2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Review | Buyer Guide
Watch Out Lexus And Mercedes
Twenty years ago Toyota shocked the automotive world when it introduced its luxury brand, Lexus. The car they debuted, the LS400, was every bit as good, or even better, than a Mercedes S-Class, and was priced over $10,000 less than its German rival. LS400 sales took off right away, and Lexus has never looked back.
Now, Hyundai, the Korean automaker, has plunged into the luxury market in a similar way. They are hoping that history will repeat itself with the Genesis, and it just may. A panel of 50 auto journalists at the Detroit auto show selected the Genesis as the “2009 Car of the Year.”
According to John Krafcik, vp of product development, Hyundai benchmarked cars like the Lexus GS and the Mercedes E-Class when developing the Genesis. Like those cars, it comes with both V-6 and V-8 engines and has rear-wheel drive. But Hyundai made the Genesis larger inside and out. In this regard, it more closely resembles the full-size Lexus and Mercedes.
Hyundai styled the Genesis conservatively. Like the original Lexus, the Genesis borrows some of its styling cues from the German automakers. The nose, with its simple, shield-like grille shows Mercedes influence. (Interestingly, Hyundai uses no logo to identify the car up front.) The taillights and the deck lid seem to echo BMW. Yet, the Genesis is not just a collection of styling elements, it’s a pleasing design in its own right.
The interior of the Genesis speaks of luxury. When you open the door, the scuff plate illuminates the name “Genesis.” Soft leather seats, with the right amount of bolster, provide comfort and support. A wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel falls readily to hand. And where other automakers use wood, or aluminum trim on the dash and doors, Hyundai uses brown leather with double stitching—very elegant. Like its competition, Hyundai offers optional bells and whistles, such as a navigation unit, a high-end audio system, a backup camera and adaptive headlights.
Under the hood, the Genesis offers buyers a choice of two engines, a 290-hp V-6, and a 368-hp V-8. My test car had the V-8. This is a new engine developed by Hyundai, and is 4.6 liters in size. I found it to be quiet and silky-smooth in delivering power. It is also more fuel-efficient than its competition, with an EPA rating of 17-25 mpg on regular gas. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatics with manual shift modes, but there are no paddles on the steering wheel.
The Genesis surprised me when I took it out for a run on my favorite back country road. I was expecting it to be a bit spongy, but that was not the case. The suspension provided very good body control, and the steering was sharp. I felt like I had a good feel of the road. The Genesis is certainly not a sport sedan, but its handling is more than competent.
Also impressive is the level of quietness built into this car. There is very little in the way of engine rumble or wind noise. This is due to the fact that the Genesis has a very aerodynamic shape, with a low 0.27 coefficient of drag, and uses a generous amount of sound deadening insulation, including extra thick window glass. However, the quietness points up one shortcoming in the Genesis—the ride feels rather busy over uneven secondary roads. This is not a major drawback, but something that Hyundai could improve.
Genesis pricing starts at a modest $33,000 for the V-6, and $38,000 for the V-8. This is at least $10,000 less than comparable luxury cars, like the Lexus GS or the Mercedes E-Class. For buyers, who are not put off by the lack of prestigious brand name, the Genesis is one heck of a bargain.
Snapshot Review
Luxurious Appointments
Silky Smooth and Quiet
Bargain Priced
