Renowned for its quality and reliable engineering, Hyundai is striving to establish itself in the luxury sedan segment. Despite the advancements in its product offerings, the brand's market position has remained stagnant. The updated Hyundai Genesis represents the brand's latest effort to gain the trust of discerning drivers, featuring a new design that sets it apart from previous models. We had the opportunity to test the fully equipped variant in Dubai's Academic City.

Performance

One of the primary competitors to the Genesis is the Toyota Aurion. In terms of design, the Genesis stands out with its bold lines and distinctive sporty grille, appealing to those seeking a spacious family vehicle. The Genesis also boasts a larger engine than the Aurion, with a 3.8-liter V6 compared to the 3.5-liter V6 of its competitor. Performance-wise, it delivers a sporty drive that matches its aesthetic.

The Genesis is a comfortable vehicle that offers more than just a sporty feel when needed. It excels on highways, showcasing a remarkably comfortable suspension system that is particularly appreciated at high speeds. Additionally, Hyundai has invested in making this car more exciting to drive, providing exceptional handling.

Interior

Just like other large sedans, the Genesis is sure to satisfy even the most demanding drivers. It comes equipped with a range of smart features, including:

Bluetooth connectivity
Rearview camera
Rain sensor (not very practical in the UAE but available when needed)

These features allow it to compete effectively with its rivals. The interior is comfortable, featuring high-quality upholstery that ensures a quiet and relaxing drive, thanks in part to soundproof glass. Passengers will also appreciate the spacious cabin, which is slightly roomier than the Aurion, thanks to a longer wheelbase and overall length (2935 mm and 4975 mm, respectively). Safety features include front airbags, enhanced electronic power steering, air suspension, and xenon headlights.

Interior of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis

Conclusion

Our experience with the fully equipped Genesis model provided a unique driving experience, albeit at a cost. The fully loaded Genesis is priced at AED 144,900, while the fully equipped Aurion is available for just AED 129,000. Check out the detailed comparison between the two cars here.

Hyundai's strategy of cost-saving design to reduce price is becoming outdated, not only because they have added all the features one would expect in a modern family car but also because the pricing is no longer as competitive as before. The Genesis is carving its niche as a sporty vehicle, and on paper and in reality, it presents a formidable challenge to competitors. Hyundai hopes that the updated design, high specifications, and its well-established reputation for reliability will be sufficient to dispel any lingering doubts about the brand’s “value” image.

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