Vehicle: 2009 Hyundai Genesis V8 with Technology Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$48995

Performance: Being a high-perfomance sports luxury sedan, its best to have both V6 and V8 as sole engine choices. In Genesis’s case, both of these V6 and V8 are world-class. While the base 3.8 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with 290hp and 324lb/ft of torque is extremely good, the uplevel DOHC 32-valve 4.8 liter V8 is great. Both come with Hyundai’s variable valve timing CVVT. Not only this V8 is able to consume regular gasoline with slight hp penalty vs premium gasoline, 368 vs 375 to be exact. But frankly, in real life experience, you won’t feel any difference. What a driver really feels is how refined, flexible and powerful this 375 ponies put through its paces. The level of refinment, NVH and flexability are up to any standards set by Mercedes and Lexus. On the other hand, the bottom rev range is eager thanks to 333 lb/ft of torque only arrives at 3500rpm. In regular gas’s case, its slightly less at 324 lb/ft of torque. All the delivery are through the exceptional 6-speed Shiftronic by ZF. The shifts are crisp and smooth, while perfectly matched with this V8’s performance character. The gear ratios are ideal with the 1st and 2nd gears are low enough for enthuisastic launch, 3rd and 4th are good for acceleration while 5th and 6th are perfect for relaxed cruising on the freeway. On the other hand, the manumatic mode would make this engine even more responsive. Which means it encourages shifting at the redline during up and downshifts are an added bonus. The same also applies to V6’s automatic gearbox. What really surprise is how much both of these motors love to rev pass redline, which is rare occassions in luxury cars that only focus on mid and low rev range.

Handling: Hyundai’s first foray into the rear-drive platform already created a very praise for this Genesis. The platform is strong and solid, without any sorts of cracks and rattles. Hyundai has emphasis the excellent front/rear weight distribution of 50/50 to create balanced driving experience. The result is simply astouishing. With Genesis’s emphasis more on comfort than all-out handling, its driving dynamics is actually extermely capable in all circumstances. There are slight body rolls that are able to settle itself after a set, while the Electronic Stability Control has large enough threshold for some oversteer before it starts to correct any driver’s error. On the other hand, the ride is comfortable with a sense of European suppleness. That’s very obvious consider Hyundai has made no bones that Genesis has targeted German heavyweights for their supple yet firm ride quality. The low-speed ride has a bit of floatiness that won’t feel uncontrolled. The steering provides plenty of feel and response, with decent weight on high speed. That leaves us to the only pet peeve of the overall wonderful Genesis dynamics, that is the featherweight on low speed. Pushed through corners, Genesis is able to entertain its driver as well as cozy its passengers with world-class ride quality. This is indeed a very impressive dynamic package. If this platform already able to create such a highly capable luxury car, just imagine how sweet the Genesis coupe will be.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Genesis’s braking prowess is as impressive as its handling and performance aspects. Given Genesis V8’s weighting in at 4012 lb, the stopping distance is nothing short of amusing. Both the pedal feel and modulation are excellent, while ABS acts only when necessary. Best of all, its brake assist won’t grab driver’s right foot during emergency situations like many of its rivals do.

Interior: Genesis’s use of materials and fit-and-finish are flawless. Everything from the soft leather seats to the tasteful use of aluminum trim have put together a very nicely attired interior. The leather-wrapped dashboard has created a very classy and rich atmosphere for the beautifully crafted interior. The center console is nicely layout with efficient auto climate control and that wonderful Lexicon sound system in our Technology Pkg.

There are plenty of head and legrooms at the back of the Genesis.

When it comes to cargo space, there are aplentry in the Genesis. While the liftover is a bit high, there are lots of room inside for all the luggage 4 to 5 persons need. If there is a drawback, however, its only have ski pass through instead of a proper 60/40 split fold-down rear seats.

Conclusion: Amazing is just an understatement to describe the new Genesis. This car is the game changer in the luxury car business. It has the ambience, quality, design, refinement, drivability and road presence to challenge the best of rising sun with signficant price advantage. This car is able to do to the Japanese luxury nameplates as what they did to German luxury nameplates back in the early 90s. In short, this could well be the best car I have ever tested so far this year.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Hyundai Genesis
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5