July 10, 2008 Las Vegas, Nevada
2009 hyundai genesis
I took the 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8v6, six speed Automatic out for a test drive and road review today. I was excited about the look of the car. Total class. The grill says status and luxury as it sweeps into jewel-cut head lamps, elegant lines roll over the wheel whells and into the doors. The windshield and windows wrap around and the side-view mirrors have the signals like all the luxury models for 20k more. The Push-button start with keyless remote entry and lock button on the outside handle are all reminescent of the Infinti G37/35. From the back it looks like the new revision of the BMW. If you didn’t see the “H” you’d NEVER guess it was a Hyundai. That’s scary for the Korean manufacturer who made it’s name on supplying cheap, reliable transportation. Having graduated to the big leagues, the looks will get many former car snobs to take a look and a test drive. It’s not a chick or guy car. The styling is dead-on for the sophisticated business person and fashion diva.
SO then you slip inside. The leather is perforated so even in 111 degree heat in LV the air blows colder than most domestics, equally to the Japanese, and there was no sweating. The wide dash is treated to wood and metal accents but understated. The three dimensional dials don’t shout at you, and glow subtly at night. GREAT visability, I found no blind spots to un-nerve me as I shouldered the merge with highway traffic. The acceleration of the 3.8v6 was smooth and handling is VERY responsive. The tires are pushed out to the edge which makes tire patch and traction surefooted. The fit and finish runs through to the underpinnings with attention to frame and axle quality. No oversteer or under steer, the turning radius is surprisingly tight for the larger platform. The engine gives a tempered growl when you push it, reminding you that more acceleration means more fuel when you straightline to red. Passenger comfort is impressive, even with a six footer in the driver’s seat. The romminess of the interior means everyone gets a piece of the armrest without touching. I’d say it’s bigger in the backseat than a 5 series BMW, but smaller than the Chrysler 300. The rear seats have air vents and a hold down armrest that hides a pass through from the trunk. By not dropping the back seat, the rear cushion is more comfortable for long trips. The truck easily holds three normal golf bags, and tall guys have plenty of head room even with a moonroof. There are so many standard features that match-up with luxury brands twenty to thirty thousand more expensive. I have to say my favorite part of driving this car was going to all the casinos and watching the valets try to figure out what it was. They parked it upfront just to show it off to their friends.
The 4.6L v8 with the I-drive interactive technology is suppose to arrive this fall. With gas prices pushing $5.00 a gallon, I’m not screaming for the Hemi-like roar of 14mpg. This one gets 18 and 27, respectively. The one I drove listed for $36,000, which plants it firmly in the Avalon, Lexus IS250, InfinitiM35, BMW3 series ball park, but loaded with more size, HP, and standard features than all of them. If you can live without the loaner cars and expensive maintenance services, I call the 2009 Hyundai Genesis: SMART MONEY COOL.
You can see my video with Dr. Bob and Mr. M. at http://www.youtube.com/v/aFlWptb71Bc
for a great deal without the hassle and haggle of typical car dealers call me: www.mycarlady.com
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