The all-new 2012 Hyundai Azera, revealed to the US market at last year’s L.A. Auto Show, was our first glimpse into Hyundai’s latest iteration of their “Fluidic Sculpture” design language. It also epitomizes Hyundai’s new value philosophy of “Modern Premium” – which we saw in the new Veloster sports coupe. The Modern Premium philosophy approach to the way that Hyundai adds value to its vehicles is embodied by adhering to three principles: Simple, Creative, and Caring. To sum things up, it means to “give the customer everything they want and nothing more” as described by Hyundai’s Vice Chairman, E.S. Chung. If you think about it, that’s a very strong value proposition, and it’s likely to affect Hyundai’s lineup into the future.
No car exemplifies this philosophy better than the new Azera, which will be hitting our showroom sometime in February of 2012. The Azera has grown quite dramatically – and not just in size – but in amenities and features not previously available in the large car segment. Things like a standard navigation system with backup camera, standard leather interior with heated seats both in front and in the rear, standard Blue Link telematics system, nine standard airbags (including a knee airbag for the driver), and a segment first – available manual side window sunshades for rear seat passengers – and the list goes on. It’s nothing short of astonishing when you realize what value this car gives customers in this segment. And remember, although this is a very luxurious car, it doesn’t compete in the “luxury large-car” segment.
Speaking of Fluidic Sculpture, the Azera brings it in spades. The character line on either side of the vehicle splits off into two tiers that conjoin around the rear of the vehicle giving it a muscular appearance while essentially sculpting the integrated rear decklid spoiler. LED accent lighting surrounds the projector headlights and “brow” of each light assembly and gives the car a very menacing appearance at night. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels provide the Azera a firm stance, and available 19-inch wheels give the vehicle a very luxurious appearance.
Inside, the new Azera will amaze you with its sumptuous interior surfaces and technology options, including standard Bluetooth hands free and audio streaming, USB interface for your MP3 player or USB stick with MP3 or WMA files, heated front and rear seats, available ventilated leather seats for front passengers, available automatic rear sunshade, panoramic moon roof, LED accent lighting, etc.
We look forward to bringing you a more in-depth review of the new Azera when it arrives. Make sure you’re the first to be informed when more information arrives – follow us on Twitter, and don’t forget to join us on Facebook.
UPDATE:
Check out our photo gallery for high-resolution, wallpaper sized pictures of the 2012 Azera!
Source: Hyundai USA
Image Credit: Hyundai Newsroom
Gallery Images (Click to Enlarge)
