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Consumer Reports: Hyundai Genesis New Top-Rated Upscale Sedan, Bests Lexus ES 350 [Hyundai Genesis]

Автор: SharaMoore | среда, 7 октября 2009 г.

Plucky Korean upstart Hyundai has beaten rivals from Saab, Pontiac, Lexus, Toyota, Acura and Lincoln; the Genesis has just been named Consumer Reports’ new top-rated upscale sedan. Who knew Hyundai was the new Lexus?

Evaluated against the Lexus ES 350, Acura TL, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8, Lincoln MKS, Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne and Saab 9-5, the Hyundai Genesis sedan came out on top. Consumer Reports stated, “Its luxurious and spacious interior and
quietness far transcend its relatively modest price."

This backs up Ray’s Hyundai Genesis review, in which he said a lot of stuff about Kimchi, but also that the Genesis easily satisfied the needs of entry-level luxury buyers if they're willing to look past the badge snobbery.

Consumer Reports’ Press Release Follows:

Hyundai Genesis Outscores Competitors, Becomes Consumer Reports' top-rated "Upscale Sedan"

Genesis narrowly outpoints Lexus ES 350 to take top spot

YONKERS, NY - The Hyundai Genesis outscored four competitors to become Consumer Reports top-rated vehicle in the competitive "Upscale Sedan" category. The Genesis, which achieved an "Excellent" overall road test score, now outranks 12 vehicles from Lexus, Acura, Lincoln and others including the Lexus ES 350.

The Genesis' performance in CR's battery of tests solidifies the automaker's reputation as a builder of high-quality vehicles in several diverse automotive segments. Previously, Consumer Reports named two Hyundais, the Elantra and Santa Fe, as "Top Pick" vehicles in the small sedan and midsize SUV categories respectively.

"The Hyundai Genesis rivals high-end luxury sedans but costs considerably less," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "Its luxurious and spacious interior and quietness far transcend its relatively modest price."

The Genesis was tested against four other new or redesigned upscale sedans—the Acura TL, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8 and Lincoln MKS-for the February issue of Consumer Reports. Prices ranged from $33,660 for the Pontiac to $40,880 for the Lincoln.

Two other vehicles in the test group also earned Excellent overall road test scores, the TL and Maxima. The G8 and MKS achieved Very Good overall scores.

The eight other vehicles in the Upscale Sedans category including the ES 350, Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne and Saab 9-5, were all tested previously.

In addition to the five upscale sedans tested, CR also purchased and tested the Jaguar XF luxury sedan. Though it obtained a Very Good overall score, it still ranked near the bottom of the group of 12 luxury sedans that Consumer Reports has rated.

But the redesigned Honda Pilot has slipped from being one of Consumer Reports' top-rated three-row SUVs to midpack. The Pilot now ranks eleventh out of seventeen midsized, three-row SUVs that have been tested by CR.

Full tests and ratings of all six sedans appear in the February issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale January 6. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. (Road test vehicles of recently tested vehicles are also available free at CR's web site.)

The issue also contains a report on the conversion of a hybrid Toyota Prius to a plug-in hybrid. Consumer Reports chose a Hymotion L5 conversion kit sold by A123 Systems, which the company claims can yield more than 100 mpg. Fuel economy in CR's converted Prius jumped from 42 to 67 mpg overall for the first 35 miles of driving. At almost $11,000, the plug-in conversion clearly won't save consumers money overall. However, the technology itself proved viable.

The TL is the only vehicle in this month's test group that is Recommended by Consumer Reports.

CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

CR doesn't have reliability data yet on the Genesis, MKS, Maxima, G8 and XF.

Spacious and well appointed, the rear-wheel-drive Genesis offers good value and is a compelling alternative to luxury vehicles costing thousands more. This car's forte is swaddling passengers in silence. The engine sounds polished and road noise is strikingly absent. The interior rivals those of the very best luxury cars, with its optional stitched-leather dashboard facing and consistently high-quality materials. The only real drawback is its ride, which can be unsettled at times and doesn't live up to the standards set by other luxury cars. The Genesis 3.8 ($36,000 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 290-hp, 3.8-liter V6 that feels quick and smooth and delivers a decent 21 mpg in CR's own fuel-economy tests. The six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth, quick shifts. Braking is excellent.

The redesigned Acura TL is a nice car, with responsive handling, a slick powertrain and commendable fuel economy. But when compared with the previous TL, which was CR's Top Pick in this segment for years, the latest generation is not as impressive. Vague steering saps the fun out of its handling, the trunk opening is small, and other competitors have roomier rear seats. The base-model TL ($35,715 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that delivers excellent acceleration and a respectable 23 mpg overall on premium fuel. The five-speed automatic transmission is both quick and smooth. Brakes are excellent overall.

The Maxima is a quick car, but it doesn't add much over the less costly Nissan Altima overall. While it's pleasant, it falls short in some ways. Handling is responsive, but at low speeds the steering is overly light. The car is quiet and the ride is decent. But the new coupe-like silhouette compromises visibility, trunk room, and rear-seat comfort. The Maxima 3.5 SV ($33,700 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that gives the car quicker acceleration than some V8s. Expect 22 mpg overall on premium fuel. The continuously variable transmission works very well overall; it's also the only one available. The Maxima's brakes are very good overall.

As a bargain sports sedan that can challenge the performance of models from BMW and Mercedes, Pontiac's G8 is a success. It handles and rides as well as the best cards in its class. The G8 GT's acceleration is very impressive, with a zero-to-sixty time of 5.7-seconds. But the downside of that is poor fuel economy-at just 17 mpg overall on regular fuel. The G8 GT ($33,660 MSRP as tested) is powered by a huge 361-hp, 6.0-liter V8 engine that makes it blisteringly quick. The smooth six speed automatic transmission with a tall sixth gear makes highway cruising relaxed. The brakes are very good overall. (A 256-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic is also available in the base G8, but CR didn't test it because a more powerful V6 with a six-speed automatic will arrive in 2010.)

