2015 Hyundai Azera appears refreshed in Miami

Sun, 09 Nov 2014

Hyundai has taken the unusual approach of debuting a newly refreshed model – the refreshed 2015 Hyundai Azera – at the Miami International Auto Show instead of one of the larger usual suspects (the LA Auto Show is just around the corner). According to Hyundai, Florida is a large market for the Azera sedan, which surely had something to do with the decision to debut in Miami.

There aren't many big changes to the Azera for 2015, but what has been updated is meaningful, starting with redesigned front and rear fascias, standard 18-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights on Limited models. Inside, an eight-inch display – all the better to work with Hyundai's latest Blue Link system – joins a new center stack design as notable improvements. On the safety front, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic alert and Lane Change Assist are now standard.

Power still comes from the well-regarded 3.3-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. While none of the changes for 2015 are likely to make the Azera into a best seller in the highly competitive large-car market, where models like the Chevy Impala, Toyota Avalon and Buick LaCrosse live, not to mention Hyundai's sibling from Kia, the Cadenza, we're sure Azera buyers will be happy with the updates all the same.

The question remains, how much longer will there be an Azera in the United States? We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, feel free to click on the image above to enlarge (we're requested more photos and will update this post with a full gallery as soon as we have one) and read the press release below for all the details from Hyundai.

THE 2015 HYUNDAI AZERA MAKES ITS NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT THE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Refreshed Azera Arrives Offering Exterior and Interior Design Enhancements Along with State-of-the-art Safety Technologies to Increase Premium Sedan's Appeal

MIAMI, Nov. 7, 2014 – Hyundai Motor America introduced the 2015 Hyundai Azera in a North American debut at the 44th annual Miami International Auto Show today. The Azera will be showcased front and center starting November 7, 2014 where media member and public alike can catch a glimpse of Hyundai's latest installment of new thinking and new possibilities.

"Other than our home market, Azera shines brightest in Florida with the second most sales by state per year," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Hyundai is committed in creating, developing and delivering products that offer costumers best-in-class features. For 2015, Azera returns with the highest levels of luxury, performance, efficiency, safety and technology, all brought together in an innovative design."

The new Azera now comes equipped with standard Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic alert and Lane Change Assist, a segment-first safety feature. Other new standard features include illuminated door sill plates, a hands-free Smart Trunk opener, an eight-inch color LCD navigation display, and a new center stack design.

On the exterior, new LED fog lights have been added to the Limited model, and the standard 18-inch alloy wheels have been redesigned. The front grille, bumper fascia, and rear bumper fascia have also been restyled, improving appearance from virtually every angle. The Limited model now also receives features from the 2014 Azera Limited model Premium package as standard equipment, along with all-new safety features.

Under the hood, the sophisticated Lambda II 3.3-liter direct-injected V6 engine motivates the Azera. It produces best-in-class specific output of 88.8 horsepower per liter, while also boasting the smallest displacement V6 in its class. The engine's high-pressure direct injection system (over 2,200 psi), increases power and torque (293 HP and 255 lb-ft), while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The 2015 Hyundai Azera is also equipped with the next generation Blue Link system which includes the Vehicle Safeguards Alerts In-Vehicle App. This app allows parents to coach teen drivers by monitoring their Hyundai's speed, hours of operation and movements via text message, e-mail or both. The brilliance of the in-vehicle app is now these alerts can be set and modified from inside the vehicle.

The new Azera continues to offer superior level of comfort and quietness, along with advanced standard safety technologies. It represents a state-of-the-art approach to the traditional premium sedan segment by also delivering a powerful yet efficient powertrain, modern design, and luxury features combined with Hyundai's consistently strong value proposition.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

By Jeremy Korzeniewski