2009 Hyundai Genesis
3.8 and 4.6-liter Premium Sport Sedan Reviewed by Susan Frissell |
|
 |
All new for 2009, the
Hyundai Genesis, now the flag ship for the manufacturer, is a pleasure
to drive. Once planned by Hyundai to be included in a "luxury" division
of the automaker, the full-size, V8 Genesis competes with the best of
them; namely, Lexus ES350, Pontiac G8, Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300C,
Lexus GS, Infiniti M, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class. In fact, it
somewhat resembles a Mercedes model. Just below the Genesis
is the mid-size Azera, which has done well since its introduction, according
to Hyundai's Michael Deitz, manager of product development. So
pricing Genesis upwards of $39,000 put it in a category of its own,
and made it a better competitor for the big luxury guns. Running alongside
the likes of a BMW 750 and Mercedes-Benz S550, the Genesis looks a lot
more affordable.
We test drove both
the V8 (4.6-liter, 375 hp.) and V6 3.8-liter, 290 hp.) versions, and
found the V6 version to offer plenty of power and a little fuel savings.
Genesis fuel economy comes in at 18/27 for the V6 and 17/25 mpg for
the V8 version. Not a big difference, if you're longing to own/drive
a V8 again. The
first real-wheel-drive sedan for Hyundai, Genesis is available in both
V6 and V8 models, both smooth and quiet. The V8 is quicker off the line
but do we really need that? Some do, especially when comparing the likes
of a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, LexusŠand/or Hyundai. The
interior is nicely appointed and user-friendly with a feeling of spaciousness.
Seating is comfortable and leather plush. Standard electronic stability
and traction control assure safe driving during winter months, not something
V8's offered in the past. Wide-profile 18-inch radials add to a softer
ride in spite of the fact that the Genesis is a car with a sports-tuned
suspension. It doesn't feel stiff like some of its
competitors (read Infiniti, BMW). The
dash and surrounding leather-trim doors make for a luxury feel. Seat
stitching gives the Genesis an upscale look. We especially liked the
trunk and gas cap release buttons mounted on the driver door. The trunk
is generous, which isn't to say the rear seating is comfortable for
more than three passengers. The
visors house lighted vanity mirrors and a credit card holder for convenience.
There is a dash-mounted power plug and plug/USB outlet under the center
armrest. The power sunshade kept going up/down periodically and we couldn't
figure out why. It took a few minutes to figure out which button we
had unintentionally hit. A pass-through is available in the rear seat
armrest; handing if you have long items to be toted. The
Genesis V8 pricing starts at $37,250; the V6, $32,250. Our V8 test vehicle
quickly headed upward of $40,000; the V8, $36,000. The standard equipment
list on the V8 is long and includes A/C, ABS, side-curtain airbags,
power window/door/locks/sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, multi-adjust power
front seat and Bluetooth phone system, among other expected amenities
in this level of vehicle. The V6 also comes well equipped with some
of the same goodies, including the above and options (on our test car):
Premium Plus Package (18-inch Hyper Silver Alloy wheels with 235/50R18
tires, Lexicon 14-speaker Premium Surround Sound Audio System in dash
6-Disc CD changer, leather-wrapped dash/door trim, power sunroof with
tilt/slide; power tilt and telescopic steering column, integrated memory
system, rain sensing wipers, auto-defogging windshield, $3,000). |
|
SPECS Genesis V8 MSRP: $37,250; total vehicle price $42,000; destination $750 Engine: 4.6-liter DOHC V8, 32-valve, 368/375 horsepower, Transmission: ZF 6-speed Auto with SHIFTRONIC Shift Function Wheelbase: 115.6 in. Width: 73.4 in. Height: 58.3 in. Length: 195.9 in. Tires: P235/50R18 Wheels: 18-inch alloy Warranty: 10 yrs/100,000-mile powertrain, 5 yrs/60,000-mile basic, 5 yr/unlimited
miles roadside assistance Genesis V6 MSRP: $32,250; total vehicle price $36,000, destination $750 Engine: 3.8-liter DOHC V6, 24-valve, 290 horsepower Transmission: Alsin 6-speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC Shift Function Wheelbase: 115.6 in. Width: 73.4 in. Height: 58.3 in. Length: 195.9 in. Tires: 235/50R18 Wheels: Hyper Silver alloy, 18-inch |
|