In the same way South Korea has slowly but steadily established itself as a major player in the world's entertainment, beauty and technological scene with musicians like PSY, television hits like Winter Sonata, multiple makeup brands, plastic surgery and Samsung phones, its cars have also kept pace with that development, progressing beyond being just another mass market vehicle manufacturer and into one that is on par with the Japanese and even the Germans.
Case in point, the second generation Hyundai Genesis sedan you see here. Reflecting the Korean carmaker's 'Modern Premium' brand direction, the car is Hyundai's first foray into the competitive premium segment where the Germans, together with Lexus, have long dominated.
Exterior
On first impressions alone, the Hyundai certainly has got the luxe look well sorted, which explains why 3,500 Koreans had signed on the dotted line for the car when it was first launched there in the winter of 2013. And with its enigmatic winged Genesis emblem on its nose and tail, one can be forgiven for not knowing of the Genesis' South Korean origins. Hints of Jaguar and Lexus might have given the impression that the Genesis was a European make, but it's the emblem that throws people off. While the wings hint at Bentley, the 'Genesis' moniker, is entirely new.
Case in point, the second generation Hyundai Genesis sedan you see here. Reflecting the Korean carmaker's 'Modern Premium' brand direction, the car is Hyundai's first foray into the competitive premium segment where the Germans, together with Lexus, have long dominated.
Exterior
On first impressions alone, the Hyundai certainly has got the luxe look well sorted, which explains why 3,500 Koreans had signed on the dotted line for the car when it was first launched there in the winter of 2013. And with its enigmatic winged Genesis emblem on its nose and tail, one can be forgiven for not knowing of the Genesis' South Korean origins. Hints of Jaguar and Lexus might have given the impression that the Genesis was a European make, but it's the emblem that throws people off. While the wings hint at Bentley, the 'Genesis' moniker, is entirely new.
Elsewhere, the car's dignified form combines a muscular stance with elegant sophistication. In particular, the deep front grille, defined HID head lights with LED daytime running and taillights, look distinctly German in its implementation - making it appealing to drivers who enjoy subtlety.
Throughout the 4,990mm by 1,890mm by 1,480mm (L x W x H) large executive sedan, the only sign of its affiliation to Hyundai is under the bonnet, where the Hyundai brand name features on the engine cover. In terms of its dimensions, this car slots right in between the European competition it pits itself against. It's 91mm longer than an executive-sized BMW 5 Series, but 229mm shorter than a 7 Series limousine.
For this writer, the Genesis proved to be an ideal size for added space for passengers without having to worry about the mass of a bigger car. And with its 3,010mm wheelbase (42mm more than the 5 Series), ample legroom is guaranteed.
Throughout the 4,990mm by 1,890mm by 1,480mm (L x W x H) large executive sedan, the only sign of its affiliation to Hyundai is under the bonnet, where the Hyundai brand name features on the engine cover. In terms of its dimensions, this car slots right in between the European competition it pits itself against. It's 91mm longer than an executive-sized BMW 5 Series, but 229mm shorter than a 7 Series limousine.
For this writer, the Genesis proved to be an ideal size for added space for passengers without having to worry about the mass of a bigger car. And with its 3,010mm wheelbase (42mm more than the 5 Series), ample legroom is guaranteed.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the Genesis Grand variant we test drove offered the same sublime 'feel' that you'd come to expect from a car in the premium segment. The design of the spacious interior is clean and simple, with comfortable leather seats for five and suede-lined A-pillars and ceiling contributing to the cosy atmosphere.
Where the Genesis lacks in premium leather upholstery in fancy colourways with contrast stitching and textured veneer panels lining the dashboard, the car makes up for it with an extensive array of high-end features.
These include automatic soft-closing doors, an electronic tailgate to access the 493 litres of real estate in the boot, a head-up display, digital instrument cluster on the dashboard, front and rear cameras and pre-emptive seat belts that tighten up when the car senses potential risk, such as when the driver rounds a corner at speed.
Inside the cabin, the Genesis Grand variant we test drove offered the same sublime 'feel' that you'd come to expect from a car in the premium segment. The design of the spacious interior is clean and simple, with comfortable leather seats for five and suede-lined A-pillars and ceiling contributing to the cosy atmosphere.
Where the Genesis lacks in premium leather upholstery in fancy colourways with contrast stitching and textured veneer panels lining the dashboard, the car makes up for it with an extensive array of high-end features.
These include automatic soft-closing doors, an electronic tailgate to access the 493 litres of real estate in the boot, a head-up display, digital instrument cluster on the dashboard, front and rear cameras and pre-emptive seat belts that tighten up when the car senses potential risk, such as when the driver rounds a corner at speed.
