– By Rod Fuller –
I’ve never thought of myself as a “limo” or “town car” driver; so when handed the keys to the Hyundai Genesis the thought of a big, heavy long wheel base sedan with all the responsiveness of a sponge, didn’t excite me.
But with Ford having already vacated this space in the market some time ago, and Holden to follow later this year, someone needs to step into the market to transport all the business people, politicians and celebrities behind tinted glass.
And there’s one manufacturer that has a reasonably priced large long wheel base sedan that could fill this void. Now where’s my chaffauer’s cap?
Seriously though Genesis is a supremely capable, luxurious, comfortable and spacious sedan. And is ideally suited to the hire car market, not to mention anyone who prefers a large sedan that is a joy to drive.
I was speaking with some hire car business people when I tested Genesis and they could not speak highly enough of the vehicle, having recently added some to their fleet. Customer feedback on the vehicle has been outstanding. One driver even commented to me that he couldn’t wait for his Caprice to be replaced, so he could get a Genesis as well. But why?
Well, for a start the styling is very distinctive, stylish and graceful, with a front end that reminds you of Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin.
Though you won’t ever forget the name because the Genesis branding is everywhere. From the approach lights on the exterior mirrors that project the Genesis logo onto the ground beside the car at night; to the Genesis bolts that hold the number plates on. It’s like being a member of an exclusive club.
It also goes a long way to identify this car as Genesis, not just a large Hyundai (even though there is still a Hyundai badge on the boot). To complete the transformation though, and to compete for customer’s against the Europeans, Genesis needs to stand-alone as a brand, not just a nameplate.
When driving one you can’t help but notice what a comfortable and quiet car it is. Ample power from the 232kw V6, is delivered effortlessly and smoothly by an eight speed transmission.
By adding gears to the box rather than going down the CVT route, Hyundai has engineered a beautifully refined and smooth transmission that doesn’t hide the torque of the engine and allows the driver to feel and appreciate the power that the engine delivers which makes driving a pleasure (Fuel economy is acceptable for such a large car, but could be improved if an engine stop/start system was available for city driving).
On the road it’s ride quality and handling characteristics are excellent and beautifully balanced, even on our sub-standard roads. But if you are pushing hard on a winding road at speed, you will find a bit of a wallow from the front end on turn in, even a bit of understeer, but nothing unacceptable or uncomfortable.
Inside luxury abounds with front and rear heated leather seats (the front seats are air ventilated and twelve way power adjusted as well), an absolutely astonishing seventeen speaker stereo system, with the usual array of Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, but strangely no DAB radio, which for a vehicle of this value and level of opulence may be an oversight.
A huge 9.2” display acts as the control centre for the audio system/satellite navigation/rear camera display, which also features ‘Around View Monitor’ (AVM) showing an overhead view of the car to assist in parking, showing obstacles either side of, as well to the front and rear of the car. So no excuses for scrapes or touch parks again.
Rear seat passengers also have access to the cars entertainment system and automatic rear window blind via controls mounted in the fold down centre armrest. A great idea for VIP’s on their way to the airport, but if you have young kids, best keep this feature hidden. That is of course unless you like sudden interjections of “The Wiggles” at full volume.
Hyundai offers a five year unlimited km warranty and free scheduled servicing for the first five years of ownership, followed by a lifetime capped servicing plan. All of which represent excellent value over the life of the car.
Genesis offers the best that Hyundai has to offer, it exudes luxury, style and sophistication at every turn. It is a beautifully balanced, comfortable and enjoyable car to drive. To be honest, after testing it, I didn’t want to give it back.
There are good cars, there are great cars and now there is GENESIS.
