Hyundai rolls out new Azera trim with smaller engine

We reviewed a 2007 Hyundai Azera Limited not long ago and found the sedan from South Korea (actually, it's built in Montgomery, Alabama) to be a looker with a less than inspiring interior. While Hyundai has yet to address our criticisms inside the car, it has added a new model to the lineup aimed at courting folks who value fuel economy over the raw charisma of the current car's 263-horsepower 3.8L V6. The new GLS, available in dealerships now, will come with a smaller 3.3L V6 producing 234 horsepower while returning 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway. As such, it will start at $24,895 (including $660 shipping), a full $1,300 less than the midrange SE model that starts at $26,195. Both the SE and the range-topping Limited ($27,995) still come with the larger 3.8L V6 that returns 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway. However, if you can stand being down on power a bit, the new GLS offers the majority of standard features for which Hyundai is famous while being more efficient in the fuel department and less expensive.

[Source: Hyundai via Kicking Tires]

PRESS RELEASE:

HYUNDAI EXPANDS AZERA LINEUP WITH NEW GLS MODEL

03/15/2007
Hyundai Motor America announced pricing today for the all-new 2007 Hyundai Azera GLS equipped with a powerful, yet fuel-efficient 3.3-liter V6 engine. The SE trim level has also been upgraded and a surround sound audio system is now available on the Limited model. The Hyundai Azera GLS is available at dealerships now.

GLS
3.3L V6
5-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC®
$24,895 including $660 freight

SE
3.8L V6
5-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC®
$26,195 including $660 freight

Limited
3.8L V6
5-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC®
$27,995 including $660 freight


NEW TRIM LEVELS AND EQUIPMENT

* New trim level – GLS equipped with 3.3-liter V6 engine, which achieves 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
* 17-inch wheel and bumper moldings with chrome-inserts now standard on SE
* Available leather seating surfaces on SE
* Azera Limited with Ultimate Package now features a 605-watt Infinity® Logic 7 Surround Sound AM/FM/XM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with 12 speakers (including subwoofer) and external amplifier
*All three trims are equipped with standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

AZERA GLS

The GLS includes an impressive range of standard features that give it a competitive edge, including a powerful 3.3-liter DOHC V6 engine with 234 horsepower, a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control, standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), eight airbags, active front head restraints, a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD audio system with MP3 capability, and achieving 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway fuel economy. Upscale features include LED tail and brake lamps, auto- dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLinkâ, power driver and front passenger seats, and automatic headlight controls. Also available is an optional power tilt and slide sunroof ($950 MSRP).

AZERA SE
The Azera SE is an upscale, stylish large sedan designed for consumers who are interested in a unique combination of spaciousness, a more powerful 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine with 263 horsepower and safety technologies. The SE creates a more distinctive and upscale look with 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and bumper moldings with chrome-inserts. Available options include a Premium and Leather Package ($2,800 MSRP) which includes a power tilt and slide sunroof, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, and a premium Infinity® audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer.


AZERA LIMITED
A truly impressive array of standard features and amenities define the prestigious Azera Limited. Additional standard features on the Limited include leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, an electroluminescent gauge cluster, power rear sunshade, and other upgrades. The Limited also has steering wheel wood trim and bumper moldings with chrome-inserts.

AZERA LIMITED with PREMIUM PACKAGE

The Premium Package ($1,550 MSRP) includes a power tilt and slide sunroof and premium Infinity audio system with in-dash 6 disc CD changer.

AZERA LIMITED with ULTIMATE PACKAGE

The Ultimate Package ($3,100 MSRP) defines Hyundai's flagship Azera offering. This package now includes a new 605-watt Infinity® Logic 7 Surround Sound AM/FM/XM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with 12 speakers (including subwoofer) and external amplifier. The Ultimate Package also offers a power tilt and slide sunroof, power adjustable tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, integrated memory system (power driver's seat, exterior mirrors, and power tilt & telescopic steering wheel), power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and rain-sensing wipers.