Hyundai has certainly come a long way since their first vehicles appeared in the U.S. marketplace. The Accent was an early product, and while it was ok for what it was, it did little to stir one’s emotions. That was then, this is now. Hyundai Motor America has managed to create what is likely to become a significant rival to the world’s premier sport sedan market. It offers a high-output V8 engine and rear-wheel drive in a package that seats five comfortably and, at first glance, could be mistaken for a Lexus or Mercedes sedan.

The all-new Genesis sedan for 2009 will reign as Hyundai’s flagship, and comes with features and capabilities that rank up there with other premium global sports sedans. It is built on Hyundai’s new, performance-oriented, rear-wheel-drive platform – the first for a U.S. model Hyundai. Two power trains are offered: Hyundai’s Lambda 3.8-liter, 290 horsepower V6 and the new Hyundai Tau 4.6-liter V8, which cranks out 375 horsepower on premium fuel or 368 with regular unleaded gas.

That generates 79.5 to 81 horsepower per liter, ranking it above its competitors. Both engines are environmentally friendly, achieving Ultra Low Emission Vehicle certification levels.

The design of the Genesis is a progressive interpretation of today’s rear-wheel-drive sports sedan, with an athletic, sculpted form and bold character lines in a graceful package. It looks expensive. It’s loaded with technology – XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System, Lexicon audio packages and electronic active head restraints. Electronic Stability Control is included as standard.

Genesis’ unibody construction provides both stiffness and lighter weight, giving it a 12 to 14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and lower body structure weight than BMW’s 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, despite its larger cabin.

The Hyundai Genesis delivers a host of features and equipment as standard that grace European and Asian marques, but at a considerably lower price point, beginning with its Lexicon audio system featuring Logic 7 technology. A soft-touch instrument panel with wood grain accents, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone interface and USB/iPod auxiliary inputs are all standard fare. A state-of-the-art navigation system with an eight-inch display is available. The navigation unit is accessed by a user-friendly, multi-media controller that also controls the radio. A backup camera using an eight-inch display provides the driver a clear view immediately behind the car.

The driver is surrounded by a leather-wrapped dash, door panels and console lid with a heated and cooled driver’s seat. An automatic windshield defogger with humidity sensor and rain-sensing wipers allow crystal clear sight lines. Genesis also offers the conveniences of power rear sunshade, standard proximity key and push-button starter. It is the most advanced Hyundai ever produced.

The 3.8 Genesis comes in four equipment levels: Standard, Premium, Premium Plus and Technology.

My test 2009 Hyundai Genesis was the 4.6 V8 model with an exterior finish in Black Noir Pearl complemented by a gray and brown interior with faux polished wood accents. The base sticker was $37,250.

Summary

The new Hyundai Genesis 4.6 sedan is a finely crafted, fairly-priced premium sport vehicle. It delivers luxury and comfort, coupled with pleasing performance capability and satisfying handling characteristics without any options added. The final sticker amount is up to the individual consumer and the options chosen.

As if the new Genesis weren’t already attractive enough, it comes with the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited power train warranty and a seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. Genesis buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years with no mileage limit. There is no deductible for any of the coverages.

The Genesis is a worthy flagship indeed.

2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6

Base price: $37,250

Price as tested: $42,000

Engine/transmission: 4.6-liter, 375-horsepower V8; six-speed with manual shift capability

Length: 195.9 inches

Width: 74.4 inches

Height: 58.3 inches

Curb weight: 4,012 pounds

Fuel capacity: 20.3 gallons

Fuel consumption: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway

Arv Voss
The San Francisco Chronicle