2009 Genesis could start something for Hyundai
Print
Email
Save
Reprints
Twitter
Share
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Hyundai’s 2009 Genesis is a rear-wheel drive luxury performance sedan that has hit the mid-size luxury sedan segment like a tidal wave.
Competing with luxury nameplates like Lexus, Infiniti and Cadillac, the Genesis could be the start of something big for the Korean automaker.
The car was named the 2009 North American Car of the Year, but the automobile industry has a tendency to forget about yesterday. Like my old editor used to say, “I don’t care about your story in the paper this morning. What have you got for me tomorrow?”
Hyundai has already followed up the 2009 Genesis with the 2010 Genesis coupe, which is a sportier, less luxurious automobile than the sedan.
The 2009 Genesis sedan, however, is quite a remarkable first effort at luxury from Hyundai. And the company announced Wednesday that an even more luxurious car — badged as the Equus in the Korean market — will arrive in the U.S. next year.
The Genesis starts at $32,230 for the base model with a 290-horsepower V-6 engine, and $37,000 with the 4.6-liter V-8 that has 375 horses. I have had the opportunity to drive both, and the V-8 definitely is the power lifter of the two. The V-6 has 264 lb.-ft of torque, compared to 333 lb.-ft. in the bigger engine.
The V-6 is EPA rated at 18 miles per gallon in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. The mileage doesn’t suffer that much with the V-8, which is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the road.
The V-6 is mated to an Aisin 6-speed transmission with Shiftronic, and the V-8 has a high-output ZF 6-speed transmission to handle the added torque and horsepower.
The Genesis has everything the discriminating luxury auto buyer wants in a mid-size sedan: high-definition XM Satellite radio and a 6-disc CD changer, a Lexicon 17-speaker surround sound system with auxiliary jacks, navigation, Bluetooth, a back-up camera, high intensity discharge auto-leveling adaptive headlights, front and rear parking assist sensors, heated and ventilated power seats, power tilt and slide sun roof, illuminated scuff plates, electrochromatic side mirrors, leather dash, leather and wood steering wheel, and a keyless entry system with pushbutton start.
There may be options available, but I wouldn’t call the above a short list. In fact, the Lexicon audio system can be found in only two vehicles: the Genesis and the Rolls Royce Phantom.
The Genesis also has anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control systems, advanced front airbags, side impact airbags and side curtains, active head restraints and a tire pressure monitoring system. As a result, the Genesis gets five stars in front and side crash tests as well as in the rollover category.
If there is a weakness in this car, it is in design. The plain exterior wrapping, nearly badgeless save for a Hyundai symbol in back, needs more pizzazz. And besides, if I had made a car as fine as this one for the money, I’d put Genesis badging all over the thing.
With affordable luxury backed by a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, you should absolutely drive the 2009 Hyundai Genesis before making any decisions in the mid-size luxury sedan segment.
 | ||||
| Most Popular | Most Emailed | Hot Topics | ||
