This weekend I spent some time in our long-term Hyundai Azera, and I am impressed by its interior. I like the polished wood trim that wraps from the front around the doors, the tasteful wood accents and steering wheel, and the fine stitching in the leather seats and on the door.
One of the big news stories from our comprehensive coverage of the 2007 New York Auto Show was the Hyundai Genesis concept, which represents Hyundai's strongest push into Lexus/Toyota Acura territory. I would say that if the Azera is any sort of starting point, Hyundai is on the right track...
However (and there's always a however) I was a bit overwhelmed by the car's bounciness. Admittedly, I am a bit of a leadfoot so at times when the car's going 80 it feels like 50. This could certainly account for some bounce over rough roads. As it turns out, the tires are actually overinflated. The recommendation is 30 psi, and the tires are all approaching 40. We'll have to adjust the pressure and check again. Stay tuned.
Doug Lloyd, Copy Editor, at 10,146 miles
redliner says:
01:21 PM, 04/ 9/07
So your saying that it rides like a Buick: Smoth, but bouncy at high speed.
funkymunky says:
01:49 PM, 04/ 9/07
Exactly.
jaymagic says:
01:25 PM, 04/10/07
I keep mine at 36 for improved mpg and 100+ mph driving, but notice a different ride at the recommended 30. It is smoother, but still not floaty. As this is not a "sports sedan", I am not looking for that kind of ride.
fannibal says:
07:11 PM, 04/10/07
yes, i have mine at around 35 and it still seems smooth to me. do tires risk blowing up if you have it at like 40?
jerrywimer says:
05:45 AM, 04/11/07
Uh, wouldn't you be better off NOT overinflating if you're going to drive at extralegal speeds? I mean, the tires expand with heat, and higher speed driving heats them up MORE. I keep mine between 4 and 6 over for the fuel economy reason, but since I'm not speeding and I keep an eye on the wear patterns it's not so much of an issue for me. The built in temperature readout in the DIC for each tire gives me added peace of mind that things aren't going outside the tires' max during trips too.
jaymagic says:
07:06 AM, 04/11/07
If you check the Michelin web site, you will find they and other tire manufacturers recommend slightly higher pressures (not over the limit on the side of the tire), when you are driving at higher sustained speeds (100+) or have a heavier than normal load.
jerrywimer says:
09:33 AM, 04/12/07
I'll have to look at that. I understand running higher pressure for heavier than normal loads (loads cause the sidewalls to flex out, increasing the potential for a tire to come off the rim with lower pressure), but that thing about higher sustained speeds in counterintuitive to me.
lakerunner4h says:
01:36 PM, 04/13/07
You should increase time inflation by 10 - 15% when preparing for extended high speed driving. The extra pressure reduces sidewall flexing. Side wall flexing builds heat and that's what ultimate leads to tire failure, not excessive pressure.
lwoods says:
07:05 PM, 05/ 2/07
There is a minor changes in the interior details to increase its aesthetic value.The Azera is the most uncompromising car Hyundai's ever created through a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, with Hyundai Cold Air Intake to provide an optimized ride and handling.