2015 Hyundai Genesis redesign rivals luxury sedans

Hyundai broke into the U.S. market in the mid-'80s by selling a tiny $4,999 Excel to compete against an even teenier $3,990 Yugo, both of which were promoted as low-cost new-car alternatives to used cars, and both sharing another distinction: Popular Mechanics said the economy cars "deserved to die" and they did.

For 2015 Hyundai brings out the second generation of its midsize sedan appropriately named Genesis. It boasts the sophisticated technology to compete with any $50,000 luxury car rival and Hyundai is hoping for a repeat of the North American Car of the Year distinction bestowed by the nation’s automotive journalists when the Genesis was introduced in 2009. 

We tested the new 2015 Genesis with a V-8 that starts at $51,500. It has undergone a major redesign called Fluidic Sculpture, which is mystery speak that means it has curves and creases and a glossy exterior that gives it an upscale luxury appearance. 

The availability of all wheel drive for snow-belt security and dry road agility overcomes its predecessor’s shortcoming of rear wheel drive only. The 3.8-liter V-6 version offers either rear ($38,000) or AWD ($40,500), the 5-liter V-8 version offers RWD only. Hyundai says about 80 percent who purchase AWD in a luxury car opt for a V-6 so the V-6 got AWD first, the V-8 in the near future. Hyundai estimates AWD could boost Genesis sales by 20 percent.  

Both V-6/V-8 are teamed with 8-speed automatic transmissions with paddle shifters for manual shifting. Both offer stop/start technology to save gas at the stop light. However, the V-6 is rated at 18 mpg city/29 mpg highway with RWD, 18/25 with AWD, the V-8 at 15/23. A 30 mpg highway rating for the V-6, at least 25 mpg highway for the V-8 should be goals for Hyundai to reach. Perhaps add the gas/electric hybrid technology Hyundai offers in other models like Sonata?

The quick and quiet sedan has plenty of pep off the light and into and out of the passing lane. Ride and handling are smooth and blemish free. Continuous damping suspension controls body motion and roll. You can push the sport suspension button for more agile handling on twisting roads. The cabin is virtually noiseless in keeping with the theme that quiet equals quality, and there’s ample stretch room to wiggle limbs while front leather seats cool or heat the occupants’ tender parts on demand.

The best new feature is automatic emergency braking. If traveling at 5 m.p.h. to 50 m.p.h. and the car ahead suddenly stops, full braking is activated to avoid a collision. If between 50 m.p.h. to 112 m.p.h., there's partial braking to reduce the force of impact with the vehicle ahead. At 112 m.p.h., even with partial braking, chances are good both you and the car will need bodywork.

Also new for 2015 are blind spot and lane departure warnings, a CO2 sensor that automatically pumps fresh air into the cabin to prevent driver drowsiness on long trips, panoramic sunroof over both front and rear seats, manually operated rear side window shades, and Smart Trunk, in which you only need stand by the deck lid with key in pocket and arms full of luggage for a few seconds and the lid will magically pop open without having to kick your foot under the rear bumper to activate the power open sensor like Ford requires in its vehicles. 

Blue Link technology gives Genesis electronic sophistication with voice recognition controls, sending for help in a collision, or using your smart phone to find the car misplaced in the concert parking lot, while the infotainment system delivers any and all types of sound, plus stock quotes, sports scores, weather alerts, movie times, and gas prices---as well as location of the lowest priced station.

The optional remote package (free 3 month trial/$99 annually thereafter) starts the car and adjusts heating/cooling before slipping inside, as well as keep tabs on the teens by automatically texting or emailing Dad if the youth are motoring after curfew--and over the speed limit. The system uses Geo-Fence to program a zone you don't want the car to either enter or exit and send an alert when it does. It sends Dad an electronic alert if the teen headed for the library wanders to the mall, instead. Geo-Fence can also be programmed to alert Mom if Dad stopped at the casino when vowing to take the car for an oil change. The system, however, won't be available until November since Hyundai is upgrading it to allow programming from the car rather than a laptop at home.

One other surprise and delight feature---open either front door at night and puddle lamps under the outside mirrors light the pavement below with the word "Genesis" in big, bright letters.

At $51,500, no need for modesty.

2015 Hyundai Genesis midsize sedan

Engine: 5.0-liter V-8

Transmission: RWD 8-speed automatic with Shiftronic

EPA mileage: 15 city 23 hwy

base price: $51,500

price as tested: $55,700

Source:
July 01, 2014|By Jim Mateja, Special to Tribune Newspapers
Photos from Garyromehyundai.com