2008 Hyundai Azera Trims and Specs

Added late in the 2007 model year and continuing into 2008, the Hyundai Azera GLS trim has quickly gained a reputation as a roomy and competent entry-level luxury sedan that compares favorably to similar models from such automakers as Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti. The Azera GLS offers a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating, plenty of legroom, and good ergonomics. Drivers and reviewers note that the GLS's 234-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 provides good pickup, though it's not sport-oriented performance. Similarly, the Azera GLS offers a smooth ride and good handling, though the suspension tends toward the soft rather than the sporty side.

Inside, such features as dual front automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, side-impact airbags, and a 172-watt, six-speaker AM/FM audio system with XM radio and an MP3 input jack all come included as standard equipment and add to the Azera GLS's luxury pedigree. Heated and powered exterior mirrors, front foglights, projector-beam halogen headlights, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and brake assist also are included with the standard equipment package. Upgrades for 2008 include 17-inch wheels, up from 16-inch wheels for 2007.

A new GLS Premium Package, which includes leather seats, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and an upgraded 10-speaker AM/FM audio system, has been added as an option for 2008. Other options for the GLS include a power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof with a sliding sunshade and a premium 10-speaker Infinity audio system with a six-disc CD changer.

As the better-equipped Azera trim for 2008, the Azera Limited elbows its way into the competitive luxury car market segment with a solid range of upscale features, including leather seats, heated front seats, a power rear sunshade, and a woodgrain-trimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and door pulls. Hyundai was late to the luxury car market, as the automaker has become known primarily for its more affordable cars, but generally reviews for the Azera Limited have been positive. Drivers and reviewers give the Azera Limited positive marks not only for its standard feature package, but also for its contemporary exterior design and capable, though hardly sporty, handling and ride.

The Azera Limited represents a step up from its GLS stablemate not only because of its standard features, but because of its powerplant as well. While the GLS trim offers a 234-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6, the Limited improves on that with a 263-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6, an increase of nearly 30 horsepower. The engine links to a five-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic, which enables drivers to manually shift gears by tapping the gear-shift lever up or down. Drivers and reviewers note that, while the Limited won't break any speed records, its moves quickly and nimbly enough, though some have noted that its braking system tends to be on the soft side.

New features added to the Azera Limited for 2008 include a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, a premium Infinity audio system, and side-mirror turn signal indicators. In addition, an in-dash LG touch-screen navigation system has been added to the options list for the Limited for 2008.