Yesterday Hyundai Sime Darby officially launched the 2015 Hyundai Genesis for the Malaysian market. The launch of the Hyundai Flagship sedan coincided with the official opening of their new 3S centre over at Old Klang Road. The centre is the first Flagship 3S GDSI (Global Dealership Space Identity) centre in South East Asia and measures approximately 38,000 sq ft.
The Hyundai Genesis is a full sized luxury car. It is built in the traditional mould of what a luxury sedan is - rear wheel drive, a long bonnet, a rearward four door passenger space and acres of leather with wood trim. It is powered by a 3.8liter GDI V6 petrol engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Power is at 329hp (333hp with premium grade petrol) and 397Nm torque. This is enough to enable the Genesis to have a 0-100kmh time of 6.5seconds.
The car is prices at about RM388,921.52 (or RM399,888 on the road with insurance). It falls right smack within the price bracket of the BMW 5 series or the Mercedes Benz E-class. However, being a newcomer to the field, the car, aside from having more bells and whistles than the two German cars mentioned it is also closer in size to the BMW 7 Series - its wheelbase, 3010mm and overall length at 4990mm falls in between the 5 series and 7 series - the 5 series at 2968mm/4899mm and the 7 Series at 3070mm/5075mm.
The extra space may be in the longish bonnet, but the rear seats are spacious enough for a company director. The overall ambiance inside is quite good. It does feel luxurious and slightly special with lots of high quality leather, soft touch plastics. The only real flaw I personally felt was the interior door release levers, a tad too plasticky for a luxury barge. Aside from that, the switchgear seems nice to touch and good to hold. The good thing about the Hyundai Genesis is that there are no 'H' logos anywhere on the car, inside or out. It has a winged genesis emblem instead. This distances the car from the usual Hyundais running around.
The exterior looks like something European rather than Asian in terms of design. I suppose this is because it was designed by a European in the first place. The lines mimics that of a BMW from some angles and an Audi from other angles. Sometimes, looking familiar and yet at the same time, not so familiar is a good thing when venturing into a more premium market.
Some of you may ask whether Hyundai are slightly off its rocker by entering the luxury market and try by selling a close to RM400,000 car against well established rivals. I suppose I have to say that they are extremely brave and slightly heroic in doing so. But why not? The product has its qualities and it does give us a broader spectrum of cars to purchase instead of the same players. Flagship cars like the Genesis also give out a halo effect, one of certain greatness and accomplishment that trickles downwards to the more basic models. It tells us that the company can manufacture more than the usual.
This is important to some extent. This is also what I consider to be Hyundai testing the waters. Putting one's foot inside the pool to test things out. Anyway, the car seems to be doing well at its Korean home market and over in America. It has also been launched in Europe recently. All of this tells me that this is a confident company and one willing to take some risks. With that they earn my respect. Although I do wish that they would eventually come out with a -tax break' version of this Genesis. One that has the 3.0GDI engine. Just a thought folks.
Anyway, to find out more about the Hyundai Genesis and what ownership privilleges are offered, do read the press release below. More pics of the Genesis right at the end also.
PRESS RELEASE
HYUNDAI REDEFINES LUXURY DRIVING WITH
THE LAUNCH OF ITS ALL-NEW GENESIS
The Genesis – Synonymous with Precision Craftsmanship, Exceptional Performance and Outstanding Safety Features
- The Genesis showcases Hyundai’s highest level of quality, technology and dynamic quality
- Best-in-class Chassis System that delivers powerful, smooth and serene driving experience
- Winner of numerous safety awards including the maximum 5-star ANCAP Safety Rating – The highest safety score in ANCAP history
- 3.8-litre GDI V6 mated to Hyundai’s 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual shift and paddle shifters
- Industry-first 8 years Warranty Programme for its Powertrain
L to R - Mr Lau Yit Mun, Mr Park Sang-Min and Mr Dennis Ho
KUALA LUMPUR, 5 June 2015 – Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has introduced the All-New Genesis at its new GDSI (Global Dealership Space Identity) 3S centre today, marking the highly-anticipated launch of its first luxury sedan.
The launch of the Genesis coincided with the official opening of Sime Darby Auto Hyundai’s Old Klang Road outlet, which is the first Flagship 3S GDSI (Global Dealership Space Identity) centre in South East Asia measuring 38,000 sq ft.
The new Genesis sets a new standard for premium sedans with ground-breaking levels of refinement and value for money, embodying Hyundai’s flourishing reputation as a global automotive pacesetter. The Genesis is incredibly well equipped in every configuration with generous safety and convenience features, unsurpassed in its class.
