The Hyundai Genesis has pretty much taken the large luxury sedan segment by storm due to a full range of high quality attributes at very attractive prices. The 2011 Genesis offers more of the same.
While not yet possessing the brand name pizzaz of its top rivals, this will likely change over time as the Genesis once again offers smooth and powerful engines, a comfortable ride, a luxurious interior, outstanding audio systems and top crash test scores. And one thing the Hyundai brand name does get recognition for is its generous warranty.
The Genesis has also taken a somewhat different tact when it comes to driver appeal. Most luxury sedans in its price range are smaller with an emphasis on athletic handling. The Genesis, on the other hand, is large and offers a comfortable and incredibly quiet driving experience with a high emphasis on pampering its occupants.
Yes, this refined and elegant cabin is actually a Hyundai and is particularly impressive when outfitted with the optional upgraded leather upholstery and 17-speaker Lexicon surround-sound system. And at the same time, it packs powerful engines, both V6 and V8, that get decent gas mileage considering the car's size and production capacity.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis is classified as a full-size sedan. It's a rear-wheel-drive vehicle offered in two trims: 3.8 and 4.6 (reflecting their respective engines).
Standard features on the Genesis 3.8 include leather upholstery, full power accessories, 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, an 8-way power driver seat, a 4-way power passenger seat, heated exterior mirrors, automatic headlights, cruise control, keyless entry/ignition, foglights, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 7-speaker audio system with satellite radio, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB interface.
Opting for the optional Premium package adds upgraded leather upholstery, leather dashboard and door accents, 18-inch wheels, a power rear sunshade, automatic wipers, driver memory settings, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 14-speaker Lexicon surround-sound system with HD radio and a 6-disc CD changer. There's also an available Premium Navigation package that includes all of the above plus a navigation system with a touchscreen interface, a rearview camera and real-time traffic (the HD radio is dropped).
Also available is a Technology package that adds Bluetooth, adaptive cruise control, a ventilated driver seat, adaptive HID headlights, an electronic parking brake, front and rear parking sensors, a rotary-knob-based multimedia interface, real-time traffic updates and a 17-speaker Lexicon sound system with DVD-audio.
Standard features for the Genesis 4.6 include the larger V8 engine, the Technology package and a wood-trimmed steering wheel.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2011 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 is a 3.8-liter V6 engine good for a healthy 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. In performance tests, the Genesis 3.8 has been timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a very quick 6.2 seconds. Not bad for a large sedan with EPA-estimated gas mileage of 18 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Genesis Prices:
Car sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now. And Hyundai has recently been offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. It remains a buyer's market right now, resulting in an excellent opportunity to get the lowest price.
The bottom line? Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons to get the best price. Here's an article on the best negotiating technique to take advantage of the current sluggish car market (definitely read before ever going to a dealership): How To Get The Best Price On A New Genesis
Under the hood of the Hyundai Genesis 4.6 is a 4.6-liter V8 that produces a hefty 378 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque with regular gas, and 385 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque with premium. Also coupled with the 6-speed automatic, the 4.6 sprints from 0 - 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. And it does so without sacrificing too much fuel economy. The 4.6 is EPA-rated at 17 mpg city and 25 highway.
Safety:
Standard safety features on both 2011 Hyundai Genesis models include stability control, traction control, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, front and rear side airbags and side curtain airbags. In addition, parking sensors and a rearview camera come standard on the 4.6 and are optional on the 3.8.
In goverment crash tests, the 2011 Genesis earned perfect five star ratings across the board in all front and side-impact protection categories.
Interior:
The 2011 Genesis' cabin is top-notch. It's attractive, refined, well-built and consists of high quality materials. The 4.6 is particularly impressive due to all the high-tech goodies and upscale features, as is a fully loaded 3.8. The layout is well thought out and the controls are user-friendly. Those opting for an optional Lexicon audio system are in for quite a treat as they're one of the best available.
The seating is comfortable and supportive both front and rear. Head and legroom is also ample, particularly in the rear, making for very accommodating quarters for occupants on long-trips. One drawback is that the rear seats don't fold down, however, there is a trunk pass-through for longer items. The trunk's cargo capacity is a very useful 15.9 cubic feet.
Drive:
The 2011 Genesis is engineered to provide a smooth and comfortable driving experience, while still being able to perform aggressively and predictably when necessary. The power of both engines is comparable to its premium rivals and its steering is precise. And thanks to lots of sound insulation, the Genesis is an incredibly quiet car as well. Most large sedan shoppers will find it pleasing to drive with road manners befitting a luxury car.
Prices: 2011 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
3.8, RWD: list price: $33,000, invoice price: $30,940
4.6, RWD: list price: $43,000, invoice price: $39,810
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