Hyundai Genesis to target BMW

[Matty4]

Originally Posted by tempted

Good luck with that. Most limo customers would run a mile if a Hyundai came to pick them up. I know I would.

Thats the dumbest thing I've read in a long time.
No normal person who organised a limo ride anywhere would send the vehicle away because of a prejudice to that vehicles badge.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by tempted

Good luck with that. Most limo customers would run a mile if a Hyundai came to pick them up. I know I would.

With the Holden Caprice on death row, the Genesis will be first in line to replace it, just like Cabbies now moving to hybrid Camry's and diesel Mondeo's from Falcons.

[LoudPipes]

If I was paying for a Limo, I'm sure I'd know what I was getting before it arrived.

[jpblue1000]

Originally Posted by tempted

Riding in a Hyundai limo would be like going to a 5 star restaurant and getting served McDonalds.

Nice analogy. With the Hyundai you get what you pay for. An above average quality, safety and sized car for average money. At McDonalds you get an a average feed at below average money. At the 5 star restaurant you get half a feed at 3 times the average price and have to go to McDonalds after to fill you up. So like the high end eatery a Mercedes/BMW/Audi are overpriced euro taxi's that are comparable in quality, performance and style to the Korean hero limo half their price and you don't need another car to satisfy your needs after driving one!
Most people don't go 5 star dining and I bet most would be happy with a Genesis for the price when a comparable euro is many times the cost for intangible benefit.
I reckon the big Euros would loose a genesis in value in depreciation in the first year! unlike McDonalds burger which wouldn't change quality when left out on the bench for a year!

JP

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

With the Holden Caprice on death row, the Genesis will be first in line to replace it, just like Cabbies now moving to hybrid Camry's and diesel Mondeo's from Falcons.

I purposely avoid Toyota Camry taxis at taxi ranks and kindly let the people behind me on board, until a Falcon pulls up. did the same when Avalons used to be common among taxis..

[usernametaken]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

I purposely avoid Toyota Camry taxis at taxi ranks and kindly let the people behind me on board, until a Falcon pulls up. did the same when Avalons used to be common among taxis..

Not sure if serious....

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by usernametaken

Not sure if serious....

One of the few good things left about Australia is riding around in a Falcon taxi, and our fares ain't cheap. The Falcon is the absolute best taxi, compared to any of the heap of crap taxis they have overseas, base C-classes included.

And I also cancelled a car rental because they handed me keys to an SV6 when I had booked Falcon xr6 or equivalent. Its my right as a consumer.

[usernametaken]

First World, our fares are cheap...

As far as saying our taxis beat 'heap of crap taxis c-class', well consider this...

How much did MB spend on R&D vs. Ford Aus??

Time to get real...

I'm glad you have time to pick and choose what vehicle you ride in...

I have time as well... but I prefer to focus more on what my decisions can change and influence in life...

[Yellow_Festiva]

http://www.drive.com.au/new-car-revi...128-3ldp0.html

Hyundai Genesis new car review

Korean car maker offers a convincing luxury alternative.

Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Make: Hyundai
Family: Genesis
Series: DH
Year: 2014
Doors: 4
Seats: 5

Pros

Quiet and refined road manners
Benchmark safety
Ownership incentives

Cons

Lacks badge appeal
Cabin not as classy as Euros
Not as dynamic

When you think luxury cars, the German brands – Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi - are usually the first suspects that come to mind.

But the Teutonic trio are constantly being challenged by up-start brands trying to cash in on the endless popularity for prestige cars, and hoping any success rubs off on their mainstream models. The most successful challenger is Toyota's Lexus division, but there is also Nissan's Infiniti brand and then a raft of large car contenders such as Holden's long-wheelbase Caprice and Skoda's Superb.

And now there is another – from an unlikely source – in Hyundai's Genesis, the Korean car maker's latest move to divorce itself from its cheap and cheerful roots.

What do you get?

Hyundai has thrown everything it could at making the Genesis a genuine luxury contender - except a big price tag.

The three-tiered range starts at $60,000 for the entry-level model with an $11k jump to the Sensory Pack we're testing here and a similar premium for the range-topping Ultimate Pack.

