Road Test: 2009 Hyundai Genesis
BY SHERYLL ALEXANDER
“Is this a Mercedes?” asked the president of the prestigious Sonoma-Cutrer winery. I laughed and replied, “Nope. This is Hyundai’s new 2009 Genesis.” His reply? “Whoa…I would have never thought this car was a Hyundai.”
| Once known for making inexpensive “tin can” vehicles, Hyundai now deserves serious consideration for anyone looking to buy a full-sized sedan, especially those who are willing to look beyond brand status.
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That comment pretty much sums up the Genesis experience. On a scenic road trip through Sonoma County, all kinds of people asked me about this all-new, full-sized luxury sedan from Korean automaker Hyundai.
So, what makes this car so special? Everything! Hyundai got everything right on the Genesis from the good-looking exterior, to the suave interior to the five-star safety rating to the vast list of luxury amenities to the fuel economy (25 mpg hwy/17 mpg city) to one of America’s best warranty programs.
Truly, the first generation Genesis marks an unprecedented turnaround for Hyundai. Once known for making inexpensive “tin can” vehicles, Hyundai now deserves serious consideration for anyone looking to buy a full-sized sedan, especially those who are willing to look beyond brand status.
The 2009 Hyundai Genesis we road tested was a sophisticated burgundy red model with a 4.6 liter, 375 hp V8 engine. Including the optional $4,000 technology package, the model I tested topped out at a respectable $42,000. (There’s also a base 3.8 liter, V6 engine model with a starting price of $32,250.)
Hyundai Genesis Features & Options
The list of standard features on the 2009 Hyundai Genesis is long: anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, advanced front and side air bags, power sunroof, heated leather seats, adjustable power seats, handsome stitched leather trim on dash and doors, leather steering wheel with wood trim, push button start, rain sensing wipers, power rear sun shade, 14-speaker surround sound, iPod and USB auxiliary jacks, Bluetooth and floor mats.
The must-buy $4,000 technology package actually makes the 2009 Hyundai Genesis compete even better with its European brethren. The package includes a 17-speaker audio system with HD radio and XM satellite, six-CD changer, navigation system, rear back up camera, auto-leveling headlights, front and rear parking sensors, cooled driver’s seat and Bluetooth phone display.
Driving the Hyundai Genesis
Now, let’s talk about the drive. I took the 2009 Hyundai Genesis out on the ultimate test: a real road trip. Driving through the back roads of Sonoma County through the curvy roads of wine country and the scenic Sonoma Coast along Highway 1, I found the 2009 Hyundai Genesis to perform as well as any high-priced Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Lexus sedan. The acceleration was quick, quiet and super fun. The handling was more than smooth, making this car one of the best driving experiences ever. The suspension was also impressive, which I found out when driving through some of the 1,000 acres of Sonoma-Cutrer’s chardonnay and pinot noir vines and through the Russian River Valley’s two-lane highways covered with grape vines and pine forests. Braking was also perfectly smooth and responsive.
But beyond the smooth, fast drive was the interior. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis has a sophisticated, modern casual feel inside. The low-lying dash is more than pleasing to the eye with its curvy cockpit outfitted in two-toned plastic and leather, burnished metals and well-placed controls. The leather seats were roomy and superbly comfortable. The back seat also provided lots of leg room and comfy leather seating.
And then there’s Hyundai’s brilliant navigation system. On my Sonoma trip, I threw away my maps and completely relied on the Genesis’ navigation system to guide me from the San Jose Airport to Santa Rosa’s countrified Vintern’s Inn and then on to Hotel Healdsburg and through Sonoma’s scenic coastal cities of Jenner and Bodega Bay. Finally, we headed through Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon to The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa and then back to the San Jose Airport.
Now, I’ve tested out many in-dash navigation systems over the years. I’ve been disappointed with most of them, especially those found inside Honda and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. So, I’m happy to report that Hyundai’s navigation system in its 2009 Genesis is perhaps the best car navigation system on the market today.
Mimicking Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND system, Hyundai’s navigation system uses a silver dial conveniently located just where your right hand sits on the center console. Instead of using a sometimes uncomfortable touch screen, this rolling “ball” guides you through this high-tech navigation system to get you to your destination with little to no stress.
Thinking about road testing the 2009 Hyundai Genesis for yourself? Just do it. You deserve it.
Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California.
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