Hyundai's full-size sedan, the Azera, returns in 2008 with all the bells and whistles that made it stand out last year.

First introduced in 2006, the Azera has given pause to many shoppers on their way to the Toyota and Honda dealerships. It's good-looking, well-made and priced right and is garnering looks and buyers from many that haven't considered a Hyundai in the past.

Contributed photo (ENLARGE)

The 2008 Hyundai Azera is at the table and ready to eat with the big boys at Toyota and Honda. This year's semi-luxury sedan is sure to please many looking for a high-quality family sedan.

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Hyundai is smart, making few changes to an already good thing. The SE version of the Azera has been deleted for 2008 and the equipment lists for the GLS and Limited versions has been tinkered with.

The Azera is a study in grace and simplicity with its sleek lines and understated design. Hyundai has done a great job of adding just enough chrome for a little flash, an original tail light configuration for originality and great proportions from front to back.

The Azera stands out enough to appeal to those looking for something a little different from the rest of the gang, but still please those wanting to blend in with the Camrys, Accords and Malibus.

All Azeras are powered by a smooth 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine partnered with a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual control function. Acceleration was seamless. The only time I actually heard the engine trying hard was merging on Interstate 95.

To maximize the power spread, the engine utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System to help cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high rpm.

Compared to its main competitors, the Azera comes in at 5 horses under the Avalon and the Accord but more powerful than a Buick LaCrosse. Even with its impressive output, the Azera is environmentally friendly, achieving Ultra Low Emission Vehicle certification levels.

The Azera offers a ride that is comparable with that of the Lincoln MKZ, the BMW 530i and the Lexus ES350. It's that smooth.Its unibody and four-wheel independent suspension system. Utilizing high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody increases stiffness and ensures strong resistance to flexing. This enhances your ride, boosts handling qualities and lowers noise levels.

The Azera also has a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension system complete with specially tuned twin-tube gas-charged dampers and front and rear stabilizer bars. All this translates to a high-quality stiff body, paired with a superb driving dynamic package that gives drivers, and riders, a quiet, comfortable ride without a lot of bouncing and great handling and steering for the driver.

I test drove the Azera Limited and between the plush leather seats, fancy wood trim and understated silver chrome, I felt like I was in a luxury sedan.

The Azera offers a roomy ride, with almost 44 inches of legroom and more than 38 inches of front-seat legroom for rear-seat passengers. Hyundai engineers got creative and have come up with a design that maximizes interior room. The Azera offers more interior volume (123.5 cubic-ft.) than the Avalon, Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans and the BMW 760i.

Other amenities I didn't expect on a Hyundai were a telescopic steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, power adjustable foot pedals and power folding exterior sideview mirrors with turn signal indicators. Very nice.

Unfortunately for most car buyers, the best safety equipment is found in luxury cars. Usually.

The Azera has a list of safety equipment to rival the MKZ, Infiniti M35 or the BMW 530i.

Standard on the Azera is the Electronic Stability Control with a Traction Control System, large four-wheel disc brakes and Anti-lock Braking System with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution.

The base price for the Azera Limited I tested was $28,550. As tested, the price was a respectable $32,095.

That price is pretty comparable with other vehicles of this caliber. What's surprising is that Hyundai has so quickly jumped to the front of the pack with a luxury laden car. It seems like just yesterday we were putting the Hyundais at the kid's table.