All three variants share a long list of standard equipment, with the base-model riding on 18-inch alloy wheels and featuring a leather-appointed interior with heated and power adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, hands-free boot, a powered rear blind and a 9.2-inch multi function screen with integrated sat nav, a reverse camera and a 17-speaker audio system.

They also have an extensive safety package that has resulted in the Genesis scoring the highest ever ANCAP crash-test rating thanks to its combination of nine airbags and the standard fitment of radar cruise control, lane departure warning and autonomous city braking.

The Sensory Pack brings even more safety gear, such as blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, a 360-degree camera and head-up display. It also brings a premium leather trim, LED headlights and a sensor in the air conditioning that restricts carbon dioxide build up.

The Ultimate Pack builds on the Sensory's equipment with the addition of a 19-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, ventilation for the front seats and heating for rear passengers, double-glazed windows and rear window blinds.

If the value isn't convincing enough, the Genesis is covered by a five year/unlimited kilometre warranty and Hyundai will cover the first five years of servicing (or 75,000km). There is also a guaranteed buy-back incentive for customers who finance the purchase through Hyundai.

What's inside?

While Hyundai is proud to leave its H badge on the boot lid, there is nothing inside the cockpit that identifies it as anything other than a Genesis.

Firstly, its winged badge (which looks rather similar to the likes of Aston Martin, Bentley and even Chrysler) is front and centre in the middle of the steering wheel but it also comes up in the head-up display and centre screen when the vehicle is started. It is even projected onto the footpath at night from the door mirrors when you unlock the car. Clearly it's not your average Hyundai.

From there, the myriad of toys in the dash are controlled by a vast array of buttons – rather than a central controller like the latest from Europe – which makes it look and feel a generation behind. Similarly, the functions in the touchscreen aren't as intuitive as some others, and it takes a fair reach from the driver's seat to access it.

Otherwise, the Genesis' well-appointed cabin has a conservative but genuinely luxurious ambience about it with comfortable seats, generous space – particularly in the back - and plenty of useful storage options.

Under the bonnet

As the Genesis is built primarily for the United States, Hyundai has only developed a pair of large, naturally aspirated engines for its luxury entrant. That means it hasn't followed the fuel-saving trend of small capacity, turbo charged petrol and diesel powerplants, instead offering Australian customers a naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre V6 that drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic. A range-topping 5.0-litre V8 is available in US but isn't on the cards for right-hand drive models just yet.

Even still, the V6 is a fairly modern unit that produces 232kW and 397Nm – which are fairly respectable numbers in isolation – and generated high in the rev range, at 6000rpm and 5000rpm respectively.

While that suggests the engine needs plenty of revs, Hyundai claims that 90 percent of its pulling power is on tap between 2000-6000rpm and the reality is that it effortlessly gets off the line and, in concert with its well-spaced eight gear ratios, is happy to lope along at low engine speeds.

Under those conditions, it is also fairly refined and quiet and its raspy exhaust note only makes its presence heard under heavy acceleration from the middle of the rev range onwards.

While Hyundai claims the Genesis has a combined fuel consumption of 11.2L/100km – which is well above modern European rivals – it seems to have over estimated its economy as we recorded an average of 9.5L/100km on a mixture of city and freeway driving. Another plus is, despite its high compression ratio and direct injection cylinder heads, the engine has been calibrated to use more affordable standard unleaded fuel.
On the road

As it has done with all of its recent models, Hyundai Australia has tuned the Genesis' suspension specifically for local conditions. And considering its position as a luxury alternative, it spent significantly more time and money than any other model in fine-tuning its balance for optimum levels of comfort and refinement.

For the most part, it has succeeded in creating a genuinely impressive ride, with the Genesis offering a fairly cosseting experience over a wide variety of driving conditions. Where it struggles to match the Europeans is controlling its mass through the bends, where, even though the overall dynamics are well balanced, it has noticeably more body roll and the front end will push wide under hard cornering.

On the plus side, it is exceptionally quiet at cruising speeds with little in the way of wind noise, and only the coarsest tarmac roads generate any semblance of tyre noise.

The eight-speed transmission, designed in-house by Hyundai, also shifts smoothly and the steering is well weighted, giving the Genesis an all-round impressive driving experience.

