Hyundai Genesis vs. Passat CC

[sesame60]

I am surprised that no one has listed the Passat CC as a competitor to the Genesis, so I am starting this thread. The Passat CC is very similar in many ways to the Genesis. Here are just a few examples:

(1) Pricing - The Passat CC and its different versions are priced in the same range as the Genesis V6 through V8 models.

(2) Marketing - The Passat CC is being marketed as an upscale VW entry into the low end luxury class similar to the Genesis.

(3) Design - The Genesis design has strong styling cues from BMW and Acura and Mercedes. The Passat CC has very strong styling cues from the Mercedes CLS.

Don't believe there are any Passat CC's out in the U.S (it will be introduced as a 2009 model), but they may already be out in Europe. Note that the European version gets some really nice features that the U.S version and Genesis do not have like adaptive cruise control (radar based) and lane departure warning system.

Thoughts??

 

[gipp]

Love the pictures I have seen of the Passat CC. It is substantially smaller than the Genesis and features the typical German VW interior. If you’re getting used to the Genesis interior it is a Teutonic step back in time. I had a VW Quantum that I just loved to death except for constant maintenance issues. My experience with the Quantum seems typical as VW seems to get middle of the pack quality ratings. If having a car no one else has is important to you I think the Passat CC should be in the game. Remember Fahrvergnügen! Perhaps it is back on the Passat CC.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

It's definitely a good looking car.. I don't find the interior very luxurious.. I'm also pretty sure it's not going to be as comfortable as the Hyundai Genesis.. However, it'll be another fine option for anyone looking for a "German" luxury car. I think the Genesis is closer to the Mercedes S-Class where the Passat CC is closer to the BMW 7-Series.

The Passat really has become a very good looking car.. I think this looks nicer than the new BMW 750..

 

[Jerrad]

My experience with VW has not been that good.

My last partner had a 2002 VW Jetta (he purchased 2 years old froma VW dealer) that was a decent everday car until problems started to happen. One day the passanger side window just fell of its track into the door which was not to bad but very uncommon for me and to top that off on another day he went to turn the car on and the battery exploded (shook the parcking structure he was parked in (seems there was a defect in the battery that was known by VW but never recalled) talk about scared s***less.

Needless to say after that we had the car towed to VW and they said " we will replace the battery at no charge". I stated what about the rest of the engine bay that was soaked with battery acid? Well I got them to replace all wiring in the engine bay at VW's cost then traded that car in after all work was complete.

That was my bad experience with VW, maybe just a fluke but a fluke I dont want to experience again.

 

[jwaters943]

I too have had bad experiences w/ VW. My worst being my 2002 VW Passat GLS 1.8T. In the 36 months I owned it, I had to take it into the dealership for 18 unscheduled warranty repair items. The problems began at about 6 months into ownership and never stopped. It was a lease and I returned it to the dealership w/ the Check Engine Light on. Everything from bad coil packs (6 replacements before they got it right), bad O2 sensors, warped rotors at 6k miles, burnt out headlights, defective radio headunit, peeling interior trim, faulty turn signal relays, faulty door ajar sensors, etc. It was a nightmare honestly. Many times another problem would pop up right as I was driving off the lot after taking it in for service. The most memorable and worst experience was when it left me stranded in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve (bad coil pack). In addition, my VW dealership was HORRIBLE to deal with and VW of America was no better. Many times I'd take it in for service in the morning and call around 5 p.m. to find out they never got to my car. Other times they wouldn't have any available appointments for 2-3 weeks. I still remember when I took it in to have them replace the REAR rotors and they replaced the FRONT rotors. The service tech didn't even take time to read the work order!

It will be a cold day in H*LL before I ever consider another VW. With that said, the CC looks very nice. One thing VW seems to excell at is the feeling of quality and fit and finish. They look and feel well assembled, but once the vaneer of quality wears off, they're quite problematic (statistically speaking).

