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Comments
That is also why I feel that if something correctable is causing the Azera to be less safe, then is should be corrected immediately and they should not wait until the next model year.
The numbers seem to indicate that the liklihood of leg and head injury is significantly higher in the Azera than other cars in its class. If the rest of the crash test data validates this, then we have a serious problem that needs to be addressed. I'll post other test results as soon as I can get them.
In the meantime, I wish you and your wife the best. I hope she continues to improve and can regain the use of her hand.
Regards,
P.S. Just for comparison, here are the crash numbers for the 2001 Olds Aurora and the 2006 Azera. They are both "4 star" on driver.
Head Injury Driver:
2006 Hyundai Azera - 698
2001 Olds Aurora - 627
Chest Deceleration:
2006 Hyundai Azera - 45
2001 Olds Aurora - 50
Femur load (lbs):
2006 Hyundai Azera - 1202
2001 Olds Aurora - 725
It looks as if the Azera may be slightly worse than the Aurora.
Azera Front End Crash Movie
But looks can be deceiving. If the front didn't crumple enough and, instead, passed the impact load onto the driver, then the injury likelihood rises. I guess that is possible with the Azera, however, they made such a huge deal about their crumple zones, I find it unlikely.
Instead, I think their must have been a defect INSIDE the car as was brought up earlier with the seats. Maybe they tracked forward on impact. I really can't slow the video down enough to see if the seats moved forward. The video is too blurry and fast.
But . . . the Azera looks very well built when watching the crash video. I hope all that is needed is a "fix" of the seats or some other generally minor detail for the crash results to be much better than they were on initial testing.
Sorry if the movie is disturbing. Some people don't like to watch crashes so forgive me.
That's pathetic for a newly engineered car with a 2006 debut. You can't just throw a bunch of parts and options together and try to tell the world you're great.
Anyway . . . I really DO think it's a defect of some type that CAN be repaired and bring the crash test numbers more in line with expectations.
As for the false advertising point you had mentioned earlier, I don't think I have seen Hyundai advertising the Azera as having five star ratings (only heavily on the Sonata, which is in fact one of the few that scored five stars all around). Maybe I have missed but the literature I saw points "class-leading" as its intention to provide more accident-avoidance features standard than other comparable models; features where others only offer as optional or do not offer them at all.
Keep in mind false advertising is a crime. Earlier last year, if I recall, I thought Pontiac G6 flirted with the fine line when a commercial came out comparing its only V6 (at the time) to a base Altima I4.
When I ordered my Azera ( Prior to its introduction to dealer showrooms) I was told that one of the features on the model was Reverse Patking Aid. As you all know, the feature was eliminated by Hyundai. Buyers were not told of this production change. The car was delivered by the dealer without disclosure that the feature was not included.
Is this false advertising? I believe that it is, and I have notified Hyundai US about my feelings.
They have provided no positive comment about my issue, only informing me that they have eliminated mention of the feature in new owners manuals.
Big help to me.
I intend to ask States Attorneys office about their feelings regarding this matter.
A vehicle is only as safe as the person driving it.
Crash ratings provide possible percentage ratings for serious injury in a crash. This does not mean you will survive or not suffer serious injury. You can be seriously injured or die in an accident of 7 mph if you are unrestrained. The person who survives a 50 mph head on should count there blessings.
Dale's car would have been rated at 20 Star or higher. The sudden impact, change in direction was fatal. Impact that provides total stop or severe change in mass movement is the demon. Glancing or reduced impact that allows the mass to continue while crumple zones absorb the speed reduction are better. Tom Sneva (Indy), Petty, Stewart and many other drivers. Having to deal with neither is the best.
A 'good' defense is the 'best' offense.
The Azera is a large car (I think almost 3900 lbs). That, in and of itself, is a safety feature. If the Azera gets into a collision with a smaller vehicle, it would likely fair better – even if the smaller vehicle has better “crash numbers.”
Accident avoidance and lessening is also very important. The Azera has EXCELLENT brakes, for example, and the likelihood of reducing the speed before a collision is very possible. The Azera has good handling and stability control and very good acceleration, all of which can be used to avoid or lessen an impact. Grade A-
And, of course, the driver is the most critical element in any crash avoidance. However car manufacturers have no control whatsoever over that, so they have to work with the factors they DO have control over. But it is also true that, regardless how great of a driver you are, there are situations that are unavoidable.
It all has to do with “probabilities” and the Azera is good in a lot of categories. Although Hyundai has done a good job of accident avoidance and it happens to be large car, it, in my opinion, has unacceptable numbers if an accident DOES occur – which is something they DO have control over.
