Hyundai Azera Won't Let Rear Passengers Blister in the Sun

HYANNIS, MASS. (09/06/2012)(readMedia)-- Passengers in the backseat have long bemoaned the hand they've been dealt, because it often means not enough legroom or decent access to the air-conditioning flow. Thankfully, some cars refuse to punish those that have lost the battle for shotgun, and Cars.com recently featured them on its list of the best vehicles for backseat passengers. The 2012 Hyundai Azera was among the eight backseat-friendly vehicles featured on the list, noted for its roomy seating and rear-window shades that keep heat out of the cabin.

While the Azera's two rear side-window shades pull down manually, the back-window shade can be drawn with the push of a button up front, combining with the second-row air vents to keep rear passengers cool. Hyundai's new midsize sedan also offers 36.8 inches of rear legroom, contributing to a best-in-class interior space that becomes even more luxurious with options like heated front and rear seats or a panoramic sunroof. Meanwhile, noise-absorbing material suppresses sounds from the engine and the road below, allowing both passengers in front and back to enjoy a quieter ride.

"When you drive people around in the backseat, whether it is your kids or your friends, you want them to be comfortable, so legroom and other options for rear passengers are important considerations before you buy," said JJ Hoyt, general manager of Balise Hyundai of Cape Cod, a Hyannis, Massachusetts Hyundai dealer. "The Hyundai Azera creates a calm, comfortable environment in the backseats, allowing your passengers sitting there to be able to better cope with those longer road trips."

Offering more rear space was key in the new redesign of another Hyundai: the 2013 Santa Fe. While the newly arrived 2013 Santa Fe Sport is about the same size as the 2012 Santa Fe, the new 2013 Santa Fe will have a longer wheelbase and a third row of seats to accommodate up to seven passengers when it arrives in January. In both models, passengers have been given more shoulder room for increased comfort.

That focus on comfort extends throughout the cabins of the new Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport, with available options like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and rear side-window shades like those in the Azera. Leather seating surfaces are also available, but even the standard cloth seats are built for quality, treated with soil-resistant, anti-odor and anti-static properties to help them last longer.

Returning 33 mpg when equipped with its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2013 Santa Fe Sport offers the highest highway fuel economy of any SUV or CUV with an automatic transmission. Meanwhile, buyers that are yearning for extra performance can opt for the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 264 horsepower while still netting up to 31 mpg on the highway. When it arrives next year, the seven-passenger 2013 Santa Fe will house a 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower, making it ideal for towing snowmobiles, jet skis or other weekend toys.

"Both the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport offer flexibility to families where they need it, providing cost savings at the pump and comfortable surroundings for the whole clan," added Hoyt. "The added room for passengers in the upcoming 2013 Santa Fe will also make it a great vehicle for Cape Cod residents that want to bring the whole family to the beach in style with space to spare."

About Balise Hyundai of Cape Cod:

Part of the Balise Auto Group, Balise Hyundai of Cape Cod offers Massachusetts drivers a full selection of stylish, fuel-efficient Hyundai sedans, hatchbacks and crossovers. Their broad inventory is backed by a friendly, knowledgeable sales staff and an expert service team that keeps Hyundai owners out on the road where they belong. Contact the Balise Hyundai team by phone at 508-815-4006, browse their inventory online at www.balisehyundaiofcapecod.com, or visit their dealership in person at 556 Yarmouth Rd. in Hyannis, Mass. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BaliseHyundaiCapeCod