Hyundai Genesis test drive since 2008 sedan

Jump above the head

Genesis Price: Not defined. On sale: C IV sq. 2008
How to make the pasta is called spaghetti, and oatmeal porridge Poridget? Apparently, South Korean engineers knew the answer to this question, creating a new premium brand Genesis
Hyundai is trying to make the impossible to break into the premium segment, pushing German aristocrats with the elbows of the Japanese samurai in the form of Lexus and Infiniti. At least this was openly announced by the chairman of the board of directors of Hyundai Motor Group Jong Mong Ku, representing the new Genesis brand. This word translated into Russian means nothing more than origin. Agree, a rather successful name for the car, before which they set such ambitious tasks.
On equal terms, no South Korean manufacturer has been able to compete with Europeans and Japanese. What secret trump cards are going to present Hyundai? Genesis was created on the basis of the new rear -wheel drive platform, which is designed to significantly improve dynamics. Three engines with a volume of 3.3, 3.8 and 4.6 liters will be offered to choose from customers. However, the last and most powerful Tau V8 motor, developing 375 hp, will not be supplied to Russia yet. Therefore, we are content with the 3.8 -liter DOHC V6 with a calculated capacity of 290 hp. Acquaintance with a new car is somewhat reminiscent of a visit to a doctor. First, the patient is examined, then the pressure and pulse are measured, and then, before making the final diagnosis, they are sent to take for tests. So, a visual inspection. Genesis black body looks impressive. True, some details slightly resemble some other cars. For example, the rear headlights personally seemed to me similar to Mondeo headlights. However, colleagues had a different opinion. So, I died.
Some bewilderment is caused by a radiator grille, made clearly under Asian tastes. It is not excluded that cars will go to Russia with a slightly different design of the front. When you find yourself in the cabin, you immediately understand that you are in the kingdom of luxury. At the same time, all interior details are combined with each other, without causing a feeling of disharmony. The skin-trimmed the central panel, doors and the armrest cover unequivocally hint at the premium segment. They enhance the impression of a driver's seat with heating and ventilation, and the final blow is designed to apply climate control with moisture and rain sensors, automatically included wipers and a rear window curtains with electric drive.
The first running test of Genesis took place at the oval of the Hyundai factory landfill near Seoul. Immediately note the good, as it should be for cars of this level, noise insulation. In the cabin you can talk almost in a whisper. As for the steering, it could be clearer. There is not enough a shaken reaction of German models. This is a minus. But it should be borne in mind that Koreans are only at the beginning of a complex way of producing elite cars. Down and Out trouble started.
The undoubted advantage of Genesis is the smoothness of the course, which, in turn, provides comfort for the driver and passengers. This is the merit of the EAS pneumatic suspension, which is offered as an option. For example, the car body can rise by 30 mm, increasing the clearance for driving on bumpy roads. True, there is a restriction: you can only move in this mode up to 70 km/h. Upon reaching 120 km/h, Genesis automatically falls to the highway by 15 mm, providing optimal aerodynamic characteristics. The response to a change in the road situation takes less than five seconds. Korean engineers emphasize that many competitors need 3060 s.
The test of new items continued on a long straight line, at the end of which a standard snake was built. It's time to check the dynamics. Yes, the Korean sedan can be praised for acceleration. The almost two-ton car accelerates up to 100 km/h using a non-powerful 290-horsepower engine in just seven seconds. If one of the future buyers prefers a version with a 262-horsepower engine, then a similar indicator will be 0.6 seconds worse. Despite good dynamic characteristics, the maximum speed deserves criticism. Everyone has long been accustomed to the fact that the maximum speed of the large Mercedes or BMW is 250 km/h with a mandatory note about the restriction of electronics. The Korean cannot boast of this: 210 and that’s it.
Genesis is equipped with powerful HID xenon headlights, characterized by more intense road lighting and low energy consumption. The new optics does not blind drivers of oncoming cars. And besides, the headlights automatically turn towards the maneuver. Genesis expects a difficult life. The fact is that people who buy Mercedes or BMW pay money in the vast majority not so much for technical parameters as for their own image. For universal recognition of their own significance, no money is a pity.
Glue instead of welding
The most interesting in the new car is the gluing technology that complements the traditional body welding. Traditionally, the body is collected using multi -point welding, but Genesis violates the prevailing tradition. Critically important joints with a total length of 90 m are connected by gluing, providing a more durable chemical compound. Then spot welding is performed. As a result, as Korean engineers say, the hardness of the body torsion exceeds the BMW 5 series, Mercedes-Benz E-class and Lexus LS. In addition, higher strength is explained by a relatively slight weight of the Genesis body.
Driving
The car is well controlled, but causes a cotton steering wheel. Feedback is almost absent.
Salon
The debutant salon can satisfy the most demanding tastes. The design and the quality of materials are pleasing.
Comfort
Genesis is distinguished by good smoothness, which is an attribute of a primium segment.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Good dynamics, comfortable suspension.
- empty steering wheel, small maximum speed.
Specifications
Mark and model - Genesis
Dimensions - 4975x1863x1480 mm
Engine - gasoline, 3778 cm3, 290 hp/min -1
Transmission - automatic, 6 -speed
Dynamics - Max 210 km/h; 7 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Chrysler 300C, Pontiac G8
Our opinion
Of course, so far Genesis will not be able to compete with premium brands. Nevertheless, its real competitors are Chrysler 300C and Pontiac G8. That is, we are going to offer an almost premium car at an indispensable price. But how large is the layer of people who want to buy a similar product?

Author: Stanislav Pavlov

 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [July 2008]