Verdict

If you didn't know the Genesis was a Hyundai, it would be easy to mistake it for something from a more prestigious brand. Not only does it drive respectably well – even among its rivals – its value equation cannot be ignored, as it is a lot of car for the money that's loaded with gear, has top marks for safety and benchmark ownership incentives. While it is unlikely to lure brand loyalists away from the German triumvirate, it is the most convincing non-European luxury alternative.
Hyundai Genesis pricing and specifications

Price: $71,000 plus on-road costs

Country of origin: Korea

Engine: 3.8-litre V6

Power: 232kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 397Nm at 5000rpm

CO2 emissions: 261g/km

Fuel use: 11.2L/100km

Transmission: 8-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive

Weight: 1890kg

Safety: 9 airbags; stability control

Interesting that they got well below the consumption figure for the combined cycle, usually it's the other way around.

[Bossxr8]

Most reviews I've seen of it have been way over. One was over 15 L per 100.

[jpblue1000]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Most reviews I've seen of it have been way over. One was over 15 L per 100.

very much like my falcon. never seen anything like the quoted/claimed MPG!

JP

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by jpblue1000

Im no Hyundai fan, not defending their marketing position just calling BS on some peoples opinion.
I agree the Genesis is not for everyone, so does Hyundai, they are only aiming to sell 1000 per year and have no doubt they will achieve it.
I know expat Koreans going nuts for this car, they have scale models of Hyundai's on their shelves!
And despite what people like zilo think, not everyone wants to be in a BMW MB or other euro trash. Despite what Hulk claims not everyone uses a car to display wealth status and appendage size. some people by a car to get from A to B, safely and reliably in a value for money purchase. I'm willing to bet there will be enough purchasers who will choose the big Hyundai over the smaller c class.

I don't care if im wrong but just saying.

JP

In 2015 the Genesis has sold just 158 examples so far. Add to that figure the 163 units sold before the end of 2014 and the total amounts to just over 320 units.
It seems Genesis is not selling , if they offered a V8 at that price they might of reached 1000 units a year.

[Hawkeye84]

Hyundai are struggling to sell the Genesis, to the point where they have quietly slipped in a retail program this month to try and boost sales (1% finance) -not a good sign when the car only launched a couple of months ago.

Australia isnt ready for the Genesis and despite booming sales, neither is Hyundai.....theres too much brand snobbery in this market

[Struggo]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye84

Hyundai are struggling to sell the Genesis, to the point where they have quietly slipped in a retail program this month to try and boost sales (1% finance) -not a good sign when the car only launched a couple of months ago.

Australia isnt ready for the Genesis and despite booming sales, neither is Hyundai.....theres too much brand snobbery in this market

It was always going to be a "Loss Leader", Hyundai need to stay the course.

[csv8]

Its overpriced,,$60k to $82k for one!!! America has a V8 version...maybe if the top model was $70k driveaway..might have a chance....

[LoudPipes]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye84

Hyundai are struggling to sell the Genesis, to the point where they have quietly slipped in a retail program this month to try and boost sales (1% finance) -not a good sign when the car only launched a couple of months ago.

Australia isnt ready for the Genesis and despite booming sales, neither is Hyundai.....theres too much brand snobbery in this market

I agree Australia isn’t ready for the Genesis but as all companies know when releasing a new product to compete against the established, you have to start somewhere.

If you don’t try there would never be any new players in the market.

The strategy could well be to take a long term hit while the idea establishes itself in the minds of the consumer.

There are many brands doing well today that 20 years ago were reviled by consumers.

Once the thought of Asian brands competing with the Aussie manufacturers would have been laughed at and look where that is today.

Genesis may never replace the Euro’s as such but for some future consumers it may become a good alternative once the mindset has altered over time.

[Franco Cozzo]

As if people are going to pay $60K for the V6 variant, that should be V8 money IMO.

Whats a WN Caprice worth new?

[LoudPipes]

Step away from a car enthusiast’s viewpoint and you’ll find a V8 isn’t as important to many consumers.

It’s overpriced in the same way most cars are overpriced here.

[malazn mafia]

Tried sitting in one at a Hyundai dealer. The rear seat is the absolutely best place to be. Much more comfy than anything from any German auto maker. Everything can be controlled from the rear seat. You can even play funny buggers with the front passenger's chair by moving it around from the rear seat. But from the driver's seat, everything is rather ordinary and bland. I guess the target market is Chauffeur driven vehicle, hence more effort being put into the back seat ?

