Occupants also benefit from a full selection of comfort and convenience features making the Genesis even more user-friendly. There's a high-definition navigation display and all the needed bells and whistles. Plus, the seats are comfortable (though they lack some side support) and generous in terms of passenger room. The front buckets are heated and the driver even gets a ventilated cushion. On the flip side, the rear seatbacks do not fold forward and the center load-through is too small to accommodate a snowboard.
And then there's the engine...
While the exterior design and interior delicacies of the Genesis are impressive, they could easily be found in similar models. However, there's a revolution going on under the hood, as the Genesis is the first-ever Hyundai to be powered by the almighty, 8-cylinder Tau engine, which sends 375 horsepower (that's right, 375!) to the rear wheels.
This new mill proves extremely docile and flexible. Moreover, the 6-speed automatic transmission works wonders, operating quite seamlessly. Gear ratios are nicely calibrated, making for quick, smooth shifts. Overall, the engine-transmission combo delivers fast, linear accelerations.
Driving dynamics are just as commendable despite the significant weight of the car. Handling is good, too, although the majority of Genesis owners probably won't spend their time on tight, winding roads. The steering feels a tad heavy, but the driving experience is still a lot of fun. The 5-link aluminum suspension turns out to be quite smooth, soaking up every bump in the road. Gas shocks play a huge part, making the Genesis a quality tourer.
The various electronic aids keep a low profile and no compromise has been made with regard to safety. The thing I particularly liked about the Genesis is the close connection and interaction between all the parts. The result is a high-quality, high-efficiency product that can rival the best luxury sedans out there (I'm talking about the aforementioned quartet).
Competition
The 2009 Genesis 4.6 is more powerful than all its direct competitors. Of course, there are not many V8-powered full-size sedans with rear-wheel drive under $50,000. The short list includes the Buick Lucerne Super (starting at $48,425), Chrysler 300C ($45,845) and Pontiac G8 ($37,450). Our test car, equipped with the Technology Package, costs $48,995.
Final word
Hyundai is now offering a truly exceptional sedan that's worth a close look by consumers. It enjoys an enviable market position due to outstanding dynamics and way more value than traditional power players. The question is, what will you do with savings of $30,000? Well, only potential buyers will have fun answering that question. How could I resist?
photo:Matthieu Lambert
And then there's the engine...
While the exterior design and interior delicacies of the Genesis are impressive, they could easily be found in similar models. However, there's a revolution going on under the hood, as the Genesis is the first-ever Hyundai to be powered by the almighty, 8-cylinder Tau engine, which sends 375 horsepower (that's right, 375!) to the rear wheels.
This new mill proves extremely docile and flexible. Moreover, the 6-speed automatic transmission works wonders, operating quite seamlessly. Gear ratios are nicely calibrated, making for quick, smooth shifts. Overall, the engine-transmission combo delivers fast, linear accelerations.
 |
| The Genesis is the first-ever Hyundai to be powered by the almighty, 8-cylinder Tau engine. |
Driving dynamics are just as commendable despite the significant weight of the car. Handling is good, too, although the majority of Genesis owners probably won't spend their time on tight, winding roads. The steering feels a tad heavy, but the driving experience is still a lot of fun. The 5-link aluminum suspension turns out to be quite smooth, soaking up every bump in the road. Gas shocks play a huge part, making the Genesis a quality tourer.
The various electronic aids keep a low profile and no compromise has been made with regard to safety. The thing I particularly liked about the Genesis is the close connection and interaction between all the parts. The result is a high-quality, high-efficiency product that can rival the best luxury sedans out there (I'm talking about the aforementioned quartet).
Competition
The 2009 Genesis 4.6 is more powerful than all its direct competitors. Of course, there are not many V8-powered full-size sedans with rear-wheel drive under $50,000. The short list includes the Buick Lucerne Super (starting at $48,425), Chrysler 300C ($45,845) and Pontiac G8 ($37,450). Our test car, equipped with the Technology Package, costs $48,995.
Final word
Hyundai is now offering a truly exceptional sedan that's worth a close look by consumers. It enjoys an enviable market position due to outstanding dynamics and way more value than traditional power players. The question is, what will you do with savings of $30,000? Well, only potential buyers will have fun answering that question. How could I resist?
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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