Hyundai Genesis test drive since 2008 sedan

Own pride

Genesis is the most advanced creation of Hyundai, designed to compete with Europeans of the luxury class. The seriousness of intentions was appreciated by Sergey Voskresensky. Photo by the author and Hyundai.
Narrow Asian streets, garlands are intricately connected wires, the houses pressed against each other. Nearby there are huge, in the European style of modern buildings of glass, metal and concrete, shopping centers, wide avenues and overpasses. All this in some incomprehensible way gets along with each other, conveying a friendly, albeit contradictory flavor.
In Seoul, for example, small cars are clearly not held in high esteem. Of course, they are found, but Koreans prefer cars a higher class. The palette of popular colors is also peculiar: black, white and several shades of silver. For a country with a hot climate, such a variety is rational and conservative at the same time. There are many familiar cars around, but with unusual emblems and names!
In the distant 1967, when Russia already had its own, at that time, a rather developed auto industry, Hyundai collected the first licensed car. Seven years later, a completely independent development of a small pony appeared. Well, today we get acquainted with the pride of designers and engineers Hyundai-Genesis. It is designed to compete with the whales of the world auto industry: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW of the 5th series. Sounds, of course, boldly. However, we recall the priority for such machines by the American market, the factory laid down in Russia, we will visit the huge Hyundai Motor Research Center, where prototypes are rushing in the eyes, and such statements do not seem so impossible. And even more, the desire to see how good this rear-wheel drive sedan of the business class is.
The radiance of two moons
If this Hyundai is simpler, the creators would immediately be tortured with questions about the external similarity of this car with analogues. But in this case, designers are even proud of borrowings, because creating a genesis, they sought to adopt the best, including technologies. We carefully listen to engineers talking about the advantages of a new platform with an almost perfect mass distribution (52 by 48%) between the front and rear axles (well, why not BMW?). We care about special adhesives and highly alloyed steel in important nodes of the supporting body, whose mass is reduced, and the rigidity for twisting is increased. We discuss several (for different markets) radiator grilles, emblems with designers, choosing the best and forgetting about already familiar outlines.
The creators of the machine continue to compare with competitors. Say, thanks to the large base, the salon of their sedan is more spacious, besides, it is perfectly equipped. Take at least a high-class Lexicon audio system, seriously installed on Hyundai Genezis and on Rolls-Royce Fantom! But there are also modern multi -link pendants and their option of pneumatics, controlled by electronics. Gamma of engines 3.84.6 liters, to them six -speed Aisin and ZF machines. There are USB-sides; The rear view camera projecting on the 8-inch display. And all this is in standard performance. In a word, in an adult way and, despite my irony about borrowing, it looks high-quality, modern and representative. How does it work?
Business choresist
The genesis has already been brought to Russia, compared with analogues. This emphasizes the seriousness of the company's intentions, thoroughness in the selection of configurations. For example, we are given cars with a pneumatic suspension and an engine of 3.8 liters, 290 hp. Say, much is still very vague, but this package is formed, it seems, unconditionally.
Such cars can be evaluated in a different way: sitting down on the leg on a spacious rear leather sofa with its supple forms. Around natural wood, modern electronics. All this really gives pleasure. But an indestructible habit is to try everything himself drives for a multifunctional steering wheel, forces to press the toggle switches, pedals, and pull the levers. This also makes sense, because the creators position the genesis as well as a quite driver.
A soft, but powerful jerk from a place, almost invisible, accompanied only by a change in the tonality of the sound of the motor work of the gearbox, a light whistle of the dissected space. I meticulously listen, sniff: is everything really as great as they promised? He screeched completely indescribably, untwisted almost until the motor was cut off and immediately violated the balance. But at medium speeds, solidly giving a engine, the genesis looked very comfortable. A little later, the knee felt the heat of the heated either with a box or a neutralizer of the central tunnel. Are these pre -production deficiencies or design features that is not designed for such severe traffic modes?
But in general, I like the car. Convenient and spacious seats are impressed, a little heavy, but solid, skin -trimmed front panel. I like the mutual understanding of the engine and transmission, which do not waste time coordinating actions and at the same time provide the sedan ease of movement in space.
The pendants reliably cope with small and medium irregularities, inspiring confidence in their good adaptability and to Russian reality. But there are also powerful, effective brakes, well -configured handling, thanks to which the machine is obedient and even a little aggressive. In general, the creators really have something to be proud of, and the genesis rightfully claims to its place in the sun.
Connect in price
As you know, the east is thin and, I will add, uncertain. Genesis is already sold in America, moreover, in the research center we saw a very pretty compartment from this car. Judging by the lack of camouflage, and this car is not far off. Nevertheless, Koreans are adamant for Russia quotas and prices have not yet been determined. Hyundai Genesis will be presented in August at the Moscow Motor Show. Let's hope that the cost of the sedan will still be slightly lower than the level of analogues, otherwise the sales will be insignificant. After all, Russian businessmen still prefer to ride on more eminent means of movement. _x0008_
Hyundai Genesis is representative, perfectly equipped, convenient for a driver and passengers, intends to argue with the most serious rivals.
Do not save on security
Even in standard configuration, the genesis is equipped with eight airbags. Next year, active head restraints controlled by electronics will appear on the front seats. They say this will reduce the likelihood of injuries of the back, neck and spine.
What is he, Verakrus?
This is still an intrigue diluted with very evasive answers to questions. It is even strange that a well-equipped seven-seater crossover, sold in America with might and main, suddenly appeared at the presentation of Hyundai Genesis. They say that now the SUV will be adapted for Europe and, most likely, will be shown at the Moscow Motor Show in August. We have the opportunity to try on the new product. Let's use it!
A typical Korean appearance leaves restrainedly. Smooth lines, large forms do not cause a storm of emotions. You feel the same feelings, being inside the car. It is spacious here, expensive materials are used in the decoration, equipment involves the presence of separate climate control and, for example, distance opening of the fifth, rear door using electric drive. But the interior is quite restrained, made without an imagination.
On the move, acoustic comfort and excellent smoothness are pleasantly amazing. It seems that the car just soars over the road and as if created for long -distance travel. But the fee for this is completely uninteresting, and at times and insidious handling. The car is distinguished by lazy, thoughtful reactions and impressive bodies of the body. With the speed of speed, the matter is complicated by a tangible vertical buildup, which makes you seriously reconsider the first impressions.
A 3.8 liter engine is convenient and friendly. At least well, with a spark accelerates a solid car. But the automatic machine clearly does not always find mutual understanding with the engine. It is worth going more aggressively, he is openly late, thinking for a long time in choosing a program.
Americanisms in the settings are visible at every step, which means that it is not for nothing that the crossover is reconfigured for Europe. I hope it will become not only comfortable, but also more balanced.
Sergey Voskresensky
 
 
 

 

A source: The magazine "Driving"