The 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan – Luxury & Performance At Its Finest (Written for Best Rated MPG)
by D. Brian Smith

Photos by D. Brian Smith and courtesy of Hyundai USA (Review Best Rated MPG)

After taking a first impression drive of both the Hyundai Veloster and the Hyundai Elantra, the opportunity was on hand for me to take a spin in the tastefully styled 2012 Hyundai Genesis 4.6-liter V8 Sedan. The Genesis Coupe and Sedan are both rear drive vehicles. In the case of the Sedan, there are four engines available: a 3.8-liter V6, a 4.6-liter V8, a 5.0-liter V8 and a 5.0-liter R-Spec V8.

As there weren’t any R-Spec V8’s in Heller Hyundai’s inventory at the moment, I opted to test drive the 4.6-liter V8 equipped Genesis Sedan. This mill produces a decent 385 horsepower. It’s not the class leading 5.0-liter V8 engine that achieves a class leading 429 horses, but it’s more than enough grunt to get the agile Genesis Sedan jetting down the road most quickly, thank you very much. The Genesis Sedan weighs in at 3,538 pounds, which would be considered almost a lightweight in the midsize luxury sedan category where the Genesis Sedan contends so well.

Having the close proximity key in my pocket, I fired up the 4.6-liter engine with a push of the start button. The powerplant has an understated and conservative well-sound-insulated exhaust note with a good bit of torquey bark at the depressing of the go pedal. Once underway on the highway away from the automotive dealerships that line Auto Park Way in Escondido, I opened up the engine a little and let the Genesis unwind. There is power galore available and thankfully an equal amount of stopping power for the Genesis.

Three braking technologies team up to assure the Genesis stops sure and short every time: ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist. ABS is the well known anti-lock braking system that’s available on almost every new car available for purchase. Electronic Brake Force Distribution automatically delivers the precise amount of braking force to each wheel dependent upon the conditions at each wheel/tire. Brake Assist senses emergency situations and applies maximum braking pressure to all four wheels, in an effort to minimize the car’s stopping distance and give you the biggest chance to avoid an accident.

Giving the Genesis great credit for its ample power, crisp handling and effective braking abilities is all well and good, but the feel of the interior, fit and finish of the cabin and of the solid construction of the car in total are also important factors in determining whether a new automobile is up to snuff. The Genesis receives great marks in all of these categories. The ventilated leather seats were sumptuous. All of the materials that comprise the make up of the interior were first rate. Indeed, I felt successful and industrious while driving the elegant and tastefully appointed Genesis 4.6 Sedan. It’s a luxury car without pretense, designed, engineered and manufactured to give its owners a safe and solid driving experience every time, whether there’s a quick jaunt to the store or an extensive road trip to be had.

The next Genesis Sedan I drive will hopefully be the 5.0 R-Spec luxury road rocket. I believe Heller Hyundai will let me behind the wheel, so long as I promise to behave myself.

For more information on the Hyundai Genesis Sedan, or any of Hyundai’s fine automobiles, visit www.HellerHyundai.com or www.HyundaiUSA.com.