In the tradition of large domestic luxury cars, Lincoln's MKS is built for pampering, not for spirited driving. Handling lacks agility, and the engine is too noisy for a car in this class. The interior amenities and finishes are pleasant, but the MKS feels too much like the Ford Taurus, on which it is based, to justify its luxury price tag. The MKS ($40,880 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 273-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine that performs well, but is not as quick or smooth as its competition in this class. CR measured its fuel economy at just 20 mpg overall on regular, which is not impressive. The six-speed automatic transmission is not as slick as most in this class. Brakes are very good overall.

Geneva 09' Preview: Hyundai HED-6 Concept Rendering Released

Автор: SharaMoore | четверг, 1 октября 2009 г.

Hyundai has released an official sketch of the HED-6 Concept that will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The HED-6 was designed at Hyundai's European Design headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany and provides a new look for Hyundai's SUVs. The concept features a muscular design with its hexagonal grille, angular style lines and piercing back-swept front headlamps, with the bold look completed by 21-inch, mirror-polished alloy wheels.

The HED-6 is powered by a 175 horsepower 1.6-liter GDi turbocharged engine.

Hyundai has Killed Rumors of a Genesis Convertible

Автор: SharaMoore | среда, 30 сентября 2009 г.

Hyundai has killed any speculation or rumors that a convertible version of the upcoming Genesis Coupe is in the works. Hyundai officially unveiled the Genesis Coupe last March and sales are expected to start this spring.

According to Miles Johnson, manager of product public relations, a Genesis Convertible was never in the works.

“It’s never been in the plan,” Johnson told Inside Line. “There was some internal discussion early on, but since we unveiled the coupe in New York, there’s been no talk.”

Johnson stated that the Genesis Coupe was never designed with a convertible in mind. Instead it was designed as a global car. In addition Koreans are not really into "the wind in your hair" and Hyundai doesn't have enough traction in the U.S. for a convertible.

He also stated that there are no plans for Hyundai convertibles in the future, although sources are saying otherwise. There are rumors that the use of retractable hardtops are in the works.

Top 10 Cheapest New Cars To Own

Автор: SharaMoore | суббота, 26 сентября 2009 г.

This may have seemed like a no-brainer: The cheapest cars to own are the ones with the best gas mileage. Right? Not exactly. Edmunds five year audit of the cost of ownership takes in to account many factors including intial cost of vehicle, depreciation, financing (based on a 60 month loan), taxes, fees, insurance, maintenance, repairs and yes, gas mileage; averaging 15,000 miles a year. Hoping for a Mustang or Jeep to make the list was maybe a pipe dream. But what about a Mini? It gets great gas mileage. But, as you may have guessed, the top 10 is mostly populated by a yawn inducing collection of cars.

Hyundai Accent

It should be noted that Edmunds does not factor in any environmental impact or pollution statistics into the equation. For instance, the top mpg car sold in America is the Prius, which ranks 33 on the list because its base price is $22,160 wich is almost double the Chevy Aveo, which ranks #1. Also, Edmunds explains that gas prices are not the most important factor in calculating the costs of ownership. The Aveo would hold the No. 1 spot even if gasoline should go to $6 per gallon. Again, almost entirely because of its inexpensive intial cost. In fairness, my previously derogatory remarks aside, there are a couple of models on this list that aren’t completely hideous in my mind. (I’d rather not say which. I have my reputation to protect.)

Honda Fit

Here are the Top 10 least expensive cars to own over a five-year period, according to Edmunds’ True Cost To Own scale. (Cost-per-mile is in parentheses):

1.) Chevy Aveo5 Special Value hatchback ($0.42)
2.) Hyundai Accent GS 2-door hatchback ($0.43)
3.) Honda Fit 4-door hatchback ($0.44)
4.) Toyota Yaris 2-door hatchback ($0.44)
5.) Honda Civic DX 4-door sedan ($0.45)
6.) Nissan Versa 4-door hatchback ($0.45)
7.) Mazda3 4-door sedan ($0.46)
8.) Kia Rio 4-door sedan ($0.46)
9.) Scion xB 4-door wagon ($0.46)
10.) Toyota Corolla CE 4-door sedan ($0.46)

In the aftermath of Suzanne’s series of posts about which vehicle gives you a better chance to “get some,” (I’m keeping it clean), it is obvious from the responses from readers that what is most “attractive” to both sexes is intelligence. If nothing else, buying one of these cars makes economic sense.

Hyundai is Recalling Almost 400,000 Sonatas

Автор: SharaMoore | четверг, 3 сентября 2009 г.

Hyundai has issued a recall of 394,000 Sonatas model years 2006-2008 to check the front seat sensors.

Hyundai Releases Official Photo Renderings of Its Upcoming RWD Coupe

Автор: SharaMoore | пятница, 7 августа 2009 г.

Hyundai has released the first official photo renderings of the automaker's upcoming rear-wheel-drive coupe.

Hyundai Equus: Equal Luxury

Автор: SharaMoore | четверг, 6 августа 2009 г.

A long year will need to pass before American drivers can get their hands on Equus, a new luxury sedan from Hyundai. Reportedly, the Hyundai Equus will hit the markets with a $60,000 tag price, which is not bad for the reclining rear seats, massagers and LCD displays that accompany the car. Korea, however, can get all that now. The Equus is available there in 3.8-liter V6 or 4.6-liter V8.