Thursday 25 / April / 2024
Everything is premium about this car. It starts to impress from the very first glance, with its fine lines and bold yet smooth curves, and then the indulgence continues. Attention has been paid to every aspect of the car to the finest detail, and we could not help, but appreciate the thoughtfulness and practicality behind the engineering of the car.
A recent drive through the city gave us the opportunity to experience (now I say relish) the beauty of the car — aesthetically and performance-wise. In the end we could sum it up all in two words: Quite impressive.
At the slightest glance, the car evokes memories of some German and one British car in particular (I leave it at that). Every aspect of the car exudes opulence, aiming to minister the most sophisticated of connoisseurs.
Open the door, and the amazement starts. Don’t pull the door, settling in the pampering leather seat, as you move to shut it — just glide it softly to its latch, and the power latch does the rest itself, sealing the door to the compartment, with a slight mechanical movement.
The ergonomics and quality of the interior materials and design are applaudable. Features like the driver seat with the ability to extend the seating area to accommodate taller drivers and the unique air exchange feature that helps eliminate feeling sleepy on long drives when outside air is not present, are instant attention grabbers.
The cabin materials are premium. Brushed aluminium accents on the interior are a departure from the typical plastics used in many other premium vehicles. Even the plastics are all soft touch, and the real wood trim has a deep gloss finish synced with immaculately finished leather upholstery.
At nearly five metres, the Genesis looks quite imposing with its long and wide stance. It is more spacious than most of the competition, with rear seat passengers getting significantly more leg and shoulder room.
It thoroughly mellows the occupants with a cosseting experience. The plush leather draped seats are heated and ventilated — both front and rear, with dual-zone automatic climate control. The footrest equipped rear seats have a 60:40 powered reclining function, with passengers having the ease of remotely adjusting the front passenger seat to create even more legroom. While the feature sounds very practical with the boss in the rear seat, the same might sound trouble, if the boss is driving himself with the better half in tow, and the real bosses; children are in the rear (a fun game, which they will want to keep on repeating — watching the seat move back and forth at the touch of a button).
It would have been even better if a function lock key was present on the front panel.
To make matters more pleasing while on the move, there is a big panoramic sunroof, allowing you to bask in a bit of the pleasant nature around. Powered rear sunshade, and manual rear window sunshades offered added protection and privacy. Hyundai has clearly worked hard on the Genesis’ refinement, and it’s a very quiet place to be in; nothing comes in or goes out.
The car drives equally wonderful too, with a super responsive engine and all-wheel drive. The 3.8-litre V6 is absolutely whisper-hushed at idle and gentle rpms. Push the pedal hard, and the car sounds surprisingly rorty, as it plunges ahead strongly. Hyundai’s own eight-speed automatic shifts imperceptibly, providing very smooth, quick transmissions.
The Genesis feels composed and confident around corners and the steering is well-weighted and precise. The 19-inch wheels provide enough traction, aided with the standard Lotus-tuned air-suspension, which does an awesome job at eating up bumps and floating over rough surfaces —isolating occupants from impacts; a feat that could invite envy even from some big rivals.
The instrument panel and information centre is fantastic. Apart from the typical information, the panel enables switching between analogue or digital speed readout, tyre pressure, among others. Being able to switch between functions from the steering wheel is an added plus. The centrally mounted touch enabled 9-inch infotainment screen houses an interactive navigation system along with music navigation, satellite radio, and sensor view. The centre console layout is complemented further with a metal-finish starter button and the classy analogue clock.
Navigation and phone functions are controlled using a rotating knob and buttons, and are easy to locate and operate. Controls for features like lane keep assist warning and heated seats are very conveniently located.
The Genesis comes heavily packed on safety features too, with seven airbags (including curtain airbags), stability control, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and surround-view parking camera system, offering aerial 360 degree view.
A very smart safety feature is the automatic emergency braking, which enables the car to automatically brake if the vehicle in front suddenly slows down or comes too close to the vehicle, and the driver fails to notice. The car also comes equipped with smart cruise control.With 15.3 cubic feet of space, the Genesis also has one of the largest trunks in-class. It features a hands-free smart trunk that opens automatically when you stand near it for a few seconds. Forget shaking a leg when your hands are full.
If all that wasn’t enough, there’s still plenty to the comfy-kit including a head-up display, proximity key, heated steering wheel, head-up display, individual rear seat entertainment monitors, and a powerful 17-speaker Lexicon DVD surround sound system, with a special sound distribution feature, making the audio more rear centric (bass for the Boss).
Tech Specs
Hyundai Genesis 3.8 GLS
Engine: 3778cc Lambda GDI V6
Power: 311bhp (6000rpm), 397nm torque (5000rpm)
Top Speed: 240kph
Transmission: 8 speed automatic
Fuel Capacity: 73ltrs
Authorised Dealers in Oman
OTE Group, Wattayah
Toll Free - +968 800 50003
