2009 Autotropolis Car of the Year – Hyundai Genesis

For more indepth reviews and information about the 2009 Hyundai Genesis see:

Autotropolis Road Test: Hyundai Genesis

2009 Car of the Year: Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai Genesis Review - Autotropolis

Hyundai Genesis Review - Edmunds

Hyundai Genesis Review - Consumer Guide Auto

Hyundai Genesis Press Release

Overview
The Hyundai Genesis is the most luxurious, most powerful and most expensive vehicle that Hyundai has ever produced and the very first to offer rear-wheel drive. Not content to sit on its laurels and brag of their achievement however, the team at Hyundai are already developing the Genesis Coupe which will tackle head-on the other legendary sports coupes like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. And like all Hyundai vehicles, the 10 year/ 100,000-mile warranty leaves the competition in its dust, boasting of its superb reliability.
At MSRP $32,250 for the 3.8 V6 and $37,250 for the 4.6 V8, the Genesis offers just about the best value on the road, tens of thousands of dollars less than premium sedans with less performance and luxury.

What's new this year
2009 sees a major change in direction for Hyundai in the form of the Genesis, coming after years of successive improvements in engineering and style. Everything is new and improved, from the high-performance V6 and V8 engine choices to the luxury leather interior and eye-catching exterior styling.

Exterior
The Genesis has received rave reviews across the board, being compared in looks to much more upscale sedans from Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Refinement can be seen in every aspect of the design, from the sleek flowing lines, gradually rising side panel and Mercedes-esque front chrome grille. The attention to detail is perfect, with strategically minimalized use of the logo except from the trunk, and even the LED taillights.

Performance
Hyundai offers two engines for its 2009 Genesis, both of which are comparable to anything else on the market. The 3.8-liter V6 produces 290hp and enough power to get the Genesis to 60mph in just over 6 seconds. The powertrain is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that features Shiftronic for manual shifting when the mood takes you. Fuel economy is rated at a very respectable 18/27mpg city/highway thanks to the continuously variable valve timing system.
The 4.6-liter V8 is the first time Hyundai have used a V8 in their vehicles, and should firmly dispel Hyundai's previous image of budget cars forever and give BMW and Lexus a run for their money at the same time. It produces a massive 368hp, reaching 60mph in just 5.7 seconds with the same six-speed transmission. It also features continuously variable valve timing and does 17/25mpg city/highway driving which is outstanding for a V8 and puts it in the top of its class for fuel economy.
Both models ride on fully independent front and rear suspension which provide an immaculately smooth ride and excellent balance in tight cornering with minimal body roll. Acceleration is evenly delivered and gear shifts are seamless throughout the acceleration and deceleration and the rear wheel drive system gives an exceedingly solid feel on the road.

Interior and Features
The Genesis has been decked out in luxurious styling, avoiding the over-the-top flashy kind of luxury for the stylish yet minimalist look. Leather heated seats are standard on the V6 as well as push-button start, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth hands-free phoning and HomeLink, which operates your home gates, garage doors and even lighting from within the car. Cruise control, power features and CD/XM/MP3 stereo system are also standard. Upgrade to the V8 and you will get premium double-stitched leather powered seats with memory settings, dark woodgrain trim, a navigation system, 17-speaker LEXICON stereo system, Satellite radio, rear back-up camera, auto-levellig headlights, front and rear parking sensors, cooled drivers seat, a powered sunroof and rear sunshade. These features are mostly available on the V6 version in the form of the technology package, and at only $4000 extra it is well worth the price.
There is a wide center console that houses the control knob for the navigation screen that is reminiscent of Audi's MMI system and just as easy to use. It has been called the easiest to use car navigation system on the market today.
The overall feel inside the Genesis is one of clean spaciousness.

"While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS. Genesis provides a potent combination of performance, luxury, and value. We think it has the opportunity to be an extremely disruptive force in the large sedan and near-luxury segments."

John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America.

"Is this a Mercedes?" asked the president of the prestigious Sonoma-Cutrer winery. I laughed and replied, "Nope. This is Hyundais new 2009 Genesis." His reply? "Whoa I would have never thought this car was a Hyundai."

Sheryll Alexander, Autotropolis

"If ever an automaker deserved a "Most Improved" award, it would be Hyundai. Within the last decade or so, the Korean company has gone from building cars that were the butt of cruel jokes to competent vehicles that just might be the cause of some sleepless nights for Honda and Toyota executives."

Edmunds

"At first glance, it would seem that Hyundai is throwing it all away by releasing a rear-drive, V8-powered large sedan. You could say that the company executives are living in a land of confusion, not quite grasping the "smaller is better" mantra that has been sweeping US car buyers of late. The company is in too deep to back out now, being that they've invested time, money, and other resources into bringing this car to market. I'm sure they're taking it all too hard from the rest of the automotive press, though, as Genesis has a lot going for it. Make no misunderstanding, Hyundai's flagship is roomy and comfortable, with a great V8 and top-notch interior appointments. Like it or not, I say a loaded $41,000 Genesis V8 is a better value than a $38,000 Veracruz. That's all."

Ed Piotrowski, Consumer Guide to Autos

"Anybody who's ever driven a Hyundai before (or at least thinks they know what a Hyundai is) will be surprised at the look, feel, and driving characteristics of the Genesis. They'll also be surprised at the price--delivered, the V-8 in this test stickered at $41,250, including a $4000 option package. All told, though, it does a pretty credible imitation of similarly sized luxury cars, but in a price range about one prestige class down--which makes it worth considering."

John Biel, Consumer Guide to Autos

"In the beginning, Hyundai created a luxury sedan and it was good. If you never thought you'd utter luxury and Hyundai in the same sentence, think again. The Korean automaker will be launching its brand new 2009 Hyundai Genesis, the dawn of its luxury sports sedan lineup. Boasting the size, power, and comfort to rival that of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes contenders, but at nearly half the cost, the 2009 Genesis also provides hints to a new direction for Hyundai."

Car Gurus