Hyundai Genesis

Talk about trying to sell ice to the Eskimos. Hyundai’s decision to bring the rear-drive Genesis luxury sedan to Australia may be as much a brand statement as a sales opportunity, but at COTY brand aspirations count for nought.

The Genesis can only be measured against the criteria, one of which would turn out to be both its biggest strength and greatest challenge: performance of intended function.

The Genesis is a credible first attempt at a genre Australia has made its own affordable and accomplished rear-drive sedans but Hyundai wants to position the Genesis as a half price rival to the BMW 535i and Mercedes E400. However, it’s hard to see Europhiles crossing Asia to buy from the Korean Peninsula.

A more direct rival is closer to home. Much closer. This Korean-built five-metre behemoth rides on a massive 3010 mm wheelbase that shades even Holden’s stretched Caprice.

Despite carrying 1890 kg, more beef than its European and Australian rivals, it’s surprisingly energetic to drive, thanks in large part to suspension localisation work carried out by Hyundai Australia. But this dynamic competence hides beneath a clumsy ESC tune; its intervention is early and crude, not unlike fledgling ESC systems of a decade ago.

Once the ESC is disabled, the car’s innate mid-corner confidence is on a par with Australian made Commodore and Falcons… of a decade ago. Not as sharp or engaging as contemporary fare, but enjoyable nonetheless. The ride, too, is more than a match for B-grade Australian tarmac, and the in-car refinement on the move is serene.

Sadly, the drivetrain also feels a decade behind the main game. The 232kW 3.8-litre V6 is willing enough, but lacks refinement. The transmission a Hyundai-made eight-speeder is sublime in its action, but often lethargic in its response. The combined fuel figure of 11.2L/100km is equivalent to Falcadores of the 1990s if you can achieve it.

And what of Hyundai’s traditional strength: value? By far the best Genesis is the entry model, which has the cabin quality and equipment to match imported sedans twice its price. Stepping up through two specification levels asks a fair chunk of coin each time, and degrades the value equation.

As for the rest of the Genesis’s COTY credentials, there’s very little to report. It’s a competent large sedan that may push boundaries for its maker particularly build quality but not for the market. And especially not in Australia.

BODY
Type 4-door sedan, 5 seats
Boot capacity 493 litres
Weight 1890-1995kg

DRIVETRAIN
Layout front engine (north-south), RWD
Engine 3778cc V6 (232kW/397Nm)
Transmission 8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Tyres 245/45R18 – 275/35R19
ADR fuel consumption 11.2L /100km
Greenhouse emissions 261g/km
Collision mitigationSTD
Crash rating 5-star (ANCAP)
Prices $60,000-$82,000