Fresh off its win in Detroit as the North American Car of the Year, Hyundai’s Genesis is riding high – oh, and don’t forget about increased sales last month. With the eagerly awaited release of the Genesis coupe, it’s as though the seemingly overnight sensation from Seoul can do no wrong.
In the summer of 2008 we had an opportunity to put the 4.6-liter V8 modeled Genesis sedan through its paces. A great car, yes. But we were also pining for a chance at some seat time with the sensibly powered 3.8-liter V6 model – expected to account for the bulk of Genesis sedan sales. Well, we finally had the opportunity to spend the week with one. Here’s our report.
What is it?
A five-place performance sedan that is actually a better value than its larger V8-engined brother, the Genesis 3.8 is powered by the Lambda series of six-cylinder engines developed by Hyundai. It is a pivotal design that clearly lifts the brand away from its previous role as designer of science fiction-looking space vehicles-masquerading-as-cars, and shows the Korean manufacturer is serious about the North American market.
What’s it up against?
Originally, we mentioned the Genesis was benchmarked against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Infiniti M, BMW 7-Series and Lexus GS models. That is still the case for the most part, though cross-shoppers are expected to look at the Lexus ES 350, Cadillac CTS and even the Infiniti G37 sedans, which the Genesis reminds us of. Sort of.
Any breakthroughs?
“Value pricing” is still the key breakthrough at Hyundai with the Genesis. Being benchmarked against the big boys has caused them to bring their A-game, which means loading the Genesis up with content heretofore reserved for the more established luxury lines. Things like the Lexicon audio system that was, at one point, only found in a Rolls-Royce, would be a good example.
How does it look?
Conservatively elegant could be the advertising copy for the Genesis 3.8. Not breaking any styling taboos or barriers, it features a flawless deep metal flake (which we now call metallic) blue with tasteful chrome accents throughout. Hyundai logos were confined to the wheel centers and trunk lid – discrete.
The only thing that separates the two currently available versions of the Genesis were the absence of chrome trim strips near the rocker panels of the car, which signify the presence of the larger V8 under the hood. Both vehicles ship with elliptically shaped chrome dual exhaust tips from under the rear bumper. And yes, we still think that the grille looks like the forehead of Star Trek’s Lieutenant Worf.
And inside?
One of the largest, most comfortable interiors we have found, the Genesis 3.8 does not have all the bells and whistles of its larger V8 brother. But that’s okay. The interior is still plenty fine, featuring a hand-stitched padded leather dashboard, Lexicon 14-speaker premium audio system and enough rear-seat legroom to accommodate Yao Ming on an escape away from Houston. Well, we exaggerate. A little bit.
The front seats are extremely supportive after long rides and offer heating as well as optional forced air-cooling for drives up and down the state of Florida in August. Our test vehicle was also equipped with Hyundai Premium Plus package which, in addition to the aforementioned Lexicon audio, was also shipped with 18-inch Hyper silver alloy wheels, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, leather-wrapped dash, door and trim, a power sunroof, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel and column, and iPod connectivity.
We commented on the impressive NVH (that’s noise, vibraiton and harshness for those of you new to this game) of the V8 model Genesis and things aren’t much different here. Thanks to an underfloor sound deadening tray, the interior sound level of the 3.8 is every bit as quiet as its larger-lunged brother – a point not lost on owners of current Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
But does it go?
Driving in South Florida brought continual surprise over this newest Hyundai. Surprise from people who stopped us to ask if this was “the new Genesis,” (note to Hyundai marketing: Your ads are getting noticed) to our own surprise in feeling the power available underfoot from the 3.8-liter, 290-horsepower, 264 lb-ft of torque, V6 engine. After a week of passing slower, lolly-gagging tourists and other speed-challenged motorists around West Palm Beach, it became clear that this 24-valve engine with Aisin six-speed Shiftronic transmission is no also-ran. It’s an engine that can stand on its own six-cylinders, not to mention its superior gas mileage ratings. For the record, the EPA checks them in at 18-mpg city and 27-mpg highway.
Handling is enabled through the use of a Sachs-designed advanced five-link suspension at both front and rear quarters of the Genesis. Along with this, the Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD) system allowed for infinitely adjustable ride quality, changing from harsher (read firmer) spring rates while cornering, to a more compliant feeling while negotiating smoother roads and highways. Steering still felt slightly numb at center, but still offered good feel throughout the rest of its range. Understeer was present but in a well controlled manner that we have come to expect in most examples. I know that sounds like a broken record but just imagine what driving would be like if we were always correcting back outward after a vehicle oversteered itself.
Hyundai has shown the ability to bring an affordable luxury sedan to the US market. In light of the current economic climate, it just may be the answer that many new car buyers are looking for.
Why you would buy it:
Hyundai has shown they can bring value to the luxury market. With the new Genesis 3.8 V6, it is an even better bargain than the original. Then factor in the Hyundai Assurance Program, which allows you to return the car if you lose your job within the first year. And, oh yeah, can you say 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty?
Why you wouldn’t:
You still care what your neighbor down the block – whose house is now being foreclosed – thinks.
