Hyundai Azera launched in the UAE
Fifth gen Azera slots in between the Sonata and the Genesis saloons
By Shahzad Sheikh
Well we have a press release that tells us that the UAE dealer, Juma Al Majid Est, has officially launched the car in Dubai and Abu Dhabi…
* (UPDATE – we just got details on spec and prices, click through to find out more)
And unusually, and perhaps cleverly, the company took the unusual move of launching it not to us in the media or to VIPs, or anything like that, but directly to potential customers with the car on display at Dubai Mall and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi without badges for two days. People were asked to try and guess what it was with prizes up for grabs.
When the big reveal happened and they did find out what it was, they weren’t that much wise. That is if they got the same details we have in the press release.
Actually I tell a lie, I can tell you the new Azera has a 3.0-litre six cylinder under the bonnet and that it is wider with a longer wheelbase and comes with Nappa leather seat trim, cooled and ventilated front seats, suede interior (I guess the roof lining?) and keyless entry as well an electronic parking brake.
There’s also Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and nine airbags – including a driver’s knee airbag – plus a new seat-back structure to minimize neck injury. So it’s safer then too.
And what does all this luxury cost? Well that’s a competition for another day I guess, because it’s not revealed in the press release.
UPDATE!
Ah, they’ve just sent through more details! Here we go:
The prices start from AED 112,000 ($30,500) rising to AED 118,000 ($32,000) for the range-topper.
This is the fifth generation executive saloon from Hyundai and fits in between the Sonata saloon and the Genesis luxury sports saloon. It comes six years after the launch of the last generation car and since the nameplate was introduced in 1986, Azera has sold 1.25 million units around the world.
They’ve spent $420 million developing the new car and it features Hyundai’s current signature ‘fluidic sculpture’ style.
There are two engines, a 2.4-litre four cylinder producing 180bhp and the aforementioned 250bhp 3.0-litre six. Drive is through a new six-speed automatic going to the front wheels. Hyundai claims improved braking and amongst the new features there is Automatic Smart Cruise Control which not only maintains a distance from the car in front, but can also stop and start the car in heavy traffic flow.
Hyundai really hopes you’ll like it, as it’s aiming at 100,000 sales this year – 20,000 of those outside of Korea.