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I had two Passats and they were actually very reliable.. One was brand new in 2004. The other was a couple of years old - 1999.. I heard all about the various issues Volkswagen had with their cars - but was very surprised to have none. That being said, they DO get bad reliability ratings...

 

[Jerrad]

burnt out headlights,

Oh yeah I forgot about the Headlight socket melting.

At first I was like oh well It just needs a new bulb then when I went to put the new bulb in I noticed the socket was melted.

 

[Par Avion]

VW's look nice, but I'm honestly scared to try one.

 

[oldsnwbrdr]

The Passat CC is all about exterior styling. Everything else about the car is standard Passat.

From this perspective it's like comparing a Genesis to a Honda Accord. I can't see anyone choosing the Passat over the Genesis.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

The Passat CC is all about exterior styling. Everything else about the car is standard Passat.

From this perspective it's like comparing a Genesis to a Honda Accord. I can't see anyone choosing the Passat over the Genesis.

I think both cars interest different buyers. Genesis is more Lexus and Mercedes. Passat is more BMW and Audi...

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[YEH]

Keep in mind that these 4 door coupes like the CLS and CC have poor headroom for tall passengers in the back (I don't consider myself that tall at 6'1" and I would be very uncomfortable in the back of those 2 models, as well as BMW's cross-over version).

 

[sesame60]

Some interesting replies. I've never owned a VW so can't comment on their reliability or lack thereof. It certainly seems like its hit or miss based on the comments above. Visually I find the car very appealing from the exterior. The interior does not excite me as much. The Genesis is definitely the bigger vehicle, and although its more conservative from a styling perspective, it also seems to be more consistent in its fit and finish. At a price tag of an estimated $40K for the top end Passat CC, I would much rather have the Genesis V8.

 

[bozzaj]

Some interesting replies. I've never owned a VW so can't comment on their reliability or lack thereof. It certainly seems like its hit or miss based on the comments above. Visually I find the car very appealing from the exterior. The interior does not excite me as much. The Genesis is definitely the bigger vehicle, and although its more conservative from a styling perspective, it also seems to be more consistent in its fit and finish. At a price tag of an estimated $40K for the top end Passat CC, I would much rather have the Genesis V8.

I just recently turned in a VW Phaeton, so I can share my experiences. Apparantely, my Phaeton was the least problematic out of all the Phaetons that my local dealership serviced. There were some high standards that VW tried to do with the Phaeton which brought about a lot of complaining such as the chrome trim discoloring and so forth.

The only problems I had with my car was an issue with the driver's door. The swing arm broke on the door and they had to replace the whole mechanism. I had a 2004, so it was a first year. They replaced it with a 2005 part and it was fine after that. I had an issue within the first month with their Infotainment Unit (Display/NAV Unit) - They replaced the entire unit and it was fine. A few other minor issues (center console latch broke, cupholder broke) but both of those were replaced under warranty.

The only outstanding issue was the "doors" on the vents in the dash. In heavy heat and humidity, the doors would stick when I first turned on the car. Within about 20 seconds they were fine, but the dealership was never able to fix the problem, even after replacing almost everything in the front (motors, controllers, etc). I think it was just a design flaw.

Overall, I was really happy with my VW experience though I don't trust VW to deliver on promises with options on their cars. With respect to the CC, there are a few options that are available in Europe but will not be available in the US, but supposedly will come at a later date. In my opinion, that means they'll never come. Also, keep in mind that the drive will essentially be the same drive as the current Passat. If you don't like that car, you probably won't like the CC.

I think the German-built VWs have been of a better quality, and the VW dealerships are a major hit or miss. Outside of the minor issues above, the main mechanical components of my Phaeton were rock solid and I was lucky to have an excellent tech (only one at my dealership allowed to work on Phaetons) that communicated with me on how things were being handled. I'll miss that car, but VW didn't have a replacement for what I was looking for. Supposedly the Phaeton will be coming back in 2-3 years, but we'll see.

I'll definitely be looking at the CC when it comes in, just to keep tabs on the new cars, but I don't think it'll be anywhere near the class that the Genesis is trying for.

