after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Grandeur/Azera renderings

[Source: Hyundai via WCF, Hyundai-Blog]

Continue reading Hyundai previews next-gen Azera with new batch of renderings

Hyundai previews next-gen Azera with new batch of renderings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited

Chris Shunk — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, New Car Reviews

Refresh Fails To Meet Brand's Own High Bar

2011 Hyundai Azera Limited - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even five years ago, Hyundai was widely considered to be a bargain-basement marque. After all, anyone interested in checking out the brand's lineup could visit a rental company within five miles of any major airport. But why dwell on the past when the Korean automaker is kicking butt and taking names in the here and now? Hyundai has been on a roll these past few years, with hits like the Genesis, Genesis Coupe and 2011 Sonata. With those successful entries, Hyundai has clearly established itself as a prime player in the U.S. market, but the company's improved standing has also substantially raised the public's levels of expectation. Where qualifiers like "for a Hyundai" were once the norm, we're now measuring each and every new entry donning the italic H against the best from Toyota, Ford, General Motors and Honda.

Hyundai's most recently refreshed product is the 2011 Azera. When the Azera first arrived on U.S. shores as a 2006 model, it came came close to nixing the "for a Hyundai" stigma with an impressive level of standard equipment and a lower price tag than its competition. But even with a strong value equation and plethora of amenities, that original Azera still wasn't as refined as the current crop of winners coming out of South Korea. Can the freshly redesigned 2011 Azera, with an improved powertrain and increased level of luxury equipment, truly succeed like its all-star siblings?

Continue reading...

Gallery: Review: 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited

Continue reading Review: 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited

Review: 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Hyundai Azera caught in Europe

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Azera - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Hyundai Azera is not a bad looking car, but compared to the glut of new models that already are or will soon be populating Hyundai showrooms in the next year, it's starting to look long in the tooth. Hyundai appears to be on the case, as an all-new Azera has just been spotted testing in Europe. Like the current sedan, the new model will slot in between the front-wheel-drive Sonata and rear-wheel-drive Genesis. It will also feature Hyundai's new "fluid sculpture" design language, as evidenced by the characteristic rising crease along the doors that's visible through the camouflage.

The grille and mirrors of this camo'd Azera, which is called the Grandeur in its home market of South Korea, look similar to the new Sonata, but the lower edge of the side glass rises at the back giving the car a more pronounced shoulder. Power is expected to come solely from a V6 like the current model, but we'd be surprised if its displacement doesn't drop to the 3.0-3.3-liter range with direct injection and possibly a turbocharged version. Given CEO John Krafcik's commitment to 50 mpg by 2025, a version of the new hybrid system seen in the Sonata Hybrid seems like a smart bet as well.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Azera / Grandeur

[Source: Carpix]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Hyundai Azera caught in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors

Zach Bowman — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Luxury

Consumer Reports picks the best cars for teens and seniors - Click above for high-res image gallery

The car-savy folk over at Consumer Reports have released a new list of its best picks for vehicles suited for teens and seniors. The group suggests parents looking to send their teens off to school with a newer vehicle should try to avoid the common misstep of assuming that a larger SUV is safer than its smaller, more efficient counterparts. Instead of opting for a heavy roller, Consumer Reports suggests that parents look toward cars with standard traction control and side curtain airbags - cars like the Mazda 3, Scion xB, Honda Accord or Nissan Rogue.

Meanwhile, the publication points to a number of models for seniors that offer good visibility and easy access, including the Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Azera and Subaru Forester XT Limited. As you might expect, CR notes that each of the vehicles on the list can boast at least average reliability and carry the publications' Recommended label.

Interestingly enough, the only vehicle that Consumer Reports recommends for both driver types is the Honda Accord. Check out our galleries of the winners below and hit the jump to peruse the full press release.

Gallery: Consumer Reports Best Cars for Teens

Gallery: Consumer Reports Best Cars for Seniors

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors

Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #166 - Chicago recap/Geneva preview

Dan Roth — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:16:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Lincoln, Mercury, Toyota

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's Chris² as both Shunk and Paukert join Dan and for Episode #166 of the Autoblog Podcast this week. First up, as usual, is the Autoblog Garage, housing a Suzuki Grand Vitara and a Kia Soul this week. From there, we take a quick trip through the Chicago Auto Show's highlights. The 2011 Ford Edge, Toyota Avalon, Honda Odyssey concept, and Hyundai Azera all figure in the conversation.

We leave the stockyards for the land of fantastic chocolate and mull a few of the things we're likely to see at the Geneva Motor Show. Toyota's updated RAV-4 and the 5 by Peugeot garner mention before we return stateside to talk about Chrysler's refreshed LX cars and Fiat-based Caliber replacement. On the entertainment tip, Adam Carolla's Top Gear USA revelation catches our attention, and then we entertain ourselves by beating up on Mercury's choice of the Tracer name for its upcoming version of the Ford Focus.

Check out our listener's awesome photo gallery below, and direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey, or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!

Check out Matt's sweet Volkswagen GTI, which he was lucky enough to win from VW and then send pictures to us in triumph.

Gallery: Podcast listener Matt's GTI

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #166 - Chicago recap/Geneva preview

Autoblog Podcast #166 - Chicago recap/Geneva preview originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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