IF you were in an accident in an Azera with a vehicle with the same or more mass as the Azera, the PROBABILITY of sustaining injuries is greater than with other vehicles in its class. (Even though it's probably just a few percentage points) Personally, I would like a vehicle with the LEAST PROBABILITY of sustaining injury – both in avoidance and in the case of an actual crash.
The fact remains that the Azera THUS FAR has the worst crash test data of any 2006 sedan in its class. If they can improve that and then couple it with the Azeras OTHER great safety features, it would make the Azera truly a safety leader and reduce, as much as possible, the probability of injury in an accident. That is what Hyundai was advertising and claiming and that is what I expected.
As it stands today, here are the grades I currently give the Hyundai Azera (with the limited data that we have thus far – which may change as more data comes in).
Accident Avoidance – A-
Car Mass - A-
Crash Data - C-
Grade Point Average: 3.0 B
(I guess each owner could also give him- or herself a grade on driving ability and average that in too, but that varies from person to person and is rather subjective).
An overall “B” grade is certainly not bad. But other cars in the same class as the Azera receive higher grades – mainly because the “crash data” area is significantly better. If Hyundai could improve that ONE area, the Azera will truly be a world-class safe automobile. I am hoping that that occurs.
The comment earlier from the guy driving the VW Bug is very relevant here, IMO. I also will buy what I want and enjoy it. I will also look out for what's coming at me from behind, as well as what's coming at me from in front. Both directions are vitally important to your driving health.
Crash-test results shouldn't get in the way of enjoying your newly-found rigs. Drive smart and drive safe and don't cause yourselves ulcers worrying about what may never be. Life is kinda short for that.
Oh, and take a good extendo-gander in your rear view mirror. Only sometimes don't take your eyes off what's coming at you. I hear all the time of people getting smooshed from behind just sitting in traffic. If it's a dumptruck coming at me I like my chances in the xA and Rio's better than a big car, any day of the week including Sunday.
Ponder this thought: if you're in the xA you can get away from the traffic cluster easier than if you're in a Hyundai Azera. Because you're more mobile. But, in order to be safe like that, you have to be diligent and vigilant in studying your rear-view mirror. With a small rig you can then banty out of any cluster and punch the accelerator to safe pavement.
Right? Comments? Violent rebuttals? Big concerns? Lay 'em on us.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Almost had that happen to me yesterday. Stopped at a light and just happened to look in my rearview mirror to see this SUV trying to stop before hitting me. Since I had plenty of room between me and the car in front of me I just took my foot off the brake and eased ahead a bit. Not sure if he would have hit me if I didn't do that but why take the chance.
If it's a dumptruck coming at me I like my chances in the xA and Rio's better than a big car, any day of the week including Sunday.
Well that all depends on the situation. If I am sitting at a stop light with nobody in front of me and no cross traffic and that dump truck is coming up behind me I would rather have that big car with plenty of power. Or if I were in a position where I couldn't manuveour and I will get hit, put me in something big.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Now, can anyone tell me if the Azera bumpers are rated
@ 2.5 or 5 MPH??? I'm thinkin' if my safety is compromised in a significant collision, maybe I'll fare better against a shopping cart.
2.5 or 5 MPH???
I hope when those tests are in, they don't show they're 1 mph bumpers.
Seriously, they are listed at 5 mph bumpers. Here is a reference site:
Azera Specs
Look under "Exterior Features" - second line.
Also on the following web site it states:
Front and Rear Body Color 5-MPH Impact-Absorbing Bumpers With Chrome Inserts
Azera Specs 2
Look toward the bottom under "Exterior Design Paint and Finish" - First line.
The best example I've ever experienced with bumper protection is when my wife was rear-ended at a stop light by a Ford F-150 pickup. The closing collision speed, estimated by the investigating police, was 15MPH, and our car, a 1985 SAAB 900 took the hit quite well. No structural damage, no body damage, and the unique poly-cell bumper design collapsed on impact, but later reformed itself within 30 minutes. Except for a broken chrome-plastic strip that runs around the bumper in the center and a marred black rubber bumper cover, you would never know the car was in an accident. Of course, the 1985 SAAB bumper extends about 6 to 8 inches from the rear of the car, and is not part of the body as in newer cars.
http://hyundai.autowebaccessories.com/store/cat566_1677.php?usid=81381754f6559e6- ca412d5c290b436a8
To compete with Lexus, Infiniti or even the Toyota Avalon they must produce a safe, well engineered product.
Not having a 5 star crash rating will certainly hurt their marketing effort and also hold down resale values, which has been a problem in the past.
I hope that they make a sincere effort to correct the engineering deficiencies which resulted in the poor crash test results.
As an owner of a 2006 Azera, I hope that they can do a retrofit, if necessary, to correct this less than stellar result.
