The Hyundai Azera Surges to the Top

Summary: The Hyundai Azera is battling with the Toyota Avalon for customers and at a price thousands less than its chief competitor. Will consumers take the bait? Will you?

Hyundai's all-new near-luxury sedan, the Azera, has been received with critical acclaim. Consumers and critics are calling the Hyundai Azera the highest quality, most luxurious Hyundai to ever appear in the highly competitive US market. A recent award from the automotive consultant group, AutoPacific has underscored what many are quickly learning: the Hyundai Azera is a car that leads in customer satisfaction. None of this is a surprise to Hyundai, but it may be as surprise for you. Read on for a look at Hyundai's darling near-luxury sedan. Near-luxury, you say? Yes, it is a category reserved for cars that have many luxury appointments and high engineering standards without the price. Retailing at just over $27,000, the Hyundai Azera is a bargain when compared to similar cars from BMW and Lexus, but not quite the engineering and technological marvel of these two competitors, however. Yet, the Hyundai Azera is offering plenty for consumers at prices well below that of its would-be competitors. So, what has Hyundai dished up with the Azera? Plenty: If you like performance, then the Hyundai Azera delivers. Try this on for size: a 3.8L V6 that produces a hefty an impressive 263 horsepower and 255 pounds of torque; terrific for a car of its size. If you like speed, the Hyundai Azera beats out the Toyota Avalon by registering a zero to 60 time of 6.5 seconds. Compare that to 6.9 for the Avalon. If you like authenticity, then the Azera's real wood and aluminum trim will inspire you. No plastic trim, no faux wood