Here is the article that was in today's Pittsburgh PostGazette on the Genesis sedan.
Hyundai Genesis gives competitors plenty to worry about
Thursday, March 19, 2009
By Don Hammonds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The recession is not the only problem facing the world's luxury automakers.
There is also Hyundai's all-new 2009 Genesis, a car that should be around long after the economy has recovered.
The Genesis shows what happens when an automaker pays attention to details.
Some of those details include comfortable flat, little surfaces built into the places where your fingers operate the turn signal, an exhaust note that makes the Geneis sound like a far more powerful car, and nicely illuminated ports for iPods and other devices.
Genesis sales have been doing well, with 2,319 sold in the first two months of 2009, according to Phil Lienert, Hyundai spokesman. "The anecdotal info we have gotten have been very positive."
Prices start at $32,250, which was the cost of our test model with no options. The test car was a dark blue Genesis 3.8, the V-6 version of this car. It has a 3.8-liter, 290-horsepower V-6 that has a fuel rating of 18 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. The acceleration was so brisk on this car that I thought at first I was driving a V-8, which is available if you think you need it.
Standard equipment is generous, of course, including power accessories, a Shiftronic six-speed automatic, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, stability control, side curtain air bags, fog lights, alloy wheels, leather seats, push-button start system, and a Bluetooth phone system.
The Genesis is all about comfort, with seating that feels downright luscious and illuminated controls that are easy to operate. And there is plenty of room for the driver and passengers.
The dashboard has three simple gauges with white lettering against a black surface. The exceptional audio system is completely intuitive. It's all set off by soft, ice blue lighting that has become a Hyundai trademark.
The handling is secure and predictable. The Genesis corners quite well, too.
Of course, some consumers will want a luxury car with more cachet and tradition. I have one word for them: Lexus.
"When Lexus came into the country without an established reputation … Toyota was in the same position that Hyundai is in today," said Mr. Lienert said. "We've been getting accolades from J.D. Powers and Associates and others and we were confident that the Genesis would do well."
Besides, plenty of customers are drawn to Hyundai for practical considerations, not the least of which is the 10 year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
Just about the only thing to fault on the Genesis is that the steering wheel was a little slippery -- but that is a minor consideration. The Genesis is so good it's scary -- especially for the competition.
Don Hammonds can be reached at dhammonds@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1538.
First published on March 19, 2009 at 12:00 am
Hyundai Genesis gives competitors plenty to worry about
Thursday, March 19, 2009
By Don Hammonds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The recession is not the only problem facing the world's luxury automakers.
There is also Hyundai's all-new 2009 Genesis, a car that should be around long after the economy has recovered.
The Genesis shows what happens when an automaker pays attention to details.
Some of those details include comfortable flat, little surfaces built into the places where your fingers operate the turn signal, an exhaust note that makes the Geneis sound like a far more powerful car, and nicely illuminated ports for iPods and other devices.
Genesis sales have been doing well, with 2,319 sold in the first two months of 2009, according to Phil Lienert, Hyundai spokesman. "The anecdotal info we have gotten have been very positive."
Prices start at $32,250, which was the cost of our test model with no options. The test car was a dark blue Genesis 3.8, the V-6 version of this car. It has a 3.8-liter, 290-horsepower V-6 that has a fuel rating of 18 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. The acceleration was so brisk on this car that I thought at first I was driving a V-8, which is available if you think you need it.
Standard equipment is generous, of course, including power accessories, a Shiftronic six-speed automatic, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, stability control, side curtain air bags, fog lights, alloy wheels, leather seats, push-button start system, and a Bluetooth phone system.
The Genesis is all about comfort, with seating that feels downright luscious and illuminated controls that are easy to operate. And there is plenty of room for the driver and passengers.
The dashboard has three simple gauges with white lettering against a black surface. The exceptional audio system is completely intuitive. It's all set off by soft, ice blue lighting that has become a Hyundai trademark.
The handling is secure and predictable. The Genesis corners quite well, too.
Of course, some consumers will want a luxury car with more cachet and tradition. I have one word for them: Lexus.
"When Lexus came into the country without an established reputation … Toyota was in the same position that Hyundai is in today," said Mr. Lienert said. "We've been getting accolades from J.D. Powers and Associates and others and we were confident that the Genesis would do well."
Besides, plenty of customers are drawn to Hyundai for practical considerations, not the least of which is the 10 year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
Just about the only thing to fault on the Genesis is that the steering wheel was a little slippery -- but that is a minor consideration. The Genesis is so good it's scary -- especially for the competition.
Don Hammonds can be reached at dhammonds@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1538.
First published on March 19, 2009 at 12:00 am