Interesting how low the base Azera is to the other models
remotely. We let them use the valet key, as we never use it, but if you have to buy a new key to leave in the car, the key costs about $160.00. Also, I guess the part of the security system that won't allow the car to start if someone breaks into it is compromised with the remote start system. This is all new, so I might find out more as I go along.
Most? Are you sure about that? I've seen few FWD sedans w/o a rear hump. The '01 Civic touted the fact that it has no center hump. It is probably there to route the exhaust and maybe for structural rigidity, plus for a driveshaft for cars that have an AWD option.
Even when I first picked up the car, the Hyundai technician took me around the car and showed me how to work everything...inside and out. Even gave me a mobile number to call with any enquiries.
Worked out my fuel economy after 1000km of driving around town using both Auto and Shift...and it came out to 22mpg.
OK settle down....I have the 3.3 liter engine fitted and it is sure provides enough power and I feel it suits the vehicle and my driving needs, just fine.
Off to the dealer now to get first servie done.
Nigel
I feel that this manual was auto interpreted from Korean to english without anybody proofing it that knows anything about cars.
I've contacted the dealer and I have to take it to them for them to look at it and if it's something of an issue to them, they get a corporate rep involved.
I was just wondering if anyone else had noticed the same thing or not.
Is everyone's trip display (located down and right from the speedometer) orange? Or does anyone have a white display like in the brochure?
Mine is orange. Have you seen the interior shots of the new Santa Fe coming out? They show a dash with a matching color scheme...all the way over to the radio. Not to mention more controls on the steering wheel (such as disc change, track change and such...).
Nigel
Also, how did you get the Limited "Ultimate" with no memory controls? That would be the "Premium" which is exactly what I have. Only difference, I got the tan leather interior. :confuse: :confuse: :confuse:
Me: Thats a four cylinder.
Salesman: No this is the 2.4 liter 6 cylinder
Me: Yes I see the 2.4 stamped on it but its only a four cylinder.
Salesman: No this is a 6 cylinder.
me: If this is a 6 cylinder why are there only four spark plug wires?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
To each his own, I guess. Personally, I am VERY disappointed with the current (albeit limited) crash test results. Although the crash tests don't necessarily mimic "real world" crashes, it does give an indication of safety defects within the automobile.
It would ridiculous for me to say "yeah the front crash test showed that the steering column collapsed and crushed the occupant's pelvis but I'm not concerned at all because that wasn't a "real" crash."
The fact is, the Azera appears to have a DEFECT that results in higher likelihood of injury to legs and head. this defect was rumored to have something to do with the seat tracking forward at impact. Now, I don't care if this was a "lab" test or not, if there's a defect that causes the seat to move upon impact, that would certainly concern me in the event of "real" crashes.
The offset and rear crash tests, in my opinion, are more realistic tests. If those tests ALSO show some injury concern, then I think we can conclude that a "real" crash would likely result in the same possible injury.
So, the jury is out until the other tests are in. But I have a hard time personally with waving a hand and dismissing the crash tests are meaningless. But that's just MY hang-up. I respect your feelings on the matter.
I'm considering getting them. Thanks!
I got the Ultimate, with power folding mirrors, rain sensing wipers et....just opted out of the Memory stuff...seemed unnecessary as I'll be the only driver.
I hope you enjoy yours as much as I'm enjoying mine.
As for someone's comments about salesmen not knowing their stuff...well our Dealer sent a team of Salesmen/Techicians to Korea for training to support the Azera.
Nigel
Will post pics.
I STRONGLY agree with you. If it can be shown that there is any "reasonable" repair/modifcation/replacement which can be made to improve the crash test results, then Hyundai should either:
a.) Automatically retrofit every car under a TSB OR, if it is too expensive to fit that category,
b.) Provide a large subsidy and give the owner the choice of having it done at a modest cost!!
In an article headed "Grand in name and price, if not in ability".
The following criticisms were made :
* The drivers seat lacks lateral support, immediately obvious when you push it beyond its suburbs and freeway comfort zone.
* Steering kickback is prevalent on sweeping open roads.
* Its tyres lost grip but gained volume, and its rear end starts to lose composure.
* Its transmission wasn't too clever either.
Some of the articles closing comments were : Expect sophistication and you'll be disappointed with the Grandeur. Its chassis lacks the ability to to complement its ballsy engine, as well as its prestige car aspirations.
Wheels are extremely thorough in their reviews. Personally, I find them to be somewhat pedantic and harsh with some of their findings. Comments like "its transmission wasn't too clever" also needs further explanation.
Wheels were also recently critical of the Sonata. I own the 06 LX and didn't agree with some of their assertions in that a review.
I thought their findings should be added to this board. But, I'm sure that many here, including myself, would challenge their findings, given the many positive findings and reviews of other motoring experts and publications.