Genesis. Jump above your head

Genesis Price: not specified. On sale: from Q4 2008

Turning familiar oatmeal into an exquisite porridge is no easy task. It seems that is exactly what South Korean engineers were doing when they created the new luxury sub-brand Genesis.

Hyundai took on a seemingly impossible mission — to break into the top league, pushing aside German giants and Japanese competitors like Lexus and Infiniti. Such ambitions were openly declared by Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong Koo when introducing the new Genesis brand. The name itself translates from English as "origin" — and this is very symbolic for a model with such ambitious goals.

No Korean manufacturer has yet managed to compete on equal footing with Europeans and Japanese. What arguments has Hyundai prepared? At the heart of Genesis lies a new rear-wheel-drive platform designed to significantly improve dynamic characteristics. Buyers will be offered three petrol engines with displacements of 3.3, 3.8, and 4.6 liters. However, the top-end Tau V8 with 375 hp is not yet available in Russia, so we get acquainted with the 3.8-liter V6 DOHC, producing about 290 hp.

The impressions from the new model resemble a visit to the doctor: first an examination, then blood pressure and pulse measurement, and before making a diagnosis — tests. Let's start with a visual inspection. The black body of the Genesis looks solid and imposing. True, some details evoke associations with other models. Personally, the rear lights reminded me of the Mondeo, although colleagues disagreed with me. Perhaps it just seemed so.

The radiator grille is somewhat puzzling, clearly designed with an eye on the Asian market. It is quite possible that the front end will be adapted for Russia. But the interior immediately makes it clear — you are in a realm of luxury. All interior elements perfectly match each other, without the slightest hint of disharmony. The leather trim on the center console, door cards, and armrest lid leaves no doubt about its premium class. The picture is complemented by a driver's seat with heating and ventilation, as well as climate control with humidity and rain sensors, automatic wipers, and an electric rear window shade.

The first driving tests took place on the oval track of Hyundai's factory test site near Seoul. You immediately notice the excellent sound insulation characteristic of cars of this level. You can talk in the cabin almost in a whisper. However, the steering could be more precise — the sharp response like the Germans have is missing here. This is a minus. But we should not forget that the Koreans are only at the beginning of their journey in producing elite cars. Every beginning is hard.

The main trump card of the Genesis is ride smoothness, which provides comfort for both driver and passengers. The credit goes to the EAS air suspension, available as an option. The body can rise by 30 mm, increasing ground clearance for bad roads. True, in this mode you can drive only up to 70 km/h. At a speed of 120 km/h, the car automatically lowers by 15 mm to improve aerodynamics. The reaction to changing road conditions takes less than five seconds, while many competitors, according to Korean engineers, take 30–60 seconds.

The next stage was a long straight ending with a standard "slalom". Time to check the dynamics. The Korean sedan deserves praise for acceleration. The almost two-ton car with a 290-horsepower engine (not the most powerful in the lineup) reaches 100 km/h in just seven seconds. The version with the 262-horsepower engine will be 0.6 seconds slower. However, the top speed raises questions. Everyone is used to large Mercedes and BMW being electronically limited to 250 km/h. The "Korean" can only boast 210 km/h, and that's it.

The Genesis is equipped with powerful HID xenon headlights with a more intense light output and low energy consumption. The optics do not blind oncoming drivers and, moreover, automatically turn in the direction of the maneuver. Ahead of the Genesis lies a difficult fate. After all, most buyers of Mercedes and BMW pay not so much for technical characteristics as for the image and feeling of self-importance, for which no money is spared.

Glue instead of welding

The most curious feature of the new model is the bonding technology used in addition to traditional body welding. Usually, the body is assembled using multi-point welding, but the Genesis breaks this tradition. Critical joints with a total length of 90 meters are glued, providing a stronger chemical bond, and then additionally spot-welded. According to Korean engineers, the torsional rigidity of the body exceeds that of the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus LS. Higher strength is combined with a relatively low body weight.


Driving
The car handles well, but the steering is too "vague". Feedback is almost absent.

Interior
The debutant's interior will satisfy even the most demanding. Both the design and the quality of materials are pleasing.

Comfort
The Genesis delights with excellent ride smoothness — an essential attribute of the premium class.


Advantages and disadvantages

+ Good dynamics, comfortable suspension.
- "Empty" steering, low top speed.

Specifications

Make and model - Genesis
Dimensions - 4975x1863x1480 mm
Engine - petrol, 3778 cm3, 290 hp/rpm
Transmission - automatic, 6-speed
Dynamics - max 210 km/h; 7 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Chrysler 300C, Pontiac G8

Our opinion

Of course, the Genesis is not yet able to compete on equal terms with recognized premium brands. Its real rivals are the Chrysler 300C and Pontiac G8. We are offered a "almost luxury" car at a price below premium. But how large is the audience ready to buy such a product?