As standard for a car of its intention, the Genesis comes with electronically adjustable seats, touchscreen infotainment system on the centre console and ventilated seats as standard. Passengers at the rear (usually the towkay) also get control of the entertainment system with Lexicon speakers, climate control and seat adjustments for the front seats.
Interestingly, the button that activates the navigation system is located externally near the driver's left leg. While it took a spot of luck to figure out just where the button was, it's certainly a welcome addition.
On the move, the Genesis boasts an excellent ride quality with its adaptive suspension system cushioning against even the hardest speed humps to deliver a comfortable ride throughout. For additional comfort, Hyundai's engineers have made special effort in noise insulation to make long journeys a little more peaceful.
Interestingly, the button that activates the navigation system is located externally near the driver's left leg. While it took a spot of luck to figure out just where the button was, it's certainly a welcome addition.
On the move, the Genesis boasts an excellent ride quality with its adaptive suspension system cushioning against even the hardest speed humps to deliver a comfortable ride throughout. For additional comfort, Hyundai's engineers have made special effort in noise insulation to make long journeys a little more peaceful.
The Drive
Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine that's mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the Genesis feels very muscular behind the wheel, with its hearty V6 letting out a deep throaty growl whenever the pressure on the accelerator is increased.
And while the car may weigh in at just under 1.9 tonnes, the 311bhp and 397Nm of torque (9bhp more than a top-end 5 Series and 56bhp more than the base 7 Series) on tap is capable of propelling the car from nought to a hundred in just 6.5 seconds before topping out at 240km/h.
While the car can be quick, and especially responsive in Sport mode (Eco, Normal and Snow modes are also available with each mode modifying the damping accordingly), it can feel a bit heavy on occasions, such as when you need to join a crowded expressway. From the low to mid and high ranges, the car accelerates keenly, with the automatic eight-speeder shifting gears effortlessly. And depending on your driving style, the Genesis could return you a decent 8.9km/L as published.
As a testament to the Genesis' solid build, we often unknowingly crept over the speed limit at many points over the 200 odd kilometres we put the car through. To stay out of trouble, we opted to take advantage of the car's adaptive cruise control while the blind spot monitors functioned as extra eyes, looking out for vehicles around us.
Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine that's mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the Genesis feels very muscular behind the wheel, with its hearty V6 letting out a deep throaty growl whenever the pressure on the accelerator is increased.
And while the car may weigh in at just under 1.9 tonnes, the 311bhp and 397Nm of torque (9bhp more than a top-end 5 Series and 56bhp more than the base 7 Series) on tap is capable of propelling the car from nought to a hundred in just 6.5 seconds before topping out at 240km/h.
While the car can be quick, and especially responsive in Sport mode (Eco, Normal and Snow modes are also available with each mode modifying the damping accordingly), it can feel a bit heavy on occasions, such as when you need to join a crowded expressway. From the low to mid and high ranges, the car accelerates keenly, with the automatic eight-speeder shifting gears effortlessly. And depending on your driving style, the Genesis could return you a decent 8.9km/L as published.
As a testament to the Genesis' solid build, we often unknowingly crept over the speed limit at many points over the 200 odd kilometres we put the car through. To stay out of trouble, we opted to take advantage of the car's adaptive cruise control while the blind spot monitors functioned as extra eyes, looking out for vehicles around us.
The front engine rear-wheel drive Genesis may be a large car, but it hides its size well and handles easily in the city. For this, we have the nicely weighted steering, front and rear cameras, and proximity sensors to thank. And when the parking gets tough, the car’s Park Assist system can be counted upon to eliminate the stress of parking in narrow lots.
Conclusion
Taking everything about Hyundai Genesis into account, it's clear that the Korean carmaker has put together an impressive car that could soon hustle its way into the luxury segment of the market where brands like BMW, Audi, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz have long been stalwarts.
And when you consider the $251,988 (as of 5th June 2015) price tag of the Genesis Grand variant here, it's a car that offers tremendous bang for the buck. Especially since the possible continental car of a similar size that you could get for the same kind of money is an entry level executive sedan.
Weighing up the dollars and sense, the Genesis is one very compelling choice.
Conclusion
Taking everything about Hyundai Genesis into account, it's clear that the Korean carmaker has put together an impressive car that could soon hustle its way into the luxury segment of the market where brands like BMW, Audi, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz have long been stalwarts.
And when you consider the $251,988 (as of 5th June 2015) price tag of the Genesis Grand variant here, it's a car that offers tremendous bang for the buck. Especially since the possible continental car of a similar size that you could get for the same kind of money is an entry level executive sedan.
Weighing up the dollars and sense, the Genesis is one very compelling choice.
