Genesis still a value among luxury sedans
— -- The Genesis sedan, launched in June 2008 as a 2009 model, proved that value-oriented automaker Hyundai could craft a premium sedan to rival pure luxury brands.
Exactly three years later, the 2012 version of the Genesis sedan went on sale in June with notable updates to the exterior and under the hood.
Updates to the Genesis coupe that followed the sedan are "in the pipeline," Hyundai says.
The sedan's cosmetic changes include new window trim and rocker panels and modified front and rear ends with new lighting.
More meaty: drivetrain changes that include adding direct injection to the base V-6, giving it V-8-like power. Also a rambunctious new 5-liter, 429-horsepower V-8 with direct injection.
The 5-liter powers a new top-of-the-line R-Spec model with some heavily sporting features.
The 4.6-liter V-8 continues in the middle-of-the-line model, and it has the advantage of delivering more power when you burn premium, yet runs just fine on regular. But it doesn't use direct injection (which precisely squirts fuel directly into the cylinder), so these days it can be considered an older-technology engine.
All engines are mated to a Hyundai-designed eight-speed automatic.
The test cars were a well-optioned 3.8-liter V-6 model and the new R-Spec 5-liter.
Quickie: R-Spec seems too firm to be lux, too soft to be sporting. Specifically, the steering is heavy, the ride nearly harsh. And the suspension has a sloppy feel in quick maneuvers. It's confused, and not a good representation of either the silk-stocking or lead-foot intentions of the brand.
Most miles were accumulated in the more pleasant 3.8-liter version. Generally, it is smooth, inviting and quite luxurious in feel and persona.
The (optional) scrumptious leather upholstery and the classy leather panels on the dashboard were eye-candy and pleasing to the touch.
Based on these attributes, it's a car you should consider if you're in this price and size class.
However, there are ways in which the new Genesis isn't just-so:
•Jiggly ride. Bumpy, busy, but possibly because the test car was shod with optional 235-50Rx18-inch-diameter tires. The standard 225-55Rx17s would have a bit more "give" in the sidewalls and thus soak up bumps better. Yes, that's at the cost of some handling crispness, but Genesis is supposed to be luxurious more than sporty, and it's sporty enough even so.
•Awkward screen controls. We lament moving away from buttons and switches for each function, even when it means a lot of individual controls. Screen-based controls just aren't as elegant or easy or sensible.
Here's an example from Genesis: If you have the XM Satellite Radio screen displayed, you must joggle sideways on the central control knob on the console, then rotate it to get to your station presets. Six or eight electromechanical radio preset buttons on the center of the dashboard would be better. Just push 'em.
Steering-wheel controls give you some shortcuts, but you can't do as much with them as with the main control.
•Tricky climate control. Too cool or too warm in the 3.8-liter test car. Especially troublesome when trying to defog the windshield on rainy or humid days in the 70s. Almost always creates a strip of fog along the bottom of the windshield.
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