Drivers Log.(News)

2006 Hyundai Azera

Date in fleet: March 13-27 As-tested price: $30,015 Powertrain: 3.8-liter V6; fwd, five-speed automatic Output: 263 hp @ 6000 rpm, 255 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Curb weight: 3629 lbs Fuel economy (EPA combined/AW observed): 22.2/20.6 mpg

RAYNAL: Holy cow! I had no idea this car cost $30,000. I'm not saying it's not a pretty nice car; it is. It's nice in the way a Toyota Camry (or maybe, at a stretch, the Avalon) is. But I thought Hyundais were supposed to be value leaders; I thought Hyundais were supposed to be cheap. Thirty grand isn't terrible, but it sure doesn't make this car jump out of the showroom at me. Equipped like this, but for $25,000, would go a ways toward doing it for me.

Why do I say that? Start inside. Check out the gap between the dash and the door on the left, then compare it to the one on the right. There is a huge difference. Now start it up. Listen closely, and hear the slight knocking sound at idle when the engine is cold. Proceed down the road. Note the remoteness of the steering, the mushiness of the brakes. Each one is a small thing, I know, but darn it, those are exactly the kinds of things Hyundai needs to get right-no, make that perfect-to get customers to consider its cars in the same way they would consider a Toyota or Honda.

GRITZINGER: This is one of those glass-half-full, glass-half-empty situations. On the one hand this is a darn nice Hyundai, loaded with every feature you might want in an entry-luxury car and, at least on features, it compares favorably with any high-end Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Yet all the features in the world can't disguise the Hyundai badge and the fact this is the first one to crack the $30,000 barrier (if only by $15). Wes is correct to point out the dull steering and poor fits; such things don't match up well with the Japanese. But I'd argue this strong powertrain is right there.

Here's the thing that makes the Azera a potential hit: It doesn't have to compete with Toyota and Honda, at least not yet. It just has to compete with the domestic offerings, and I'd argue this car has enough features and value ...