A cursory glance at motoring news over the last few months indicate that Hyundai has at last become serious in upstaging its competitors in the luxury category.
To affirm this, any car buyer just needs to look at the immensely powerful but modestly priced 2012 Hyundai Genesis.
The model upgrade has been hailed for its luxury fittings while still not hiking the price out of the reach of ordinary car buyers. With its impressive array of luxurious features, you get a car that rival Audis and Mercedes Benz, two of the auto world’s best.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Premium | Base Price: $34,200.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.3 gallons (72L) | MPG: 19 city / 29 hwy |
| Length: 196.3 in. (498.6 cm) | Wheel Base: 115.6 in. (293.6 cm) |
| Height: 58.1 in. (147.5 cm) | Width: 74.4 in. (188.9 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3824 lbs (1734 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 15.9 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.8L V6 DOHC | Compression Ratio: 11.5: 1 |
| Horsepower: 333 HP | Max RPM: 6400 RPM |
| Torque: 291 lb-ft @ 5100 rpm | Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 13.8 seconds |
| Option:Genesis 4.6L V8 | MSRP: $44,500; MPG: 17 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:Genesis 5.0L V8 | MSRP: $45,500; MPG: 17 city / 26 hwy |
It is no wonder then that it ranks second out of 15 large luxury models in this class out of 40 published reviews in the industry.
Engine Performance
Performance tweaks in the engine make this the dream luxury ride with three new engine variations. The engines are 3.6 liter V6, or optional 4.6 liter and 5.0 liter V8 engines. The V6 produces 333 hp from 290 hp while the 5.0 liter offers you a mindboggling 425 Hp and 376 founds-feet of torque.
Fuel Economy
However, it still returns amazing fuel economy of 16 city/ 25 highway mpg. The Genesis R-Spec has been positively for its acceleration (60 mph run from zero in 5.1 seconds), power and transmission. All the models have an in-house 8-speed automatic transmission and you get smoother shifts.
Exterior
The design still retains the attractive grille without the ‘H’ logo but the headlamps have been redesigned with a curved LD strip bisecting the headlights cluster. The suspension is also modified and the front and rear bumpers have few tweaks that make the 2012 Hyundai Genesis appear aggressive but still retain the elegance in style.
The sculpted lines and more chiseled side skirts down the sides of the car complete the magnificence that comes with this model.
Interior
There is an abundance of soft-touch surfaces and chrome accents inside the car. All the models are fully equipped with features such as the leather wrapped dashboard, heated and cooled driver’s seat, ultra-premium perforated leather seating, iPod interface, trip computer, navigation system, 7-inch DVD touch-screen system among other additions. The leg and head room is plentiful which makes the driver and passenger savor the experience.
Safety
The Federal Government has done rollover tests which the 2012 Genesis earned five out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for High Safety (IIHS) has already earmarked the model as a top safety pick and this could have been influenced by eight air bags, electronic head constraints, anti-lock brakes and traction control.
Comparison
There is no denying that this car is in competition with large luxury sedans including the BMW 535i (MSRP $52,500; 19 city / 29 hwy), Mercedes Benz E-Class (MSRP $50,490; 20 city / 30 hwy), Lexus ES 350 (MSRP $36,725; 19 city / 28 hwy) and Audi A6 (MSRP $49,900; 19 city / 28 hwy) models. The Lincoln MKS(MSRP $41,500; 17 city / 24 hwy) is another worth comparing the Genesis to. However, it wins hands down due to its impressive price tag.
One of the main selling points of this model is the impressive range of features for its price, more power through the base V6 and V8 engines, and a luxurious interior.
However, the model is not as sporty as the looks suggest when compared with other brands in the same range. Moreover, seat adjustments are limited while steering issues crop again like in all Hyundai models. All said and done, this is a car for anyone wishing to relish luxury driving without breaking the bank.
Overall Rating
80 out of 100
What others say:
“As Hyundai’s first true luxury sedan–outranked but not replaced by the bigger Equus–the Genesis puts premium finishes on clear display in its spacious, subdued cabin. The uninitiated might feel they’re in a Lexus or in an Infiniti, thanks to its cushy ride comfort and cabin appointments.”Car Connection
“The steering on 3.8- and 4.6-liter models is generally well weighted and precise, though some testers find it too heavy in around-town driving. The cars feel stable at speed and are well balanced in turns, but as with ride quality, they trail other premium sedans.”Consumer Guide
“Hyundai’s upscale sedan is impressive for the price, delivering virtually everything a $50,000 sedan does, but for $10,000 less.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Defying the critics, Hyundai has successfully created a line of high-end performance luxury sedans that are gaining traction with the public. A prime example is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan, a powerful, well-equipped, midsize luxury 4-door sedan.”KBB
“With handsome styling, generous luxury features and engine power to match, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis takes its rightful place among established luxury sedan rivals.”Edmunds
