Strengths

Eye-catching design; available V8 power; excellent standard features; great warranty; attractive pricetag

 

Changes

The Hyundai Genesis is a new model for 2009 and one that is a serious departure for Hyundai, which has been boosting the quality of its product for the last several years.

The Genesis is a "clean-sheet" car, and the result is a luxury triumph for Hyundai. With a 3.8L V6 delivering 290 hp, or a 4.6L V8 with 368 hp, either engine offers plenty of power for the road. The V6 returns 18/27 mpg city and highway, while the V8 shows 17/25 mpg.

Standard luxury features include leather interior with heated seats, alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and Bluetooth hands-free communication, plus a host of standard safety features, which means you don't have to compromise luxury and power for a secure experience.

Available colors include Champagne Beige Metallic, Black Noir Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Cabernet Red Pearl, Sterling Blue Metallic, Titanium Gray Metallic, Platinum Metallic, and White Satin Pearl.

The Genesis 3.8 is priced at $32,250, while the Genesis 4.6 starts at $37,250.

 

Value

Hyundai has been gaining serious ground on its Japanese, American, and even European competition with the increased quality and styling of its cars. The Genesis is another big step in the right direction. With V6 or V8 power, a long list of standard luxury and safety features, a smooth, comfortable ride, and an excellent warranty, Hyundai has placed is well-priced luxury sedan squarely in the faces of sedans from Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, and BMW.

 

Overview

The Hyundai Genesis is all-new for 2009, and the South Korean manufacturer has seized the opportunity to create a genuinely eye-catching, up-scale model.

Exterior styling blends all the best lines from all the best luxury sedans on the road today. The result is not so much derivative as it is quite attractive, and the well-proportioned car with its badgeless front grille is sure to turn heads.

The Genesis rides on an entirely new platform, with a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive setup sprung front and rear by 5-link suspension. Power comes from either a 3.8L V6 or a 4.6L V8. The V6 puts out a very respectable 290 hp and scoots the car to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds, while the flagship V8 delivers 368 hp and propels the Genesis to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds. Both engines feature continuously variable valve timing for increased efficiency, and both are mated to 6-speed automatics that offer Shiftronic manually controlled shifting. The V6 uses an Aisin-built gearbox, while the V8 employs one from ZF.

Outside, in addition to a body that offers a slippery .27 drag coefficient, you'll find power mirrors, halogen headlights, fog lights, tasteful chrome accents and either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

As it is inside the cabin that owners will spend most of their time, Hyundai pulled out all the stops to create a luxurious environment loaded with creature comforts. Standard on the Genesis 3.8 are heated leather seats, leather steering wheel and shift lever, cruise control, dual-zone climate control with filtration, power windows, push-button start, a CD/XM/MP3 stereo, Bluetooth hands-free communication, and HomeLink, which can operate compatible garage doors, gates, and home lighting and security systems.

Stepping up to the Genesis 4.6, you'll find a power rear sunshade, upgraded leather surfaces, woodgrain accents, power tilt and telescopic steering, power sunroof, and integrated memory, which recalls specific driver settings for the seat, mirrors and steering wheel.

The Genesis offers plenty of options as either standalone or part of package, which add to its appeal. They include amenities like High-Intensity Discharge headlights and adaptive lighting, which turns with the front wheels, front and rear parking assist sensors, a 14- or 17-speaker 528-watt Lexicon stereo with in-dash CD or DVD changers, navigation, back-up camera, a cooled driver's seat, and more.

Standard safety features in both Genesis models include dual front airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags. Electronic stability and traction controls help to ensure composure, and 4-wheel ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist work in harmony to halt the Genesis in a controlled hurry, if need be.