2008 Hyundai Azera Limited Road Test

Versace ... Cartier ... Hyundai ... the must-have name brands of today's nouveau riche, right? OK, well I suppose Hyundai doesn't quite fit that

Nice looking car... great wheels! (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

description, but if you toss the Korean brand's entry-level name out of the picture for few minutes, you'll quickly see that its flagship Azera certainly makes a person wonder why they should pay more for a fancier badge.

OK, its front end styling is a bit nondescript for sure, and its profile a little soft around the edges in a world that has become hard and edgy, but its bustle back rear end is unique in the entry-level luxury class, and more akin to high-level models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, while its long, horizontal taillight bar reminds me of top-tier Chrysler Imperials of years gone by ... which was a gorgeous car from '80 through '83. Again, light bars in general aren't exactly to my taste, but the design is distinctive enough just the same. Then again, its ten-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels are exquisite.

My

Its rear design is more distinctive. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

mixed emotions about the car's exterior design cues aside, it's when I get inside that the Azera truly makes sense. Its general layout is very attractive, and the use of high-quality materials like the genuine aluminum trim covering lower console gives it a rich ambiance. Even the simulated woodgrain is quite authentic, and much better looking than the fake stuff Toyota and GM are putting out. And despite being a snob with regards to many things, needing real wood isn't one of them just as long as the product planners in question have allowed sufficient budget to make the faux wood appear genuine. I figure that if a few hardwood rainforests can be saved to spare the vanity of automotive one-upmanship, why not? And this is hardly the green movement's poster child talking, I just happen to like trees, and love undisturbed forests even more. Back to the Azera, I'm less impressed with

Plush interior should meet most luxury car aficionados' expectations. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

some of the less than ideal plastic surfaces surrounding the center stack and lower dash, although it's still better than some in this class. It's just that Hyundai's own Veracruz has shown what this brand is capable of... and yes we do expect a lot from your next Azera, not to mention your rear-drive, V8-powered Genesis (or whatever name it finally gets).

The seats are comfortable and clad in soft, luxurious leather, with five-way heaters for backs and butts plus multiple power adjustment including lumbar. One item for improvement might be the lower cushion, which I felt was a little too short for my legs. Factor in that I'm only 5'8” and I can only imagine what truly tall folks experience. You'll have to try this out for yourself, as it may not bother you at all. The Limited model's seats can be opted with two-way memory, so your significant

Plush leather seats are comfortable, although a little short in the lower cushion. (Photo: Kevin Wang, American Auto Press)

other won't continually cause the need for you to painstakingly find that perfect position again and again each time the car goes out without you.

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