The 2009 Hyundai Genesis V6

Lexus Luxury at a Hyundai Price

Image and brand aside, the Hyundai Genesis stands up quite well on its own two feet as it is essentially a very competent, luxurious rear-wheel-drive sedan. When judged on its own merits, the Genesis is anything but a knockoff, and it's only the lack of brand cachet that gives it a slightly imitation flavor - that and the fact that it looks a lot like a Lexus from certain angles.

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis V6

The all-new Hyundai Genesis is a rear-wheel drive, mid-size luxury performance sedan available with a V6 and (Hyundai's first) V8 engine, plus all the luxury, safety and performance goodies commonly found in luxury brand automobiles.

Opting for the V6 does not mean you're getting a lesser car by any means. After significant seat time in the V6, we never once felt short changed or bonked our collective heads while shouting "I could have had a V8!" The 3.8-liter V6 is strong, quiet and smooth; Buick and Cadillac owners may even be jealous. In addition to the sedan, Hyundai plans to introduce a sporty two-door coupe version of the Genesis later this year.

Although the 2009 Hyundai Genesis comes nicely equipped, the Genesis's styling is heavily influenced by BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Infiniti: the rear taillights and trunk in particular are very BMW-ish and the nose has a bit of Lexus here, a bit of Mercedes there. Perhaps the Genesis' most distinctive design feature is the grille with its three twisted grille bars. Interestingly, Hyundai chose not to put the Hyundai badge on the Genesis' front grille or fenders - you have to walk around to the back of the car to see the Hyundai 'H' logo. This is probably a good idea, since it makes the bystander form their own impressions before being faced with their pre-conceived notions about Hyundai. Certainly, casual onlookers will likely mistake the Genesis for one of the luxury automakers, and perhaps that is Hyundai's intention. At the Genesis media introduction in California, Hyundai Canada's VP of Sales and Marketing, John Vernile, joked that BMW drivers will only find out what brand of car it is after they've been passed.

As you'd expect from Hyundai, the Genesis is priced lower than its German and Japanese competitors while offering similar equipment and performance. Base Genesis V6 models start at $37,995 while Genesis V8 models begin at $43,995. On an equipment-comparable basis, Hyundai says the well-equipped Genesis V6 is almost $38,000 cheaper than a BMW 535i! Which basically means you could buy two Genesis' for the price of one BMW! Or one Genesis, one BMW 3-Series, and a trip to Hawaii!

Of course, most luxury car buyers aren't looking for the lowest price, or even the best value. They're willing to pay more for the image and prestige of an established brand and that is where the Genesis will face its toughest challenge in the marketplace. Still, given the current deteriorating economic conditions and rising costs of living, the new Genesis is a lot of luxury car for the money. Vernile believes there will be many people looking for a better luxury car value exclusive of the luxury brand image.

All Genesis sedans are rear-wheel drive and come in either V6 or V8 trim, named respectively 3.8 or 4.6, after the size of the engine. The V6 version is obviously less expensive but does not feel second-rate. The 2009 Genesis 4.6 V8 model ($43,995) is similarly equipped to the 3.8 Premium Package, but adds the 375-hp V8 engine, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, leather dash and door inserts, wood-trimmed steering wheel, auto-dimming outside mirrors and illuminated Genesis scuff plates.

Vehicle Interior - Lexus style at a Hyundai price

Power comes from a 3.8-liter six-cylinder that makes 290 horsepower. In our testing, 0-60 mph came up in 6.3 seconds, a respectable number for a large luxury sedan. Merging on to a fast-moving freeway is effortless and the engine never sounds harsh - even under full power. Six- and eight-cylinder versions route power through the same six-speed automatic transmission. It handles that power in a smooth and predictable manner - upshifts are positive without being harsh and downshifts are virtually imperceptible.

Handling is similarly impressive. The suspension is well balanced with a desirable combination of firm, sporty handling and simple comfort. There's just enough of an edge that, unlike competitors like the Hyundai Azera and Toyota Avalon, the 2009 Hyundai Genesis can actually be fun to fling through a tight freeway interchange.

Thankfully, the handling edge never translates into hard or harsh. Part of the credit here goes to the spacious and nicely padded seats. Power front seats are standard, but both the Premium and Premium Plus packages add a memory feature for the driver seat and the included tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. It makes finding the perfect driving position that much easier. Rear-seat passengers are treated just as well with ample legroom, plenty of headroom and a rear sunshade.

In addition to memory settings, that Premium Plus package adds rain-sensing wipers, a leather-lined dash and a great-sounding Lexicon 14-speaker audio system. While the optional stereo doesn't match up to Lexus' Mark Levinson system, it does sound very good and, again, gives the Genesis a special feel.

And the Genesis cabin remains quiet enough to enjoy that Lexicon sound system. Even at highway speeds, very little wind or road noise makes its way into the cabin.

Many luxury automakers seem to equate high tech with a confusing array of buttons and switches. Considering this is Hyundai's first true luxury vehicle, the company has exercised a remarkable amount of restraint in that area. The Genesis' interior is very nicely finished and very roomy. Overall interior volume, including the trunk, is equal to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, claims Hyundai.

All dash-mounted buttons relating to audio and climate control are arranged in a sort of half circle in the center of the dash. The faux metallic surface is pleasing to look at and the audio controls that reside just above that have a soft rubbery feel and everything is well marked and well laid out. There's a symmetry to it that's very pleasing visually. Redundant steering wheel controls work well, too, and are labeled with large, easy-to-read lettering.

The Genesis' standard leather seats are wide and comfortable but don't have big side bolsters to hold you in during aggressive cornering. This is only a problem if you intend to drive aggressively.

All Genesis' have eight standard airbags including side airbags for rear passengers. As well, the front seats have electronically-activated head restraints to help reduce whiplash in a rear-end collision, and standard stability control to compensate for skids on slippery roads. Optional are front and rear parking sensors, rear backup camera, and swiveling HID headlights

The trunk is simply huge and liftover height is low. The rear seats don't fold down but there is a centre pass-through.

At first the 2009 Hyundai Genesis seems like nothing more than a fake Lexus, but it is a good-looking sedan and is much larger in person than pictures suggest. Large wheels and dual exhaust outlets give the Genesis a substantial look on the road. Panels inside and out fit together nicely and there's a precision in the Genesis that's lacking in less expensive Hyundai vehicles. And that's something you just can't fake.

Those looking for that ever-elusive combination of value and luxury in a full-size sedan will love the 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8. It's Lexus luxury at a Hyundai price.