Hyundai classifies the concept as a 2+2, which is a bit misleading.
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| Kia will also be showing a slinky hatchback at Geneva. It's much smaller than the Genus, though. (Photo: Kia Canada) |
Most 2+2 production models refer to two-door coupes, such as the automaker's Tiburon. The +2 portion of the equation normally suggests that real people, i.e. adults, won't fit in the rear seats comfortably, yet those in the Genus' second row would have plenty of room to move around. Even elementary math suggests that adding length to the Sonata's already generous wheelbase and resultant roomy rear seat dimensions would make for an accommodating passenger compartment. There are no photos of the Genus' rear quarters, but suffice to expect something a lot more spacious than a traditional 2+2. In reality, presupposing this vehicle, or something similar will eventually be produced, five-occupant seating would get the nod. The wheelbase is even long enough to slot in a third row - after all, the upcoming 2007 Santa Fe's third row is quite accommodating despite measuring some 75 mm (3.0 inches) shorter than the Genus overall, and making do with a 150 fewer mm (5.9 inches) in wheelbase length.
The
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| Genus and Santa Fe feature similar traits, though the Genus is a bit more car-like. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
Santa Fe, which, when put side-by-side with the Genus is, like the Tucson, more of an SUV than a crossover, at least when factoring in its comparatively towering 1,725 mm (67.9 inch) height that measures 160 mm (6.3 inches) more than the Genus, wouldn't directly compete with a more wagon-like CUV. In other words, just like Toyota sells a Matrix and a RAV4, for instance, Hyundai could offer both crossover models.
Like the Santa Fe, the Genus offers a spacious cargo area accessible via a wide rear clamshell liftgate/tailgate combo, opening up to flat-folding individual rear seats - but there's more to its cargo carrying capacity than that. A rear deck, concealed in the bumper, extends outward over the trunk sill, transforming into an exterior "park bench". According to Hyundai, the sliding deck is also good for hauling bikes and other large items, adding to this crossover's functional capability.
And those rear seats? They slide forward to build what Hyundai calls
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| Genus is certainly a better looking vehicle than the Neos III concept. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
a "visual unit" with a sliding two-layer cargo floor, making a "flexible wrap-around cargo space". I really like how Hyundai describes the rest of the interior; with "visual forms that mimic the continuous flowing nature of sand dunes". Don't you just want to go there? There is a sense of fluid movement to the Genus' cabin surfaces, though, and its instrument panel, set into a "floating frame", and unique foldable centre stack that hides a blue-hued illuminated infotainment interface, is decidedly upscale. Such details make concept vehicles fun, and while Hyundai's designers and engineers no doubt had a good time putting all this together, a production Genus would probably receive and interior
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| Fun but classy Genus interior is anything but conventional Hyundai fare. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
treatment that more closely resembles the new Santa Fe - no bad thing. It probably would come with the option of aubergine (egg plant) leather or the "contemporary silk-like textile" draped over primary surfaces, as Hyundai explains it. No, but it's likely the light beige leather inserts would remain, joining more beige elsewhere in the cabin - with the option of anthracite or light gray to complement a variety of exterior colours.
The anodized metal accents would be replaced with metal-like plastic, of high quality mind you, and the perforations in the leather seat surfaces would most likely remain in top trim levels. A road-ready Genus might also lose the wrap-around roll-bar, although the cool "almond-shaped" dome light might remain, just to give it that made to measure look that more and more automakers are trying to capture, even at the lower end of the market. The Santa Fe, after all, offers a luxury experience despite what many believe will be a very attractive entry-level midsize CUV price tag.
