Positive changes for Hyundai's Azera sedan

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen on the Business page of The Sacramento Bee’s website – www.sacbee.com/news/business/article4005306.html

Sacramento, California ­– Devoted readers will recall that I liked the 2014 Hyundai Azera sedan I reviewed a year ago.

There’s a lot more to like in the 2015 model, inside and out.

Hyundai dug in with both hands to pour changes into this model, positioned just-right between the automaker’s midsize Sonata and the luxo-loaded, full-size Genesis.

The 2015 Azera looks sharp, with a mix of elegant sculpting on the front end and a “wanna race?” aero look in profile.  For 2015, Hyundai made changes to the grille, the front and rear bumper fascia and wheels (they’re now 18-inch alloys).  My tester, a Limited edition, got the LED fog lights.

The hands-free “Smart Trunk” opener is part of the deal.  Think of it as a new magic toy with which to entertain the neighbors.

Inside, things are comfortable very thoughtfully laid out.  I really liked the eight-inch color LCD navigation/audio display screen.  My eyes aren’t improving in my old age, after all.

Safety features are top-drawer, including the most helpful, standard blind-spot detection system, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist.  The blind-spot lookout in particular is a comfort.

Handling is light and nimble.  The 3.3-liter V-6 rated at 293 horsepower is a willing power plant and offered no hesitation in all conditions.

The starting price on the tester was $38,200, and you might be asking: Nearly 40K for this sedan?  Yes, and darn well worth it.

Happily, the changes brought forward in 2015 did not include shortening the list of standard features.  The tested Azera included a wealth of already-included perks, including leather seating, power folding/heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators and a tilt/slide sunroof.

Feeling better now?  I thought so.

Naturally, this being a Hyundai, the warranties are generous.

Fuel mileage is not so bad at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The engine gives up a little bit in fuel for what it can deliver when your right foot is heavy.  No complaints here.

This Azera is an ideal choice for a family sedan that gets regular work over the long term, but you don’t want to drop a ton of money into the deal.  Costs about $40,000, feels more like a $50,000 car.

Can’t ask for much more than that.