Hyundai Motors, once known simply as a provider of lower-cost, basic transit, took a giant leap forward in 2009 with the debut of the rear-drive Genesis sedan. A 1990's-era Hyundai Excel it is not.
Built for performance, a two-door coupe joined the Genesis lineup in the 2010 model year. Both offer a great deal of value when compared with others throughout the rear-drive sports-sedan segment. Total 2012 Genesis sales ended at 33,973 units, a two percent increase from the previous year. For a brief moment in time, Genesis served as Hyundai's flagship nameplate until the extended-size Equus arrived in the 2011 model year.
Genesis and Equus also bring a new demographic into the mix. Since Genesis' 2008 launch, the share of Hyundai buyers with household incomes north of $100,000 has increased by 25 percent. Size wise, Genesis measures three inches longer than Hyundai's mid-size, front-drive Azera but five inches shorter than the luxury-dimensioned Equus.
Earlier this January at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Hyundai offered a stylish glimpse of the second-generation Genesis due out in the 2015 model year. Only time will tell if rear-hinged back doors found on the HCD-14 Genesis concept will make it to production, but expect adaption of the 'Fluidic Sculpture' architecture. This 'long, light and low' Hyundai template was incorporated into recent redesigns of Azera, Sonata, Elantra and Accent sedans.
In 2013, the sedan's marketing strategy simplifies significantly with one V-6 and one V-8 offering, both featuring fuel-extending gasoline-direct injection engine technology. Each engine represents its own trim designation, so once the engine is selected, so too is the trim level. In fact, the high-compression 5.0 R-SPEC V-8 comes fully loaded with no factory options. While the R-SPEC limits most decision-making anxiety, prospective shoppers do have to flip a coin and choose one of two interior colors: Jet Black or Cashmere. Six-cylinder models add a third option: Saddle. Six exterior color choices must also be debated.
Also new this year; an updated 'driver information system.' Standard in R-SPEC, optional in V-6 and featuring an eight-inch in-dash display screen, it' simplifies audio, in-dash navigation and hands-free phone functions. Between front buckets is a rotating/spring-loaded dial serving as a selector for commands appearing on the non-touch screen. Nearby, popular 'hot buttons' allow quicker access to commonly requested navigation map and home pages. Overall, the system remains fairly intuitive, although programing station pre-sets for standard satellite radio took a while to uncover. Ventilation functions smartly remain separate, accessible from a smiley-face array of push buttons below the large, colorful screen. Directly below are blasts from the past Mad Men era....an ash tray with cigarette lighter. A USB, iPod and auxiliary plug-in ports along with a 12-volt outlet are found on the lower level of the bi-level arm rest.
A complimentary one year trial of Hyundai's 'Blue Link' is included. The two-year-old Hyundai-owned Blue Link telematics interface consists of up to 30 different features (connected to a central server), including voice-text messaging and monthly vehicle maintenance reports. A push button located on the rear-view mirror frame (a second one is also found among hot button functions) connects occupants with the system, working in tandem with the screen.
Both the V-6 and V-8 power plants perform in sync with a silky-smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and utilize regular, 87-octane fuel; although the V-8 engine recommends premium grade for a horsepower bump to 429 from 421. The V-8 delivers a ho-hum 25 miles per gallon highway and so-so 16 mpg city. The 333 horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 ups the ante three miles highway and two city.
Pricing for the well-equipped 2013 Genesis 5.0 R-SPEC checks in at $46,800. With no factory options in the picture, our tester's bottom line ended at $47,675 with $875 destination charge. A V-6 Genesis sedan starts at $34,200. Keep in mind V-6 editions offer two option packages: Premium ($4,800) and Technology ($4,300). A prerequisite to the Technology package is the purchase of the Premium. Premium includes glass power sunroof, seven-inch DVD navigation touch screen and leather-wrapped dashboard. The Tech package includes six-disc DVD changer, radar cruise control, lane departure warning and heated/cooled driver's seat.
Powertrain warranty coverage (engine, transmission, drivetrain) is one of the industries longest at 10 years/100,000 miles for original owners. If a Genesis or any other Hyundai sold to a second owner, coverage for the subsequent party is five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the manufacturing date.
The long, narrow instrument panel includes two three-quarter circle gauges flanked by smaller quarter-circles (temperature left, fuel level right). It's illuminated at night and during the day with white backlighting, and darkens with the ignition off. In the center is a small square-like info readout including miles until empty, animated compass and average fuel consumption options. Standard push-button start is right of the power tilt and telescope steering column, which rises up out of harm's way when exiting.
The moon roof and sliding panel covers row one exclusively. The serpentine dash curves inward at the sides while slithering out in the middle. This design goes without the more traditional center stack column. The electronic parking brake controls are found on the dash's far left side. Ultra-premium leather surfaces (optional in V-6 editions) are comfortable, pliable while not overly firm. Thin, brushed aluminum stripping adorns the Jet Black dash.
Row two remains wide enough for three adults, although the sandwiched sole must content with the vertical floor hump. Outboard riders experience scooped backrests for extra comfort. A fold-down arm rest includes cup holders and heated seat controls. Headroom is ample in both rows and B-pillar-mounted air vents keep air flow constant. Seatbacks do not fold down but an access window behind the arm rest allows stowage of long, thin items (snow skis perhaps)? The 15.9 cubic foot trunk (decent for this full-size segment) includes a flat floor panel which lifts up to reveal a temporary spare tire and conventional battery. This battery location optimizes balance front-to-back, enhancing ride comfort.
A low profile exterior gets tempered with large, 19-inch tires (V-6 models have 17-inch sizes standard, 18-inch optional). Dual, inlayed chrome-tip exhausts add fuel to the fire. Chrome trim boarders side windows and adorns strap-like door handles, although handles are sans lighting elements found in some rivals. Side-view mirrors do include secondary blinker bands to warn traveling neighbors of impending lane changes. These mirrors tilt down when shifting into reverse, providing a better perspective of what's behind along with the rear-camera feed from the center dash display. Narrowing creases follow the hood from the windshield end to the horizontally winged front grille between cat's-eye shaped Xenon headlight housing. Interesting, the grille is sans Hyundai's circular logo. Perhaps the South Korean automaker wants the adoring public to contemplate the vehicle's origin.
Genesis is the Family's sporty bad boy. Expect immediate braking action when tapping the pedal. Engine noise remains surprisingly muted. This vehicle glides on highways with a silly amount of gusto in reserve. While enthusiasts of the V-8 driven Jaguar XJL (and $72,900 starting price tag) may never be persuaded to Genesis' corner, it's an aspirational choice of Sonataians.
2013 Hyundai Genesis sedan
Price as tested: $47,675
Wheelbase: 115.6 inches
Length: 196.3 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
Horsepower: 429
Curb weight: 4,154 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 10 year/100,000-miles
City/Highway economy: 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
Assembly: South Korea