2010 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur receives a facelift
Korean-market Hyundai Grandeur/Azera receives a mid-cycle facelift for the 2010 model year.
We are bringing you the very first image of the updated Hyundai Grandeur / Azera together with the image of the current model. As you can see, facelifted model received an array of styling updates made up-front, including a redesigned chrome grille and slightly updated head-lamps.
The 2010 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur also received sleeker front bumper that improves air-intake and a pair of oval fog lights located at each corner. Other exterior improvements include a redesigned set of alloy-wheels and more aerodynamic side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
According to Hyundai, there have been some enhancements made to the interior as well. The 2010, Korean-market Grandeur features more a slightly updated center console and more quality interior materials. Hyundai will also offer a new high-end “Alcantara package” trim for 2010 which features alcantara seats and some other alcantara inserts.
There are no detailed information on technical enhancements at the moment, but the 2010 Grandeur/Azera is expected to benefit from slightly upgraded powertrain technology, which helps the sedan to achieve better fuel efficiency ratings.
The updated Hyundai Grandeur/Azera also received some safety feature upgrades including electronic stability control, which is now standard, and rear parking assist with small rear camera mounted on the rear end of the car.
The 2010 Hyundai Grandeur is scheduled to go make its official Korean debut on December 16th with sales commencing within a few days after its introduction. Unfortunately, there are no info regarding the introduction of the facelifted Azera in the US. The model is not selling well there and most likely Hyundai will discontinue to offer the model in the States until it gets fully redesigned in 2011.
Follow the jump to compare facelifted Hyundai Grandeur with the current model…
Click here to see larger image of the updated Hyundai sedan:
December 1st, 2009 at 12:56 am
Oddly enough, even though the ’10 Azera, which is pretty much the ’09 KDM Grandeur minus the 6AT, has been out for months, the US site continues to list the ’09 model. The Canadian site doesn’t even show the Azera any more. I’d expect the model to be dropped in the US soon until the new model based on the same platform as the Kia K7 shows up because unless the powertrain gets significant updates, it’s fallen too far behind most of the competition.
December 1st, 2009 at 1:37 am
I heard that Hyundai is actually planning on having a new Azera instead of chopping it off from the lineup. IMO, Hyundai should split brand at one point and make this car the cheapest offering in the luxury brand.
Azera/Genesis/Equus for Passanger vehicles, Veracurz for SUV and Genesis coupe. This makes perfect sense to me if they have a plan to split. The large sedan category just do not sell under value brand and more. For example, I do not even remember when was the last time I saw Azera, Avalon, Maxima, etc. Some companies do not even have a car for this category(for example, Honda)
December 1st, 2009 at 2:22 am
I dont know Dave, VW is doing quite fine as a near luxury company, and they used to make econo cars some time ago. Hyundai with its superior fuel efficiency, plus every cheap Won can do better han VW.
I think VW is our principal competitor.
December 1st, 2009 at 2:33 am
Whats wrong with an Accent being equipped like a Golf? Check a Golf out, thas surely is no econo car anymore, and with our superior reliability quotient we can be a bigger time seller than we are.
An Accent equuiped like a Golf will kill Hyundai’s reputation as an econo car makrer, once and for all. We can do a Golf for $13,000-$21,000, they can do a Golf for $18,000-$25,000. We have the advantage here.
Id say lets build the Hyundai brand up as a Near Luxury Make, and then when and only when the economy finally gets better, we can start an Executive Sedan Marque hat can put Benz and Lexus to shame.
Present-5 years from now:
KIA-Sport Economy
Hyundai-Eco Near Luxury Brand
5-10 years Out
KIA-Sport
Hyundai-Eco Near Luxury
Top Echelon Make- Guilt ridden Executive sedans filled with boatloads of power, and supercars.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Ehhh not impressed. The refresh is actually a step back from the current US minor refresh.
December 5th, 2009 at 12:01 am
I like it! It refines an already beautiful car without destroying the overall character of the car. A true “facelift”. I’ve always liked this car… especially over the previous XG series. Admin, what did they do to the rear? Any pics?
December 5th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Read your history book Smoke.. you will find that VW and Audi are the same cars. Audi was a VW spinoff in the late 70′s now a completley independant lux brand. Hyundai can do this too. AND, if dig far enough you will find that believe it or not, Porche is part of that same mix… Check out at Wickepedia… notice the key names and player at each car company team interesting. There is nothing wrong with saying a Hyundai is an “economy” brand. That just means they give you the best value for your money but at a lesser cost. The key is quality NOT cost. NO MATTER WHAT YOU PAY FOR THE CAR! If it’s a $50,000 piece of junk, that’s a bad thing! No matter what the brand is IMO.
December 5th, 2009 at 3:42 am
You got a point EB. I find it very funny that people passup Azeras for Mercury Sables, and pass up Accents for MINIs.
MINI is the least reliable make in the market, yet people will be happy to buy them over an Accent. That’s why the Accent must be as passionate as a MINI, if that means a more premium aspirational look then so be it.
You guys have spoken. You will get your Azera from what I hear, and it will be a very nice one. 4.0 GDI, a 32 MPG V6 variant are the rumors I have heard. Krafcik still says his favorite cars in the Hyundai lineup are Azera and Accent, he calls them undiscovered gems.
I think Hyundai exceededs the econo brands on features, and the Established luxury marques that are weak on price: the Buick,s Chryslers, and Mercurys of the world. Keep people out of the sebrings (noteven worth capitalizing), Milans, Altimas, and Camrys of the world. Keep people out of Fits and MINIs. Fits on features, MINIs on price.
December 5th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Wow..!! Hyundai Grandeur / Azera looks superb… its really a stylish car with the best suitable design point of view and lavish structure… almost looks rocking…!!
December 5th, 2009 at 7:45 am
What a great designed car… hyundai is a best model making designer of the car… no doubt…
December 7th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
H. Smoke:
I remember that interview and I agree with him but I would add the Elantra Touring to that list. After the 2002-05 Sonata, The Azera alway has been my favorite car. It’s the most elegant front wheel drive car they make. What would really sell the next generation is ….If they add ALL WHEEL DRIVE to the model. It’s what kept Infinti on the luxury car map. Wow this upcoming Azera seems worth it! I hope they will bring it out in the U.S. and price one under $25K. Nice.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
EB, you’re right about that Elantra Touring. Its very sharp. Did you know that Edmunds said that it was a value over a SAAB 9-3 wagon? They cried a little about the interior materials, and begged Hyundai to offer leather.
I guess Hyundai gave them their wish. I think we have replaced Chrysler, I always wanted a Chrysler when I was a kid. Now I can get an Asian one, but so much better. Hence that ‘Aspirational” comment Krafick made about the brand at the LA Auto show.
The Azera I hear is in the wind tunnel, so spy shots will be here soon.