kavkaz-uralinvest

Genesis in the making

Hyundai is fast shedding its image as a maker of cheap and cheerless cars and is increasingly taking on the mainstream European manufacturers at their own game. The Genesis is the next step in that march to rival the best of Europe as Hyundai enters the executive sector.

Set to be launched at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week, the Genesis has conservative styling to appeal to the restrained tastes of many of the buyers in this category. Aimed primarily at the USA, the Genesis is also likely to make it to Europe, but with only the V6 engines on offer.

In the USA, the Genesis will be offered with 3.3- and 3.8-litre V6 engines and a 4.6-litre V8 with 368bhp, while Europe will only see the 3.3 V6. All engine options come with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard, which, coupled to the 264bhp 3.3 V6, should offer 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds and a 140mph top speed.

Hyundai has not said anything about on-sale dates or possible prices for the UK, but if the Genesis goes on sale here it should cost from around £25,000. Should the Genesis reach the UK, it will be generously equipped with satnav, leather seats, climate and cruise controls and alloy wheels as standard.

Alisdair Suttie