During the past couple months, one Asian automaker quietly retired its Gen X-targeted, entry-type effort while another gave birth to a high-end luxury nameplate as the auto universe maintains its balanced, Ying and Yang equilibrium.
After a dozen or so years as a mainstream alternative, Toyota bids ado to the Scion name, although many of the four-cylinder efforts get rebranded as Toyotas next year. Hyundai meanwhile welcomed aboard the aspirational Genesis name.
Both Scion and Genesis share one commonality. Both will exist or once existed within parental showroom. Scion cars shared floor space within Toyota dealers and Genesis does the same (for the short-term at least) under Hyundai roofs.
Hyundai 'Officially' unveiled the Genesis marque at the 2016 Detroit auto show in January, although word leaked, or gushed out, months earlier with Hyundai's leaky seal of approval.
Genesis already exists as a luxury sedan within Hyundai's 2016 lineup; in effect, Hyundai is building upon a respected identifier already respected within lineup. A similar slice and dice split took place in 2010 when the Dodge brand spun off and separated its truck lineup, promoting the already existing Ram name stamped upon full-size pickups as the emerging brand's umbrella identifier.
Genesis Brand vehicles arrive this summer as 2017 products. Prepare for yet another alpha-numeric lexicon from an import, luxury-affirmed automaker as one-time descriptive naming (such as Equus) morph into a swirly alphabet soup.
All 2017 Genesis sedan models begin with the prefix "G" (representing Genesis probably). The suffix portion remains numerically vague, but the higher the number, the higher the pricing. The current 2016 Hyundai Equus gets reborn as the fledgling brand's flagship G90 (complete with a next-generation redesign in 2017). This week's driveway tester, the
2016 Hyundai Genesis sedan, reemerges as G80 next year.
For now these two sedans anchor the 2017 Genesis lineup. Expect a crossover or two in subsequent years as well as a high-octane "N" sub brand to battle the likes of the BMW M, Mercedes-Benz AMG and Cadillac V-Series of ultimate horsepower (and ultimately priced) outputs.
In the meantime, back to 2016 and our Hyundai Genesis sedan, a value-driven proposal ensconced within a luxury cocoon.
Little changes from the 2015 model year, which saw a complete second-generation redo. Hyundai debuted Gen One in the 2009 model year to much fanfare. Two gas, direct injection engine selections and drivetrains return. A 3.8-liter V-6 delivers 311 horsepower while offering plush rear wheel or dependable all-wheel drive. The top-shelf 5.0-liter V-8 cranks out a well-muscled 420 horses with exclusive rear drive, currently Hyundai's most potent powertrain.
Both powertrains continue working in tandem with a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters allowing manual finger feedback. Also, HID headlights and LED daytime running lights are standard across the board.
Updated for 2016 is the V-8's ease of ordering. All V-8s now come fully loaded, including the once-optional Ultimate package. TheV-6 continues with three option packages: Signature (Sunroof, blind-spot detection), Tech (radar cruise control, lane departure warning) and Ultimate (matte finish wood and aluminum dashboard highlights).
A 2016 Genesis coupe is available with V-6 motive and rear drive. As of now, the 2017 Genesis Brand is sans a coupe; but expect a triumphant return sooner rather than later.
Pricing for a rear-drive V-6 starts at a luxury reasonable $38,750. Add $2,500 for all wheel drive. The top-line V-8 checks in at $53,850. These tantalizing numbers reflect the upstart Genesis Brand's key distinction: potent engines teamed with luxurious surroundings and pricing well below market averages.
Our V-6 all-wheel-drive tester with the three option packages (Signature: $3,900, Tech: $3,500 and Ultimate: $3,500) totaled $53,100 after adding a $950 destination charge.
Once situated behind the wheel, Genesis provides pleasant opulence without technology overload. Well marked (words together with icons) rows ventilation push buttons and dials create a driver-focused environment. Ensconced among the buttons; a distinguished analog clock complete with hashes and backlighting. Push button start, located right of the steering column, comes standard. Trunk and fuel door release buttons along with an electronic parking brake are dashboard bound left of the power tilt-and-telescope steering column.
As with many segment competitors an array of drive modes allow drivers to customize performance to the elements (Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow) via a tab aft the floor mounted shifter.
A simplistic yet effective workman like, three-dimensional instrument panel includes two large circular analog gauges with a digital center tutorial monitored by a right-side steering wheel control icon (cruise control operation is also nearby).
Supportive front buckets ensconce riders comfortably without a 'too-soft' fatigue factor; great for long-hauls. Both seats power multiple directions, including up and down, helpful considering a rather low-slung roof. Rear-seat leg room is limited compared to rivals. Genesis rates at the smaller end of the full-size spectrum. Equus (AKA G90) stands in as Hyundai's ultimate full-sizer. The well-balanced chassis provides a gliding experience on the open road.
Interacting with the in-dash 9.2-inch screen is accomplished multiple ways, including via a chrome circular twist/push knob and series of buttons between front buckets. For those more in tune with screen proximity, Genesis smartly includes secondary volume and station select dials and push-button opportunities below ventilation functions wrapped around a compact disc player. The three-spoke steering wheel also boasts volume and selection scrolls.
Exterior lines flow smoothly with few sharp or chiseled corners. Our tester's jet black exterior contrasted effectively with chrome-like piping surrounding side windows and accenting strap-like door handles. Red wrap-around taillight housing adds a distinguished flair. Black is one of nine exterior hues. A large, bold U-shaped front grille includes horizontal slates while a winged 'Genesis' is embossed on the hood.
Interestingly, the 'Hyundai' name is conspicuous in its absence. Apparently, the South Korean automaker likes keeping folks guessing about lineage. The Genesis logo also makes an appearance as a flood light ground projection emanating from side view mirrors during nocturnal cycles. Six-cylinder opt for 18-inch alloy wheels while the V-8 upsizes to 19.
Our V-6 tester's 16 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway registers a bit below average in a segment not known for fuel economy. Premium fuel is recommended, but not required with the V-8 while V-6 s gladly accepted regular 87-octane.
The hands-free power-activated lid works by standing within three feet of Genesis' back end for three seconds (with the key fob on person). No need for kicking or feet shuffling. Shutting the lid simply involves pushing an inside lid button (or pressing the key fob). The 15.3 inches of cubic space measures in as average for this segment.
Luxury car buyers remain a loyal bunch, so winning conquest sales from the likes of Mercedes-Benz or Lexus is a sizable task. Those moving up from pedestrian-type nameplates will find the value-driven Genesis brand tempting as too the generous 10-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2016 Hyundai Genesis sedan
Price as tested: $53,100
Wheelbase: 118.5 inches
Length: 196.5 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Engine: 3.8-liter V-6
Horsepower: 311
Curb weight: 4,295 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 10 year/100,000-miles
City/Highway economy: 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
Assembly: Ulsan, South Korea