 

[Michael_S]

I just recently turned in a VW Phaeton, so I can share my experiences. Apparantely, my Phaeton was the least problematic out of all the Phaetons that my local dealership serviced. There were some high standards that VW tried to do with the Phaeton which brought about a lot of complaining such as the chrome trim discoloring and so forth.

The only problems I had with my car was an issue with the driver's door. The swing arm broke on the door and they had to replace the whole mechanism. I had a 2004, so it was a first year. They replaced it with a 2005 part and it was fine after that. I had an issue within the first month with their Infotainment Unit (Display/NAV Unit) - They replaced the entire unit and it was fine. A few other minor issues (center console latch broke, cupholder broke) but both of those were replaced under warranty.

The only outstanding issue was the "doors" on the vents in the dash. In heavy heat and humidity, the doors would stick when I first turned on the car. Within about 20 seconds they were fine, but the dealership was never able to fix the problem, even after replacing almost everything in the front (motors, controllers, etc). I think it was just a design flaw.

Overall, I was really happy with my VW experience though I don't trust VW to deliver on promises with options on their cars. With respect to the CC, there are a few options that are available in Europe but will not be available in the US, but supposedly will come at a later date. In my opinion, that means they'll never come. Also, keep in mind that the drive will essentially be the same drive as the current Passat. If you don't like that car, you probably won't like the CC.

I think the German-built VWs have been of a better quality, and the VW dealerships are a major hit or miss. Outside of the minor issues above, the main mechanical components of my Phaeton were rock solid and I was lucky to have an excellent tech (only one at my dealership allowed to work on Phaetons) that communicated with me on how things were being handled.

Did you like the Phaeton itself? I wasn't thrilled by the styling, but I got the impression from many reviews that it was a surprisingly good luxury car held back from good sales mostly by brand snobbery among luxury car buyers.

As you probably know, it shares a basic platform with the Audi A8 and some Bentley models, but to save costs the Phaeton used steel where they used aluminum. The car was over 5,000 pounds - bad on gas, but a complete tank for superb crash safety.

I'll miss that car, but VW didn't have a replacement for what I was looking for. Supposedly the Phaeton will be coming back in 2-3 years, but we'll see.

The last I read, the next Phaeton will be just slightly larger and slightly more expensive than the Passat, and not another juggernaut.

I'll definitely be looking at the CC when it comes in, just to keep tabs on the new cars, but I don't think it'll be anywhere near the class that the Genesis is trying for.

Volkswagen offers manual transmissions and some pretty impressive technical doodads. But if nothing else, the Genesis is dramatically larger inside than the Passat.

 

[bozzaj]

Did you like the Phaeton itself? I wasn't thrilled by the styling, but I got the impression from many reviews that it was a surprisingly good luxury car held back from good sales mostly by brand snobbery among luxury car buyers.

I loved the drive. It was definitely more of a luxury ride over a sporty ride, though you could adjust a bit of that with the three (four?) suspension modes. The car "learned" your driving style a bit as well. I noticed the difference when I used my wife's key.

As you probably know, it shares a basic platform with the Audi A8 and some Bentley models, but to save costs the Phaeton used steel where they used aluminum. The car was over 5,000 pounds - bad on gas, but a complete tank for superb crash safety.

Yeah - My accountant has an A8L. I think the weight of the car (steel frame) was what helped to give the car a more comfortable "luxury" drive. The Audi was a bit more sporty and I felt that I liked the way the Phaeton drove a bit more.

The last I read, the next Phaeton will be just slightly larger and slightly more expensive than the Passat, and not another juggernaut.

Supposedly, they'll be bringing a short-wheel base back. As long as they keep the seats, I'd be happy. The seats were awesome. 18-way adjustable for the driver, 16-way adjustable for the passenger. Not to mention the lumbar massager feature. My wife used that with the heat setting all the time. That's been one of my biggest issues with everything I've tested - The seats don't match up. I'm not really a "sport-seat" fan, but I'm trying to get around that. Also, I have such long legs that I'm really going to miss the leg extension feature - the front part of the seat cushion adjusted forward to extend a bit, which made it feel more comfortable for me.

