For years, the Azera has been described by the press and by owners as a nearly unbeatable combination of luxury and value, and also one of the automotive industry’s best-kept secrets. World Hyundai Matteson has known it all along and so have our current Azera owners.
Consider the secret officially out.
Some might say performance doesn’t matter in a luxury car. If that were the case, luxury cars would be nothing more than economy cars with added equipment. At Hyundai, we think of performance as another form of luxury, but we also believe performance is more complex than the sum of a car’s test data. Instead, we judge a car by asking one very important question: how well does it measure up to expectations? Hyundai engineers tried to go one step further, by engineering the Azera’s performance to exceed expectations with responsive power, confident maneuvering, and low noise levels. Not surprising really…this is what Hyundai has been doing for the last few years; quietly providing our clients with a world class driving experience. Just like World Hyundai Matteson!
Every part of a car is important. But there’s one part that affects drivers and passengers more than any other: the seat.
Hyundai’s seat engineers—yes, we have engineers specifically dedicated to the seats—took a close look at ways of making the Azera’s seats even more comfortable and supportive.
They started by using an incredibly strong and durable seat frame. Springs and seat cushions were carefully sourced to ensure they would be both comfortable and supportive. And seat backs were strategically reinforced to offer appropriate lumbar support.
But the design of the actual seat is just the first step. The key is being able to adjust the seat to fit each person individually. The Azera allows the driver to power-adjust their seat in eight different ways; front passengers have four available adjustments. The seats are even heated, which can soothe sore backs as well as warm them.
Designing a quiet interior is all about detail-oriented engineering. It involves testing, tweaking, and testing again.
The goal is simple: to quiet road and wind noise, reduce engine vibration, and eliminate any sources of rattles or squeaks.
But the solution can be complex. For instance, you’d think that adding additional soundproofing would be an obvious way to create quiet. But the fact is, if a car’s systems are producing undue noise, no amount of soundproofing will quash it. What’s more, extra soundproofing material can take up valuable space and add weight.
Better, then, to target the source of the noise. For instance, wind traveling over the under body of the average car produces a subtle symphony of whistles and moans, so the Azera’s is covered by a smooth panel to prevent such sounds from originating there. Another example: reinforcing parts of the subframe and body panels to cut down on bending and flexing which, in turn, cuts down on vibration and noise.
The efforts aren’t just at pavement level. The climate control fan and ducting, the timing chain, and even the transmission were reshaped with lower noise levels as the goal. The Azera’s engine and steering wheel are mounted using vibration-absorbing methods. Even the door seals are reinforced to better hold their shape and lower wind noise. All of these engineering marvels add up to an Azera that will satisfy even the pickiest of luxury shoppers.
But don’t take our word for it. Take the Azera for a spin. Or better yet, a listen.
When you press the gas pedal on a luxury car, it should accelerate smartly. No question there. But how it goes about that process is what separates an average car from a luxury car.
Drive the Azera and you’ll notice the sensation of having deep reserves of power—its V6 engine includes technologies like Continuously Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System, and is generously sized at 3.8 liters to produce strong torque at low engine speeds. Details like iridium-tipped spark plugs and a high 10.4:1 compression ratio further enhance the engine’s sensitivity to your every request. The Azera truly provides 8 cylinder power with a 6 cylinder engine. As much more cost effective way to build a luxury car.
Adding to this responsiveness is a five-speed automatic transmission that is adept at choosing the right gear at the right time. If you want to make those decisions yourself, just move the gear selector over to the SHIFTRONIC® gate for added control.
The Azera’s feel of unruffled composure stems from the engine’s high refinement when doing its work. The links and sprockets on the maintenance-free timing chain were reshaped and vital components in the engine and transmission were stiffened, not just to reduce noise but also to make the sounds you do hear more pleasant to the ear. Like an orchestra, every piece in the ensemble is in perfect tune.
Part of the guilt—and expense—of driving a luxury car comes from the fuel consumption that some consider acceptable for this class of car. Our engineers wanted to reduce the Azera’s environmental impact which, in turn, reduces its running costs. For example, despite the Azera’s impressive power and high compression ratio, it nonetheless takes regular unleaded fuel, saving you a good 10 cents a gallon no matter what gas prices are. To further increase fuel economy, Hyundai engineers chose tires specifically for their low rolling resistance and designed an exterior with a drag coefficient of just 0.29.
But our engineers went even further, examining even the most granular details. Take the oil filter: where most designs dispose of the entire unit, the Azera’s filter allows just the paper filter element to be changed. Because when it comes to reducing environmental impact, every bit counts. If you have any questions about the Hyundai Azera call us at 866-574-6156 or email us at sales@worldhyundaimatteson.com. World Hyundai Matteson is your Oak Park and Alsip Hyundai Dealership.
