Test drive! Hyundai Genesis Reviewed!

Submitted by sterling on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 05:57.

I am in the market for a 25-30 thousand dollar, fuel efficient auto mobile to commute to work with. However, after test driving various hybrid vehicles, I noticed the cost of the vehicle to the comfort level. While I want to be environmentally friendly, something in the back of my head is urging me to test something with a bit more car for the money. A week back, I wrote the excitment i had with driving during flex time and being able to enjoy the speedy low traffic of commuting off rush hour schedules. The feeling of freedom opened my curiousity about the type of comfortable commutting vehicle i can buy for the price of a hybrid vehicle.

I read about the new Hyundai Genesis from several news articles comparing other luxury cars against it such Lexus gS and BMW 5-Series which has massive V6 and V8 engines. However i wanted to test drive it for myself, and to their web site to check out more information of the car. http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/ After viewing the comparision videos, I wanted to see it in person.

My local Hyundai dealer was polite and courtious about going for a test drive. They did not have the V8, so i drove the 3.8 V6 with technology package. I believe that was the top of the line for the V6 model, bundled with GPS navigation, rear camera views, Satilite radio and traffic, sunroof, VERY supple perforated leather seats, REAR AC air vents, HID lights that adjusts to the steering movements, and 18 inch wheels. There were many other dodads and features that attracted me to this entry level luxury car, such as blue too, Lexicon sound, rear shades, music hard drive,and a heating and cooling drivers seat. The last item was the most attractive feature to me, as it kept my back cooled throughout the test drive.

The exterior design looks ambigous between a Mercedes and a Lexus in the front and a Infiniti I30 and BMW in the rear. Very clean design,however very common and not flashy, other than the silver 18 inche rims. The one I test drove was a gleaming black 3.8 Genesis with black leather. Very well made and hints of reflective particles glistened under the glass like paint.

The interior was very comfortable and plush. Not too cavernous, even though the car was longer than my Nissan Altima. The materials were stitched with leather and pampered my body with support and softness. The center gear shift area had a paddle control joystick that was easy to use. From changing devices in audio to navigating your gps, it was great.

The car drove well and excellerated extremely quickly and stopped very very quickly. i climbed freeway on-ramps with a vengency. The power flowed effortless ly pass cars. I believe the trip computer reported an averae of 17 miles per gallion, not bad for a 290 HP engine and 264 lbs of torque.

What i disliked was the trunk and non foldable rear seats. The trunk was large, however the cover to the spare tire and rear mounted battery was thin particle board and not very padded with cloth. I fear that carrying heavy opjects was warp and crush the on board spare tire or the battery wires. The middle of the rear seat open for skis or long items however it was limited for carring large items.

For the price of a BMW 3 Series, you can get a Genesis and save a bundle cash and drive with all the comfort. It was enjoyable.

http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/