Hyundai Motor Company has evolved over the years, implementing new designs and automotive technology. One sheer example is Hyundai Azera, which debuted as Grandeur. In South Korea, Azera is still known as Grandeur. Meanwhile, the sedan is popular in the American region as the Hyundai Azera.
Spanning seven generations, the Hyundai Azera history has redefined what it means to experience the epitome of automotive refinement. In its journey of 37 years, the sedan has come a long way in terms of design and technology.
Here are the details on the Hyundai Azera journey and how it evolved since its inception in 1986.
Journey of Hyundai Azera Over the Years
From its debut, the Hyundai Azera has left an indelible mark on the automotive world as a premium sedan. It combines sophisticated elegance with powerful performance.
Let’s delve deeper into the seven generations in the Hyundai Azera history.
First Generation Hyundai Grandeur (1986-1991)
The first generation of the Hyundai Grandeur, introduced in 1986, marked a significant milestone for Hyundai as it entered the executive sedan market. It was initially released as a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Debonair but quickly established its identity in South Korea.
Under the hood, the Grandeur boasted a robust 2.0-litre SOHC MPI engine produced by Mitsubishi, providing a commendable power output of 130 horsepower. Hyundai offered customers two options: a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. That said, both options provided seamless gear changes.
The exterior design was elegant, and the sedan featured a front engine and front-wheel drive layout. In later years, it also featured an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The car became a status symbol in South Korea for its distinctive and premium features.
Second Generation Hyundai Grandeur (1992-1997)
The second generation Hyundai Grandeur, introduced in 1992, marked a significant leap forward for the brand. Under the hood, the Grandeur offered a diverse range of engines catering to various driving preferences. These included the following:
- 2.0-litre engine
- 2.4-litre engine
- 2.5-litre V6 engine
- 3.0L V6 engine
- 3.5L V6 engine
The cabin boasted features like power windows, power locks, air conditioning and a sunroof, delivering convenience and comfort for both the driver and passengers. Moreover, Grandeur featured airbags, ABS and cruise control systems.
Third Generation Hyundai Grandeur (1998-2005)
The third-generation Hyundai Grandeur debuted in 1998 and represented a notable evolution in Hyundai’s approach to the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Known as the Grandeur XG in South Korea and the Hyundai XG in North America and Japan, the third generation was engineered entirely by Hyundai.
The Grandeur XG offered customers a choice between two potent V6 engines: a 2.5-litre and a 3.0-litre. The interior included high-quality materials, and the option for leather upholstery added an extra touch of elegance. Also, a sunroof and Bose sound system further enhanced the driving experience.
It featured a sleek exterior and offered a powerful performance. Moreover, this last generation before Grandeur’s name changed to Azera boasted the safety features, such as ABS, traction control and electronic stability control.
Fourth Generation Hyundai Azera (2006-2011)
Grandeur’s name changed to Azera from the fourth generation. For the first time in the Hyundai Azera’s history, the sedan boasted many advanced features, such as heated and ventilated seats and modern car safety features.
The Azera housed a robust 3.3-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 263 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. For transmission options, buyers could also choose between a smooth six-speed manual transmission or a seamless five-speed automatic transmission.
The large, swept headlights and chrome-accented front car grilles provided a distinctive appearance. Plus, the contoured body and the small trunk at the rear looked sportier than previous generations of Hyundai Azera.
The spacious interior boasted ample legroom and premium leather seats, ensuring passengers could relax and enjoy the journey. Additional features such as heated front seats and sunroof further enhanced the driving experience. The sedan also featured an array of advanced active and passive safety systems.
Fifth Generation Hyundai Azera (2012-2016)
Hyundai introduced the fifth generation in 2011 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The edge-design trend was introduced to the 2012 model. The front fascia featured swept headlights. Also, the beltline of the vehicle displayed a distinctive design element. It gracefully arched upwards, creating a smooth, fluid line that extended seamlessly from the rear doors to the quarter panels.
Hyundai Azera featured the following engine options paired with 6-speed automatic transmission in this generation:
- The 2.4-litre engine and 2.4-litre GDI engine producing 210 hp
- 3.0-litre V6 and 3.0-litre V6 GDI engines producing 250 hp and 270 hp, respectively
- 3.3-litre V6 engine generating 293 hp
Hyundai left no stone unturned in equipping the Azera with an array of premium features for its interior. Azera housed the bolstered front seats with heating and cooling options. Alongside, it included the latest touchscreen infotainment system features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, adding to the drivers’ and passengers’ convenience.
Sixth Generation Hyundai Azera (2017-2021)
Hyundai unveiled the sixth generation of Azera in 2017. The car was initially launched in South Korea only. It was based on Hyundai’s Y7 platform. In 2019, Hyundai launched Azera’s facelift based on its N platform. The sedan received significant changes as its wheelbase increased by 40 mm.
The front fascia featured a more prominent grille with LED daytime running lamps (DRLs). In the interior, shift-by-wire buttons replaced the old gear shift lever. Moreover, for the first time in the history of the Hyundai Azera, it included a remote parking system and autonomous emergency braking.
Under the hood, the sedan received a new SmartStream 2.5-litre engine paired with 8-speed automatic transmission.
Seventh Generation Hyundai Azera (2022-Present)
In Hyundai Azera’s history, the seventh generation became the flagship car model by the brand. It made its debut in 2022 with a futuristic design. The LED strip, known as the Seamless Horizon Lamp, flanked the parametrically designed front car grille.
The vehicle’s sleek profile immediately catches the eye. It showcases an elegant design with retractable door handles and a curved beltline that connects the front DRLs to the taillights. Additionally, a third window behind the rear doors accentuates its aesthetics.
The interior features seats made from leather and recycled materials for the front bucket seats and the rear bench. Besides, the infotainment features are more user-friendly with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The engine options include a 3.5-litre engine producing 296 hp. Moreover, it included a 1.6-litre hybrid engine producing 178 hp. You can explore details on the 2023 Hyundai Azera.
That wraps the complete Hyundai Azera history. All models of the Hyundai Azera depict an advanced design language and powerful engines. You can explore all the used Hyundai Azera models for sale in the UAE and get your hands on one of the premium sedans. Besides, you can explore other luxury and non-luxury used cars for sale in the UAE.
Keep reading the dubizzle cars blog for more information on the flagship vehicle models by auto brands.
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