Just a weird note... hmaservice.com already shows 2009 Azera in the manuals. I'm guessing this is for other countries. Still, looks like proof of a stay of execution?
:clap:

We have two 2009 Azera Limited's on the lot. One silver, one white--both come standard with "Hypersilver" alloy wheels which are semi-chrome.

Heeeeee! 2008 was one short model year for the Azera... all of 2 months! :P

Are there any relevant differences w/ the '09, or is it the same stuff as '08 - option of navigation?

The Limited 2009 Azera still comes with the Navigation Package (package 4), Ultimate Package (package 5) or the Ultimate Navigation Package (package 6). The only thing I've noticed so far (with lack of paperwork supporting the 2009 from Hyundai) is the wheels.

What's different with the wheels? Edmunds shows the same 10-spokes on the '09 LTD http://www.edmunds.com/new/2009/hyundai/az...rchlanding.html

Got any pics? :-)

They are just the same old silver painted wheels. Boring, boring, boring.

David <><

The 09 Azera includes the iPod compatible USB/Aux jack. Of course you will need 08620-2L000 in order to have full iPod integration. The rims are different. I guess the 09 Azera does get the Korean changes. The non navi radio has a larger display.

The grille looks like the new Korean grille.

http://kindbany.com/bbs/zboard.php?id=car_...desc=asc&no=224

Some pics of the revised Korean azera.

This post has been edited by rendezvous65: Jun 7 2008, 03:37 PM

I went on a test drive of the 2009 Azera today and it does get the Korean grill and center stack w/ blue displays, but the gauges and wheels on the U.S. model are different. I'm pretty sure the gauges are the same as the 2008 and the 2009 wheels are a multi-spoke design (10 spoke??), but the spokes aren't curved, but rather an alternating patern whereby every other spoke is slightly recessed. The finish on the wheels looks maybe a tad bit darker/richer as well.

One interesting observation....the ride on the 2009 seemed more controlled, with less lean and better damping over broken pavement. Keep in mind that I'm comparing it to my neighbors 2007 Azera which I've driven. His car is nice, but it seems less refined over speed bumps and rough roads. Maybe it has to do with the fact that one is new and the other has been driven 20k+ miles.

This post has been edited by jwaters943: Jun 9 2008, 06:47 PM

Ah, yes. Isn't that the $64 question? What is the 09's suspension gonna feel like 10 or 20K later.

I stopped by the dealership this morning on the way to work to snap some quick shots of the '09 Azera. Out of the 4 they had in stock, all but one was a GLS model. I didn't see any '08s on the lot (what's up with the short model year for 2008 anyway?) The Limited, which I drove yesterday, was still unlocked with the key on the drivers seat! :o

My apologies for the poor pic quality. The lighting was less than ideal due to the sunrise. I also must have moved slightly while taking one of the interior shots (blurry). The only visible changes compared to the pics in my 2008 brochure are the wheels, grill, and center stack (now illuminated in blue), and the addition of chrome interior door handes in place of matte silver. The grey blue exterior color is also new to the Azera I believe.

Anyway, I'm personally glad Hyundai didn't kill off the Azera like many were predicting since I prefer it slightly over the Sonata. The Genesis will be awesome car no doubt, but I want to give them a couple years to work out the bugs before seriously considering one. :P

I couldn't get a shot of the grill due to the glare, but it resembles the refreshed Avalon grill.

Limited wheels (glossy gunmetal grey finish):
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture018-1.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture019.jpg)

GLS wheels (bright silver finish):
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture025.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture026.jpg)

Exterior:
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture033.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture021.jpg)

Interior:
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture029-1.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture028.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture031.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture032.jpg)

Window sticker:
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Picture024-1-1.jpg)

This post has been edited by jwaters943: Jun 17 2008, 03:30 PM

Wow they listened to me and got rid of the plastic door handles.... Took-em long enough. (And I really did write them about that by the way)
I like the blue better than 1955 green also.
It is a goodlooking car no doubt. :grin:
I like the 06 cluster better though.


Thanks Jwaters.

This post has been edited by Brazzel: Jun 10 2008, 03:47 PM

Thanks very much for posting these photos. :thumbsup:

I've noticed how Azera owners like to talk trash about Hyundai's lack of advertising for the Azera. I could care less...it is and will always be a beautiful car.

If it must stay a hidden gem, so be it.

This post has been edited by paravion: Jun 10 2008, 06:17 PM

That was one thing that also caught my eye Brazzel when we purchased, in fact in another site where one can review the vehicle one of the cons I identified was lack of metal door handles. We had to have one replaced shortly after getting the car because the "paint" on one had rubbed off and looked trashy for a new car. Funny thing though, when my son and I went to the Dallas Car show, sat in a Porsche, and what-do-you-know, it had plastic handles just like the Azera. So congrats to Hyundai for listening, maybe your letter actually did get their attention. What a short lived '08 year. Wonder what Hyundai is up to with that? Also nice to see they went from green color for the radio to blue, should be better to see under certain sun light conditions and polarized sun glasses. Still think its a great looking car.
Like others, Thanks for taking the pictures jwaters.

Big thanks for the updated pics. I'm interested to see an '09's grille, if anybody buys one... snap some photos for us ;) The metal door handles are definitely needed. It's good to know they're out there, I'll buy them from the parts department and put them in my cars. Worth it, I think.

I like those new wheels too!

Thanks jwaters :beer:

Somebody posted a link to pics of the Korean Azera above, but for those who didn't see it, the grill on the 2009 U.S.-spec Azera looks just like the Korean market grill.

2009 Grill:
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Azera.jpg)

This post has been edited by jwaters943: Jun 11 2008, 07:26 AM