2009 Hyundai Genesis V6 base price, $32,250. As tested, $36,000.
Premium Plus Package, $3,000; Destination, $750.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
02/04, 4:14 PM
posted by:
Struggle
I hate to say it, but I actually like this thing.
Of course it looks very much like it’s japanese cousin vehicles.
02/04, 4:15 PM
posted by:
Struggle
Oh, and No More Douche for GM, only Cadillac has a better looking car in the GM lineup, seriously.
02/04, 4:21 PM
posted by:
e46Ne90
only thing i hate about the exterior is the grill and wheels. wheel is damn too flower-like to me. it needs more machine like finish. eager to see facelift
02/04, 4:21 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
Yes they do.
That is why if you have only 30k to spend go get a cts 3.6 direct inject.
02/04, 4:23 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
WOW… Hyundai has come a LONG……..way….
The car looks good, I think I need to test drive one, you know just to see what it can do…
02/04, 4:42 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I drove one of these the other day and it was very nice. Some quirks though, like the cheap turn stalk that come’s from every Hyundai/Kia model built and the antique looking digital clock in the center stack. NMOFGM may find my next point interesting, why buy this over the STS though? You can get a year old STS, a very similiar vehicle, for almost ten thousand less and I will admit, I still think the Cadillac has the means to beat it, especially with it’s 3.6 DI in the redesigned ‘08 and not have a Hyundai at the end of the day. Or just wait a year and see some massive rebates/dealer discounts on this model. Hyundai’s all have huge markups as we know anyway.
02/04, 4:44 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
And I may add a used M35 is another option, probably the best car in it’s class and best looking to boot.
02/04, 5:01 PM
posted by:
TornadoGTI
I would agree that Hyundai has come a long way but by no means does this car begin to compare with whom they want it to. The interior, even with leather dash, still looks so cheap and “plasticy”. Reminds me of a Lexus’ dash. Don’t like those either. They spent the design time on the exterior rather than the interior and it shows.
Also, you can’t get a new CTS 3.6 DI for $30k. You can’t even get a non DI CTS for $30k. CTS are VERY expensive for you get. They are at least $5k to $10k overpriced. I checked them out at this past NAIAS in Detroit and I am 6′ and with a 6′ driver I couldnt fit in the back seat. I was impressed with the ULTRA cluttered dash for the people in the front either. A Mazda3 was more accomidating in the size department. Just has poor proportions for the size.
02/04, 5:03 PM
posted by:
TomF
You can probably buy this car for $30,000 right now… or a two-year-old Audi A4 for $20,000. So I’d take the Audi. But the Genesis is a hard car to dismiss. The Germans should be worried.
02/04, 5:19 PM
posted by:
miket
An impressive car….it will probably be competative with its targets after the 1st redesign.
02/04, 5:20 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
You can get one hell of a deal on a 300C right now. Some may say it’s not in the same supposed league as the Genesis, but 390 horse vs. 290 for roughly the same money- or even less with all discounts? If this is all about bang for your buck I think we have a winner.
02/04, 5:32 PM
posted by:
SloW8
I was in Vegas last weekend and saw a lot of Phantoms and a couple of Maybachs cruising around. We were having a conversation about why you would get a Maybach because not many people would know that is was a $350k car. I would like to get a Genesis and put Maybach badges on it. They look about the same to your average Schmoe…
02/04, 6:12 PM
posted by:
gugy
I like this car.
I would buy one if the interior was not so cramped. Unfortunately I am 6′8″ tall. That is suck to buy a car.
02/04, 7:21 PM
posted by:
LQQK TwiCe
Reason this car is best….
1. the warranty
2. the assurance warranty
3. It looks very nice you can always change the wheels and debadge a car
4. who is comparing a two year Audi A4? not even the same size as this car or in the same presence.
5. The STS while a nice car its still used and an old platform and The m35 i agree nice car but best looking???
02/04, 7:45 PM
posted by:
Zcarsales
The funny thing about Hyundai is that the brand has surpassed Toyota in quality, but people still can’t get over that sh@#box from the mid to late eighties. Hyundai is a good brand, and I think that it is only a matter of time before they are up their with Honda, Toyota.
Say, someone who is 10 years old won’t know about the eighties Hyundai. The Chinese are going to face the same problem when they market cars in the states.
02/04, 8:03 PM
posted by:
Astonman12
I’ve driven the Genesis 4.6L V8. It has very luxurious performance. Hyundai claims it can do 0-60mph faster than a Porsche Boxster, and I would have to say that they are correct. Also, you can hardly hear the acceleration in the car. The interior is very luxurious and everything is easy to use. The Lexicon audio system is fantastic; so clear. The car is extremely impressive all over; so refined and luxurious. I was pleasantly surprised.
02/04, 9:49 PM
posted by:
DB9
Hmmm… What to do with 36K – a V6 Hyundai?/! Take another hit off of the pipe then put it down – think of the kids.
