Simon Lai road tests and reviews the 2015 Hyundai Genesis with Ultimate Pack .
Hyundai really has come a long way since the days of the 90s Excel and is proving that with their first foray into the luxury class. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis or just Genesis is the Korean manufacturers attempt to compete with the big boys like Lexus and European brands. And they’ve made a good fist of it.
Coming in only one variant a 3.8L litre V6 petrol engine in a saloon style body, the Genesis has a multitude of additional features which we’ll look into later.
The large power plant is capable of dealing out 232kW and 397Nm; a much more powerful source than you’d assume from a seemingly elegant offering.
Performance is one of the surprising aspects of the prestige model and can pack a real punch . The higher torque meant it didn’t struggle to take off in spite of the weight of a larger car. The transmission too is smooth with only a slight lag when the pedal was pressed to the floor.
Having said that, the overall drive isn’t on par with, say, German models in terms of ride, feel and suspension or internal refinement, only marginally better over other decent Hyundai models.
The genesis comes with a list of awesome standard inclusions; too many to name, some of which are tyre pressure monitor, static bending lights, adaptive cruise control, smart boot, electric rear sunshade and a rear armrest controls for audio, passenger seat position and the sunshade.
A nice touch is also the puddle lamps that illuminate the floor with genesis logo when you unlock the car.
The $71,000 Genesis with Sensory pack contains more safety features such as lane departure, blind spot and rear cross traffic technologies which contributed not only to the now common 5-star rating, but the highest ANCAP score of any car on the market.
When drifting out of lanes, the warning system notifies the driver by vibrations in the steering wheel instead of an audible beep. Just another cool feature.
If that doesn’t get you licking your lips there’s the leather appointed seats, 16-way powered driver’s seat with memory system, power steering adjustment, auto dimming side mirrors, zoned rear vents, 4 camera system that affords you a 360 degree view around the vehicle and the wonderful head-up display that projects your speed, safety indicators and audio selection in front of the windscreen and in your line of sight.
On top of all this the bee’s knees option is the Ultimate pack that is fitted with a powered boot, panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear door blinds, 19” alloy wheels and soft close doors – a little motor that pulls in the front doors if they’re half closed.
However, with this much tech you’d expect to pay a lot, setting you back $82,000.
Price does equate to expectations so it is hard to choose the Korean made car over one of European origin based on the drive and cost despite all the fancy inclusions and Hyundai’s growing standing in the market.
The Genesis probably won’t penetrate the passenger car market and is more likely to appeal to limousine drivers or private car service buyers in the absence of the Holden Statesman.
For the rest of us it really comes down to a choice over copious features or more impressive German engineering.
Summing up, I’m not sure the price tag will win many over for what is essentially still a Hyundai but as I said before, the 2015 Hyundai Genesis is an amazing achievement by the Koreans proving they can produce quality luxury cars with advanced features and high performance.
NUTS and BOLTS – 2015 Hyundai Genesis Ultimate Pack
Engine: 3.8 litre V6 petrol at 232kW and 397Nm
Transmission: Sports automatic
Warranty: 5 Year Unlimited
Safety: Five stars
Origin: South Korea
Price: From $60,000 (Genesis with Ultimate Pack from $82,000)
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