Volkswagen offers manual transmissions and some pretty impressive technical doodads. But if nothing else, the Genesis is dramatically larger inside than the Passat.

That's probably one of the things that will push me away from the CC. The Genesis is close to the same size (interior) as my Phaeton. The biggest difference is the spacing in the back seat. I was able to sit in the back (6'4") without my knees hitting and I didn't feel like a sardine. The Genesis is similar, but with the driver's seat all the way back, it's a tiny bit tighter. If you look at the specs on paper, Phaeton had 43.1" rear legroom where the Genesis has 38.6. Genesis beats out the Phaeton for front legroom - 44.3" over 41.7", so overall it'll be fine since I may not have to push my seat all the way back.

 

[pat63]

of course i go for passat cc.. the vm passat has been already improved for comfort gaining active ventilation for heating and cooling.. it has also unique and strong exterior/interior styling which is i actually like...
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[RonP]

We just got a CC as a Company errand car. Inside the car it is no comparison with the Genesis! Genesis is far better!, drivng the car with the small side windows etc. is like looking out of a cave. Close the door, and you do NOT get the solid souind and feel as in the Genesis.

 

[Sayantsi]

I drove a CC on my way to test drive a Genesis, and I wasn't impressed. Throttle tip in is mushy so I almost got a queasy feeling as I drove the car and waited for the gas to kick in, there is nice room in the car but no headroom, and the rear view mirror blocked my vision due to its large size and low placement, due to the low ceiling. Also, its fwd unless you go with the $40k VR6, and it has a short warranty.

Its definitely a looker, its a decent car handling wise, but I got a Genesis sedan that drives better, is roomier, looks just as good, has rwd, a better warranty, and was $6k less.

 

[GumbyN]

This is a very interesting thread. I have been looking at the CC myself, but thought I was the outlier! I like the looks and features but think it's slow and a bit overpriced. I will be coming off of a 39 month Touareg lease in January (2007 V6 with nav). I feel I should keep an open mind with VW as you never know what kind of "loyalty rewards" they might offer (not holding my breath). I don't want another SUV, and the CC is the only VW car that is appealing to me.

My Touareg has been VERY nice to drive. The experience started with a dealer who was easy to work with and reasonable on the price (Gunther in Ft Lauderdale). The interior is very clean and appealing. The ride quality - particularly at highway speeds - is superb. The only glitches were a turn signal problem and the accelerator was initially hypersensitive. Both were handled in a single appointment. Of course, it isn't the quickest and the gas mileage (~17 MPG combined) leaves something to be desired, but I knew that going in.

I was lucky enough to briefly test drive a Genesis 2009 4.6 Tech last week. I REALLY appreciate all of the info everyone has posted on here. I was better prepared to evaluate the Genesis than any of my previous 7 purchases / leases. I had previously driven the car at a closed track event here in South Florida, but that was a brief teaser. Last week I was able to open up that wonderful Tau on I-75... of course I was very impressed.

The only thing I didn't like was a buffeting sound that occurred during normal breaking in city traffic. This was strictly an acoustic phenomenon. There was NO tactile feedback thru the break pedal, the steering wheel, or even the seat of my pants. The salesman didn't seem to notice it until I pointed it out - three times. The windows were up and the sunroof was closed (even if there was a crack in the roof's sealing, I didn't sense the variations in air pressure that I associated with that).

Again, thanks again for all the information that owners have posted. It’s clear the car isn’t perfect, but it does seem to be the most bang for the buck in that price range.

Regards,
Gumby

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

I've said in other threads that the CC was my first choice last November. I was coming out of a V6 Passat w/AWD, and LOVED the styling of the CC. Then I saw the Genesis, did the comparison(s), and for the same $$ got a V8 with a 17 speaker surround system (versus the Dynaudio stereo I'd lived with for the previous 3 years).
I still think the CC is a beautiful car though.