DB9
02/04, 9:59 PM
posted by:
valenburg
most of the negative comments above were probably the same people said when toyota and honda came to america now they are pretty competent players. Im sure lexus kind of had the same issue as well. If you choose not to buy it, that’s your problem. Constructive criticism, that’s cool to it’s our right as Americans, that’s why I read these boards, for other peoples points of view. NMOFGM though, he makes me laugh.
02/04, 10:14 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Your CommentThe funny thing about Hyundai is that the brand has surpassed Toyota in qualityWhere is the proof to back that up? That is what I hate about this board
02/04, 10:53 PM
posted by:
VictorRaikkonen
I will be honest and say that the car looks decent but I would still never consider it if I were in the market to purchase a vehicle in the 30-40k range. I think the design is outdated and the vehicle will look really old in about three years.
02/05, 9:50 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
this design already looks old! I will wait for a couple of years and a newer face lift to see how reliability is before making judgments on this. but, so far….its not good
02/05, 10:19 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
It seems to be a decent car, but the generic styling and Hyundai service (i.e. piss poor) would be deal killers for me. Think about it: they’re trying to compete in the luxury space, but they don’t really have the dealer infrastructure to offer luxury levels of service. Go to an Infiniti, Lexus, MB, BMW, or Cadillac dealership, and you will usually find nice dealerships with lots of amenities, and good service, and if you need a loaner car, you will usually get another luxury car as a loaner. With the Genesis, you get the same dealer treatment as an Elantra buyer, and there is a good chance you won’t get another Genesis as a loaner car. Hyundai’s warranty isn’t very good either. Read the fine print, and you will find most items are not covered by the 100k mile warranty. That warranty pretty much only covers if you throw a rod through the block, or blow up the transmission, and nothing else.
I would rather buy a certified pre-owned 1 or 2 year old Infiniti, BMW, or Cadillac for the same money.
02/05, 10:51 AM
posted by:
Borat
If Hyundai can prove me wrong – more power to them. Insofar they took a page from Japanese successful manufacturers: Toyota, Honda, Nissan. They started with product differentiation based on price, moved up the ladder on quality. However, they are still in infancy on service and middle class acceptance (I consider myself middle class and I have not seen Hyundai driven in my town on either side of tracks). Can they leap into premium segment bypassing middle class? History will tell.
Without AWD either car (V6 or V8) is not event in N.E., especially this messy winter.
02/05, 11:13 AM
posted by:
JC88
Does nobody notice its design is a cut and paste job of all its competitors? And how is it that this car competes with the BMW 7 series but only the Lexus GS??
02/05, 4:34 PM
posted by:
sundi
this car offers what a 7 series or S class has but then a person who can afford a 7 series or S class won’t look at Hyundai because it is not in their price range. What Hyundai has done is they went for a strategy of high content for low price which makes this car very competitive and comparable to cars all across the board. Its price can be compared with a G37 while its content can be compared with much higher priced luxury cars. It may make people think twice when deciding to make a purchase between the 30-40k range.
02/05, 5:50 PM
posted by:
hummah
Hey where’s Need more oil for GM? I was hoping to hear how this car sucks next to any GM car ever made, and maybe some reference to Koreans eating dogs or some lame brained jab at foreign car buyers.
As far as this car, I think it’s great. It seems overpriced, but so are Lincoln Town Cars and they are total junk compared to this car. I’m more interested in the coupe version with the turbo 4 cylinder.
02/05, 9:32 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
in the end, you are still getting a hyundai…a rather expensive one!
02/06, 6:58 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
Z06ified,
your comment about dealer service was very well said. For me, the dealer service and overall quality is a key to when i look fora new car. The best dealer service that i have had experiance with is METRO LEXUS. it is SUPERB!!!!!! The minute you walk in a lexus store(or atleast our dealer) you notice how nice it is. granite floors that are so clean you could eat off of or use it as a mirror. there are places to relax, watch a movie, or even stare at their many large salt water aquariums. the aquariums are key in my post because if you have ever had a salt water aquarium(or at least a large one), you will know that they are a CHORE to keep really clean. When you see a place that is nice like that, you will think that service has to be good, and that their “clean” look will be reflected upon their cars…which it is. They are the nicest people you will ever try to do business with. Based on my experiance, infiniti, audi, mercedes, some toyotas, acura, and some vw’s. the closest domestic dealer that has come close to lexus’s or infiniti’s experiance was with Tim Lally chevy. And I think it is because it used to be a family run dealer.
Huyndai on the other hand, has a complete opposite image when you walk in. there are stains on the carpet. there is a water cooler with a 5 gallon jug on top if you get thirsty…which is something you would expect in the 80’s-90’s. And, you don’t really feel good being there. You kind of feel embarrassed.
I am a car nut! I have driven every single new car there is that any other person in the US can also drive. I guess this got passed down from my father because we have 4 cars, and because we always lease, it usually means we end up leasing a new car every year or so. Now I have gotten in the habit of test driving cars to learn more. I can, without doubt, say that the foreign competition has the upper hand(with the exception of some cheap companies) when it comes to dealer quality experience, and vehicles too.
as you can tell… I have nothing else to do beside draw/study/LLN…..LLN it is!!!!