The front end of the Hyundai Azera could be that of the smaller Sonata with the comfortable filling out that can come with healthy aging; not quite stately, but definitely wiser. The grille shape is familiar, as are the headlights and the slim, borderline overly wide, bifurcated gap beneath the bumper, itself adorned with thin, bright-finish bump strips at each corner.
The side view reaches for elegance, with gracefully arced, micro-bulged fenders and a glasshouse that rises softly from the bonnet, flows smoothly over an elongated cabin and falls gently into the boot. The rear overhang extends a bit farther than the shorter front overhang, but wide doors and spacious windows temper the relatively minor discord. A trunk lid that seems to sit atop the rear fenders, inviting unfortunate comparison with the awkward back end of the current BMW 7 Series, but some designers are saying it's a necessary design solution and we're seeing the same sort of thing on the newest models from Lexus and Acura.
The Azera's back end is equally reminiscent of the Sonata, albeit fuller, more mature. Sonata-like shapes outline the lighting arrangements and license plate. A unique reflector strip reaching across the trunk lid doubles as a background for the only external display of the name, Azera. A bright-finish strip along the top of the bumper finishes the loop started at the front and carried along the side. Widely spaced, dual exhaust tips add a sporty touch that lightens up the rear aspect.