[chrisandsharon]

Originally Posted by LoudPipes

Step away from a car enthusiast’s viewpoint and you’ll find a V8 isn’t as important to many consumers.

It’s overpriced in the same way most cars are overpriced here.

I remember it snowing in Oberon when we were showing friends of ours from the west coast around the area. The mate had a V8 that he boasted about at the time. One morning, everything still white and frozen, we all fired our vehicles up and departed the motel for Katoomba - my father comes on the CB from his lux machine and asked the mates mrs, 'hey Nat, V8 or heated seats'.......perfect timing.

I reckon that Genesis is a beautiful machine.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by chrisandsharon

I remember it snowing in Oberon when we were showing friends of ours from the west coast around the area. The mate had a V8 that he boasted about at the time. One morning, everything still white and frozen, we all fired our vehicles up and departed the motel for Katoomba - my father comes on the CB from his lux machine and asked the mates mrs, 'hey Nat, V8 or heated seats'.......perfect timing.

I reckon that Genesis is a beautiful machine.

320 Australians agree with you .

[shaness8]

Wait 3yrs and pick 1 up for 20K, resale will be very poor.

[csv8]

Big Damo a Caprice is $59,990 V6 and $64,990 for the V8...

[Brazen]

Rather a turbo Sonata Premium for 40 grand. The base Genesis isn't that well equipped missing electric passenger seat and even blind spot assist.

The Genesis doesn't even have a tow rating .

For 65 grand better off in a merc C Class, the new gen is stunning and really well equipped. Realise the Genesis is bigger but in the end they both have 5 seat belts and are roomy (plus the Merc can tow).

With the Mercedes cost of ownership should be pretty good with half the fuel consumption and probably a lot better resale, lots of people qualify for corporate package too which is free servicing for 3 years.

I think Hyundai would of built more street cred and image making a luxury large SUV competitor, even something to go against the 200 series.

[deadfish2]

For the money, I'd be buying a v8 caprice

[Sprintey]

Thread summary so far:
Hyundai new luxury car to be launched. Two views: it won't make a dent in the Germans and it won't sell/it will have appeal and sell as Germans are overpriced. Car launches, Hyundai put the 'Australia tax' into the pricing as many do. Car doesn't sell. Incentives appear. Those that said it wouldn't sell have been proven right so far.

Useful stuff I've learned:
Mondeo diesels appear to be taxis now.

[Bossxr8]

It's a Hyundai. Enough said. No one pays 60k plus for one, except for a few tight **** limo rental fleets.

[chrisandsharon]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

320 Australians agree with you .

A lot more than that my friend........320 Australians have actually 'bought' one. Your confusing 'buying' with 'liking'. I love Porshe too.

[Hawkeye84]

Originally Posted by LoudPipes

I agree Australia isn’t ready for the Genesis but as all companies know when releasing a new product to compete against the established, you have to start somewhere.

If you don’t try there would never be any new players in the market.

The strategy could well be to take a long term hit while the idea establishes itself in the minds of the consumer.

There are many brands doing well today that 20 years ago were reviled by consumers.

Once the thought of Asian brands competing with the Aussie manufacturers would have been laughed at and look where that is today.

Genesis may never replace the Euro’s as such but for some future consumers it may become a good alternative once the mindset has altered over time.

Its a fine balance that the product team at Hyundai must play. Agree that they have to start from somewhere, but they could seriously risk killing the model/brand in this market. The brand needs to be at a certain level before offering that luxury status.

It didnt work forMazda with Eunos inthe 90s - but im sure today, if Mazda launched a luxury brand (or relaunch the Eunos/Efini brand) - the way their sales are going, and the way aussies perceive their brand. It woud probably work because people would probably be more inclined to pay 60k+ luxury car they know have good underpinnings

All im saying is Today, Genenis/Hyundai is where Eunos/Mazda is back in the 90s

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by chrisandsharon

A lot more than that my friend........320 Australians have actually 'bought' one. Your confusing 'buying' with 'liking'. I love Porshe too.

Ok , 321 :-)