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2009 Hyundai Genesis
There is an uncanny similarity to the path that Hyundai has taken with their new
luxury sedan, the Genesis, and the introduction of the Lexus brand by Toyota 20
years ago. Back then, Lexus was positioned as direct competition to the Euro
luxury brands, Mercedes and BWM, with the promise of a high quality luxury
vehicle at a much lower price. The approach has paid off handsomely for Toyota,
and now the Genesis from Hyundai seems to be on the same path.
The Genesis has received the very best engineering attention and efforts that
Hyundai has. In short, they set out to make the very best car that they could
and offer it at a remarkably low price.
Did they succeed? Yes.
The Genesis is an impressive vehicle and the starting price is only $33,000.
The Genesis qualifies as a true luxury sedan. It has the look, the feel and the
presence of a car that is much more expensive than this one really is. It is a
rear-wheel driven sedan offered with either a new and powerful 3.8 liter V-6 or
a new and even more powerful 4.6 liter V-8. The 6-speed automatic and the base
V-6 will rocket the vehicle to 60 miles an hour in only 6.3 seconds, and the V8
is even faster.
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Though not designed for the race track, this car is a comfortable and competent
long-legged cruiser with some sophisticated suspension components.
The feel is vault solid and the cabin is tomb-quiet inside. A drive in traffic
or on the highway is a pleasure. Upscale materials are found everywhere, and
the fit and finish is commendable. The interior style is elegant and
uncluttered. Cabin space is large and rear seat room is generous. The list of
standard equipment is long and options are grouped in three simple packages,
Premium, Premium Plus and Technology. The Genesis with the 4.6 V-8 has an
up-charge of only $5,000 and the most expensive model available with all
possible options added comes in at an affordable $42,000.
The Genesis has passed the luxury test, and what makes it so appealing is the
value proposition. For comparison, it is priced like the midlevel Lexus ES
sedan but is more similar in size and layout to the larger GS, which is priced
about $15,000 more than the Hyundai. The same comparison could be made for the
Mercedes C Class price but E Class size or the BMW 3 Series price and the 5
Series size.
The Genesis is a very nice vehicle at a very appealing price. For what you might
pay for a lesser sedan, the same money could buy a truly elegant and satisfying
Genesis, complete with Hyundai
’s famous 100,000 mile warranty.
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2010 Volvo XC60
Historically, Volvos have received high marks on functionality and safety, but
lower scores for styling and interior amenities. Well, things have been
changing inside the company for several years, and the new XC60 SUV is the
poster child of modern Volvo.
The XC60 might rightly be considered a smaller version of the XC90 SUV.
Actually, I find the new XC60 a much more appealing vehicle.
To begin with, the styling is a skillful blend of an instantly recognizable
Volvo shape presented in a curvaceously appealing and seductive form. From any
angle, the new XC60 is a very fine looking vehicle and totally current with the
times.
It’s hard to decide if this model is a compact or a midsize SUV, but it holds five
comfortably and has a large cargo area behind the rear seats. With all seats
folded, you can bask in its 67 cubic feet of storage volume. This Volvo is a
very solid vehicle and weighs in at more than 4,000 pounds, yet it handles
quite nimbly and drives smaller than it is. I found the XC60 to have
surprisingly capable handling as we tested it on twisting west coast mountain
roads. On the freeway, it is smooth, quiet and serene inside.
It exudes that “you’re safe in here” Volvo feeling and the vehicle has the technology to deliver. The XC60 benefits
from and has all the safety gear that Volvo has developed
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over the years, plus something new. Volvo’s City Safe technology is being introduced on this model. The system basically
monitors the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you when driving
at low speeds, where most collisions occur. If it senses that you are getting
too close, it applies the brakes and can actually bring the vehicle to a
complete stop. Volvo is also thoughtful enough to include features like
laminated glass in the sunroof so if you are in a crash, the glass won
’t shatter all over the passengers. You also get stability control, traction
control, lane departure warning, driver alert control, distance control and
whiplash prevention seats just to name a few.
The XC60 is powered by an inline transverse turbocharged 3.0 liter 6 cylinder
engine. It puts out 281 horsepower and 295 ft. lbs. of torque. All XC60
’s come with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This
combination makes this Volvo a joy to drive both in town and on the highway.
The engine is responsive, the handling is controlled and the ride is very nice.
The interior of the XC60 has also been tastefully done. The leather seats are
attractive and comfortable. The design is upscale and the available real Nordic
Light Oak wood inlays are oh so Scandinavian. Niceties like navigation, Sirius
radio and DynAudio make the drive all the more enjoyable.
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