Hyundai offers some big changes in 2012

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2012 Hyundai Azera

Continuing its rise toward dominance among Asian vehicles, Hyundai has introduced some new elements for its 2012 model year including an all-new Accent, an all-new second-generation Azera, a new and powerful V-8 engine, and some upgrades and tweaks to its current line of popular Korean vehicles.

The all-new second-generation 2012 Hyundai Azera showcases Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design that takes inspiration from the mechanics of flight. The exterior is long, light and low, and the unique undulating beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accentuated by the third window and wraparound LED taillights. The face is masculine with a large powerful chrome grille and HID headlamps that integrate precise details. Nineteen-inch multispoke wheels give it a muscular stance.

The interior of the new Azera is like entering a luxury estate. Appointments rival the finest premium competitor brand. There are items such as an optional panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, an electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and power rear sunshade, and manual rear side window shades. The side shades can be inconspicuously tucked away when not in use.

Front-seat passengers are treated to 45 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom. Leather seating surfaces are standard, as is a 10-way power driver and eight-way front passenger’s seat. Also standard are heated front and rear seats, dual automatic climate control, second-row air vents and cooled glove box.

Azera isn’t just about interior luxury, however. Let’s not forget about power, which comes from the Lambda II 3.3-liter V-6 engine. It puts out 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, yet provides fuel economy of 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control.

The all-new Azera has a long list of standard and available amenities and a wealth of safety equipment as well as a host of luxury and technology packages. Pricing starts in the low $30,000s. The vehicle competes with the Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima and Buick LaCrosse.

Hyundai’s all-new 2012 Accent subcompact sedan features best-in-class standard fuel economy of 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway and a driving range of 456 miles. It is powered by a Gamma 1.6-liter gasoline-direct-injection four-cylinder engine that puts out 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Among the highlights of the all-new fourth-generation Accent: Hyundai’s familial fluidic sculpture design and a full list of safety features generally not found in this segment, including six airbags, collision load dispersion, electronic stability control and traction control, vehicle stability management, antilock braking featuring electronic brake force distribution and brake assist and many others. It’s also a subcompact car with the roominess of a compact. It comes in three trim levels: the four-door GLS, the five-door GS and the five-door SE.

Like other Hyundai vehicles, Accent is equipped with a long list of standard equipment and offers a buyer-friendly group of packages. Furthermore, Accent is covered by the Hyundai Assurance program that includes the five-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five years of complimentary roadside assistance. Base prices for the 2012 Accent run from $13,205 to $17,555.

The other big news is Hyundai’s new Tau 5.0-liter R-Spec direct-injection V-8, added to the prestigious Ward’s 10 Best Engines for the third consecutive time. It’s the most powerful Hyundai engine ever and puts out 429 horsepower. It’s standard on the ultra-premium Hyundai Equus and is available in the Genesis sedan. Even Hyundai’s Lambda 3.8-liter V-6 engine has received a 15 percent improved output to 333 horsepower and achieves improved fuel economy and emissions.