Hyundai Azera

The Azera is the third of seven all-new or redesigned Hyundai vehicles to be launched in the last 24 months. The flagship sedan is substantially different than the blocky XG350 it replaces and whose design dates back to 2001. The Azera's lines are more modern and graceful than its predecessor's. Overall, the form is well balanced.

Whether deliberate or not, there are styling elements that seem oddly reminiscent of competitors' vehicles. The tail lamps resemble a Honda Accord's and lines of the rear deck lid are in the vein of a BMW 7-series. The fender creases front and rear, though elegant, are decidedly Buick, as is the front fascia. But the front of the car does bear Hyundai design DNA, evident in the shape of the grille and bumper details, which are similar to those found on the Hyundai Elantra. The same could not be said for the Azera's predecessor.

Hyundai executives say the roofline should help set the Azera apart from the competition, but here again it seems to follow suit, looking like a Volkswagen Passat or Ford 500.

Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent has grown in every dimension. Most significantly, it's three inches taller, with the driver's seating position moved up two inches. The exterior design, a departure from the previous model, has more of a slope in the front and rear.

One of the more interesting design elements is the side molding. Its location several inches higher than the norm and nestled below a character line is purely functional, says John Krafcik, Hyundai's VP of product planning. Research showed that location to be the most effective at preventing door dings. Function aside, the molding placement makes for a unique look, but leaves a gangly expanse of sidebody below.

At a glance, the headlights and taillights seem to evoke the old Accent, but they're different in form. Headlights also extend farther up the hood.

The interior shows attention to texture uncharacteristic for this class. While not as supple and appealing to the touch as pricier models, the dimpled metallic trim in the central IP and the grains on the upper and lower dash are an improvement over the smooth, hard plastics of economy cars.

Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin

The Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin follows the Ford Explorer Sport Trac concept, which debuted at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. It is evidence of how color and trim scheme can alter the character of a vehicle. Blacked out grille and headlamp bezels are more aggressive than the Explorer Sport Trac and hint at the vehicle's performance orientation.

The bold red paint is one of the elements common to Ford's family of SVT high-performance vehicles, as is the black leather interior with red inserts. "Evolving the design into the Sport Trac Adrenalin was a natural progression," says Doug Gaffka, chief designer, Ford SVT. "Adrenalin further explores the high-performance possibilities of the Sport Trac concept, using the design vocabulary of SVT."

The lowered or 'slammed' appearance and large wheels and tires strike a decidedly sporty stance compared to most trucks. And stylized front and rear fascias are more streamlined than typical bulky pick-up truck bumpers. At the rear, a lip atop the tailgate and black tail lamp bezels morph the look from utilitarian to sporty.

Inside, four bucket seats feature deep thigh and chest bolstering. White-faced instruments in the IP are an SVT design hallmark.

Page 2 of 2