The Azera is Hyundai's, full-size flagship luxury sedan. It's a spacious V6-powered, front-wheel-drive four-dour capable of transporting five adults in generous comfort.

Soft lines define the car's exterior appearance
It's unlikely anyone will quarrel over the Azera's styling, it's sufficiently conservative to be considered inoffensive yet distinct enough to catch the eye; it's also masks quite effectively the vehicle's size, which is approximately 2-inches longer in overall length than the "larger for 2008" Honda Accord.

It's a spacious V6-powered, front-wheel-drive four-dour capable of transporting five adults in generous comfort.

Whether its exterior presentation is exciting enough to induce heart palpitations or not, the Azera is a nicely proportioned, accurately assembled sedan. My guess is that its lines were intended to please a North American market; a market that might otherwise look to Buick in an effort to quench its taste.

Interior design not without flair
"Functionality with a touch of flair," that's how I would summarize the Azera's interior design and layout. All controls and switches are logically positioned and intuitive to use. The gauge cluster is properly positioned and can be read at a glance, day or night.

Seating is sure to please. The front perches are large supple yet supportive, although they do not supply the side-bolstering that one would find in a German sedan (of course, one doesn't find the same price tag either). Head and legroom up front is suitably generous while rear seat legroom is outstanding for this class.

The "flair" quotient is produced with the use of satin steel appliques and woodgrain trim. These tastefully restrained elements carry the otherwise bland styling upscale by adding a touch of class. Overall, the Azera's cabin is an exercise in relaxation and comfort.

Same drivetrain powers the Azera for 2008
The same extraordinarily smooth Lambda all aluminum, DOHC 3.8-liter V6 continues to power the Azera, as it has since the vehicle debuted in 2006. The US-built powerplant utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to generate 263 of the most refined horses within the Azera's price segment and above.

Complementing the engine's civility is a five-speed automatic transmission featuring Hyundai's SHIFTRONIC electronic manual-mode shifting. During my testing, this wonderbox performed flawlessly. It transitioned from one cog to the next unobtrusively, and in the same manner one would expect from a high-end premium vehicle.

Quiet cabin and smooth ride
Even my 13-year old who has ridden in some prestigious marques commented on how quiet the Azera is on the road. The vehicle is well insulated from road and wind-related intrusions but it's the silence of its engine that contributes most to the serenity.

The vehicle is well insulated but it's the silence of its engine that contributes most to the serenity.

The serenity that occupants find themselves impressed with includes a wonderfully smooth ride that filters out harshness before it permeates the cabin. Smoothness comes at a price though; the suspension setup is on the soft side, which diminishes the Azera's handling ability.

This isn't the vehicle for buyers prioritizing sporty handling over ride comfort. For those less concerned with rapid-fire steering response and dead-flat cornering, and more concerned with driving comfort and ride quality, the Azera holds great promise.

Plenty of Lambda-generated performance
With 263-horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 257 pound-feet of torque @ 4,500 rpm, the Azera is not wanting for power, there's plenty on-tap. Acceleration off-the-line and on the highway is brisk. The engine never struggles and shows no weak points in its torque curve.

The Azera has an engine of 263-horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 257 pound-feet of torque @ 4,500 rpm.

Considering the Azera's size and its commendable performance, fuel economy is remarkably good. It's rated at 12.2 and 7.8 liters per 100K of city and highway driving respectively. The onboard computer pegged my economy at 11.7L, which surprised me given my substantive right foot and the predominance of city driving of which my testing was comprised.

Azera value enhanced
A Hyundai hallmark is the over-delivery of content, which the Azera represents. In Canada, two trim lines are available: GLS and Limited. Both vehicles provide a comprehensive array of occupant protection, including front airbags, side-mounted airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags applicable to all outboard seating positions.

Standard content also includes stability control and traction control along with four-wheel antilock disc brakes. On the creature comfort side, premium audio, leather seating and a barrel full of accoutrements are included as standard equipment. Pretty much everything but a navigation system finds its way into the Azera Limited. Sadly, a navigation system is still not a Canadian-available Hyundai option.

Standard content also includes stability control and traction control along with four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

The GLS is stickered at $35,995 while the Limited is pinned at $39,195. Those contemplating an Azera purchase may want to expedite such; my web-checking revealed a $5,000 cash back coupon applicable to the purchase of any 2008 Azera on a dealer's lot. This may make the Azera, today's best luxury-car buy - by far.