2008 Hyundai Azera - Features Review

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Shopping for a new Hyundai Azera?

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Hyundai had some pretty specific targets in mind when it set about the task of designing and equipping the 2008 Hyundai Azera. Competing with the Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse, and especially the Toyota Avalon, Hyundai rises to the occasion where standard features and options are concerned, though some cutting-edge features are unavailable.

The base GLS trim level's standard equipment includes air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, eight-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, four-way power passenger seat, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, trip computer, compass, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, and alloy wheels shod with 235/55VR17 tires, reports ConsumerGuide. Also offered for the GLS is the optional Premium Package, which replaces the cloth upholstery with leather and adds heated front seats and a sunroof. The sunroof is also available separately.

Moving up to the Limited trim level will get a buyer all the features of the GLS, "while adding power-folding outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, power rear sunshade, electroluminescent gauges and a 10-speaker Infinity sound system with in-dash six-CD changer," says Edmunds. TheCarConnection.com notes that the Limited also includes the more powerful 3.8-liter V-6.

The options package offered on the Limited is called the Ultimate Package, which "adds a power tilt-telescoping steering column, power-adjustable pedals, driver memory functions, a wood grain steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers and a 12-speaker Infinity Logic7 surround-sound stereo including subwoofer," according to Edmunds. In discussing the car that they test drove, Edmunds says, "At under $30,000, our Azera Limited came packed with features normally found on luxury-branded vehicles costing thousands of dollars more. It comes as no surprise, then, that the loaded Azera is the volume seller, as consumers can't ignore such obvious value."