Could Hyundai's Best of Both Worlds' Crossover Be a Winner?Have you noticed something interesting going on since the
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| Is the world ready for a Hyundai crossover? (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
crossover genre was created? Some automakers aren't even producing wagon versions of their sedans anymore, like they used to, but rather are coming out with entirely unique vehicles based off of the same general architecture as their sedans. So, while the underpinnings might be more or less the same, an automaker is capable of producing a vehicle that is much more intriguing than merely a five-door version of a four-door.
A good example is Hyundai's new Genus concept. Like Toyota's Matrix, et hoc genus omne (and everything of this kind), the new Korean CUV could easily
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| The Genus could easily be based off of the Sonata. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
be based off of a current production sedan. The Matrix shares underpinnings with the Corolla, while the Genus measures close to the rather large "midsize" Sonata sedan, and therefore could potentially use its substructure. Other CUVs (crossover utility vehicles) that follow this pattern include Dodge's Magnum, derived from the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, Ford's new Edge, based on the Fusion, and many others. Previously, Ford would have brought out a Fusion wagon, Dodge would have taken even more heat by producing a Charger wagon, Toyota would have had the Corolla wagon, and you guessed it, Hyundai would be showing a Sonata wagon, or its European equivalent, at this year's Geneva Motor Salon.
While no Sonata wagon is forthcoming, and for good reason,
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| Despite being a very good sedan, Hyundai isn't about to turn the Sonatainto a cargo-hauling wagon. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian AutoPress) |
the metallic-champagne painted Genus, or whatever it would finally be named, could potentially be a much more enticing model. It looks similar to Mercedes-Benz's R-Class; although a good argument could be made for it being much more attractive overall, while its dimensions are much more manageable. As mentioned, it's about the same size as the Sonata, with an overall length 50 mm (2.0 inches) shorter at 4,750 mm (187.0 inches) and a 2,850 mm (112.2-inch) long wheelbase that stretches 120 mm (4.7 inches) past that of the popular sedan. Its overall width of 1,870 mm (73.6 inches), a number that may but most likely does not include the span between side-view mirror tips (the press material didn't say), is again similar to the Sonata either way. Given its CUV genus (the noun-form of genus being Latin for "a class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common characteristic" according to Merriam-Webster's Unabridged), it's taller than the Sonata, by 90 mm (3.5 inches), at 1,565 mm (61.6 inches)..
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.
