2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Review By Larry Nutson
2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
All new. Fully redesigned.
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, New York Bureau
The Auto Channel
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Today Hyundai cars and SUVs are sold through a dealer network that is 820 strong. For any of you reading this review and considering your first Hyundai it is important to consider that a nearby dealer is a necessity to provide convenient service when needed and a pleasant ownership experience.
As a buyer it’s nice to know that Hyundai was ranked Number One in customer loyalty by Brand Keys 2014 Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. Brand Keys, a New York-based brand, customer loyalty and engagement consultancy, publishes an annually-syndicated study that examines customers’ relationships with 555 different brands in 64 categories.
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Hyundai’s all-new 2015 Genesis sedan fits in to the midsize luxury segment and was launched in January at the North American International Auto Show. It is designed to compete against German mid-luxury sedans. Having hit showroom floors in April, Genesis is priced starting at $38,000 for the 3.8L V6 and $51,500 for the 5.0L V8 model. Also the new Genesis is Hyundai’s first all-wheel-drive sedan, priced at $40,500 and available only as a 3.8L V6.
Compared to the 2014 model, the 2015 Genesis delivers significantly more standard content. This includes an all-new interior and exterior design, 8-inch navigation with rearview camera, paddle shifters, hill hold control, power folding outside mirrors, driver knee airbag, power height adjustable passenger seat, power lumbar passenger seat, HD radio, 4.3-inch TFT LCD cluster display, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, SiriusXM Travel Link, a telescoping steering wheel, rear 1-touch up power windows and rain sensing wipers.
On the invitation of Hyundai a group of auto writers met in lower Manhattan for a product briefing and an opportunity to drive the all-new Genesis. You may think driving in Manhattan is not a good way to experience a new car. However, we quickly exited NYC driving up the west side and across the GW Bridge. We headed north in New Jersey along the steep cliffs of the Hudson Palisades that were formed 200 million years ago and rise up from a low of 300 feet to about 540 feet from the edge of the Hudson River.
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Both the V6 and V8 are mated to eight-speed automatics that provided smooth and comfortable shifts. The eight speeds help to keep the engine operating in its most efficient RPM range. EPA ratings for the V6 rear drive model are 22 mpg combined, with 18 city mpg and 29 highway mpg test ratings. I’d like to see these ratings a bit higher. Perhaps some long distance real world driving would prove them to be low. On a note, Hyundai says they continue to study the diesel engine for their cars.
A couple cool “world’s first” new innovations on the Genesis are a hands-free “smart trunk” opening system that pops the trunk lid if the driver stands next to it for 3 seconds, and a CO2 sensor that will automatically open the vents to bring in fresh air if interior CO2 levels get too high which can cause drowsiness. The haptic steering wheel vibrates to tell you that you are drifting out of your lane and, the blind spot warning appears in the head up display.
Hyundai’s 2015 Genesis sedan is the first and only rear-wheel drive vehicle in its class to receive the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest honor as a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ when equipped with optional front crash prevention. Genesis is also the first rear-wheel drive luxury sedan to earn a Good rating in the small overlap crash test.
Hyundai’s all-new 2015 Genesis was named Top Family Choice by the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA) during their second-annual signature event, the Family Choice Challenge. And, the Genesis has been named the 2014 “Car of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), one of the largest and most respected media associations in the U.S.
The all-new 2015 Hyundai Genesis is a candidate for the Midwest Automotive Media Associations (MAMA) Family Vehicle of the Year Award which will be presented at the Chicago Auto Show next February.
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The 2015 Hyundai Genesis: New Thinking and New Possibilities. My how times have changed!