“The Genesis demonstrates Hyundai’s capabilities in the area of innovative technology, luxurious comfort, craftsmanship and premium style, in line with the brand’s promise to provide value beyond expectations,” said Mr Lau Yit Mun, Managing Director of HSDM. “Genesis is the Hyundai brand’s flagship car globally and we are confident that the launch of the Genesis will further enhance Hyundai’s brand value. It will also be instrumental in positioning Hyundai as a premium sedan brand,” added Mr Lau.
Fully reflecting Hyundai's 'Modern Premium' brand direction, the exterior and interior design of the all-new Genesis embodies Hyundai's latest corporate aesthetic design. The all-new Genesis delivers improved strength and performance, increased passenger comfort and a wide range of cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies.
To secure its position as the best-in-class luxury sedan, the Genesis went through numerous tests that were carried out in various locations worldwide, which included the famed Nurburgring, Germany and at Yeongam Circuit, Korea. Extreme hot weather testing was conducted at Death Valley, Colorado while extreme cold weather testing was carried out at Sweden’s famed Argeplog Lake.
Premium & Distinctive Design
Designed based on the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the Genesis is defined by the following core elements: simple and harmonious design with refined, ‘in-motion’ design aesthetics. Evoking a premium feel and also a modern Hyundai look, the Genesis features a striking hexagonal front grille as a key geometric element, a dynamic crease accent running along the flanks of the car and a dynamic rear design.
Its interior design aligns with the premium exterior design, adopting consistent design details that fully reflect careful consideration of ergonomics and intuitive operation. Tailored design specifications for all materials and precision craftsmanship further enhance the luxurious image of the Genesis. The cockpit is designed based on the Human Machine Interface (HMI), which allows the driver to intuitively recognise switches and their function for easier control while driving.
Luxurious Cabin & Smart Features
Complete comfort is delivered through a combination of a spacious cabin and first-class seating in finished full grain premium Nappa leather. Total interior volume is an impressive 123.0 cubic feet, an advantage over key competitors. As part of this spacious interior design, the Genesis provides best-in-class front leg room and rear shoulder room.
The Genesis is also equipped with the latest technologies, including an advanced driver infotainment system which displays detailed vehicle information on an 8” touch screen. The driving experience of the All-New Genesis is further enhanced with smart features such as a CO2 Cabin Sensor, which monitors the quality of the cabin environment and helps protect the driver from the dangers of drowsiness. A Head-up Display (HUD) projects important information onto the windscreen to aid the driver while visibility is aided further by the Bi-Xenon headlights equipped with auto leveling and bending light.
The Genesis offers an ultra-premium, Lexicon® Discrete Logic 7 Surround Audio System with 14 speakers, Logic 7 Surround Sound processing and 12-channel digital amplifier with 900-watts of equivalent output, sure to satisfy the most demanding audiophile. The system also includes HD Radio and iPod/USB auxiliary media input jacks. With sound-absorbing materials and additional insulation fitted to the cabin, booming and vibration as well as audible noise is very much reduced resulting in a quiet cabin.
Driver and passenger posture are optimized using increased seat pad density, improved seat support technology, larger adjustable bolsters and seat back cushioning.
For the comfort and convenience of the rear passengers, the Genesis offers centre armrest with dual cup holders and centre console with remote control to access multimedia features in the car.
Cutting-Edge Safety Features
Safety is Hyundai’s utmost priority with every model that it produces. The Genesis is built with even more advanced high-strength steel, now over 50 percent of total platform composition that offers 16 percent stiffer torsional rigidity and 40 percent stiffer bending rigidity as compared with the first-generation architecture. As a result, the new Genesis is stiffer in both torsional and bending rigidity than its competitors.
It is also fully equipped with safety features such as Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), which also incorporates Brake Assist System (BAS), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), nine airbags, and anti-whiplash front head restraints. The nine airbags include advanced dual front airbags, driver’s knee airbag, front and outboard rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants.
To increase awareness on the road, the Genesis employs a radar system called the Blind Spot Detection (BSD) to detect objects in the driver’s blind spot or in the rear cross path. The system provides both audio and visual alert to keep driver aware at all times. Coupled with this system is the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) system that alerts the driver if an object is about to cross the rear of the vehicle from the right or left when backing out of a space to prevent accidents.
Another smart safety feature that comes with the Genesis is the Smart Cruise Control. This feature enables the Genesis to help maintain safer, consistent spacing with the vehicle ahead in varied traffic conditions. The Genesis is also fitted with Pre-Safe Belt (PSB) to protect passengers from risks of collision including sudden braking or slipping. Once a risk is detected, the seat belt tightens to protect passengers from being thrown forward.
Best-in-Class Chassis System
The All-New Genesis is powered by a 3.8-litre V6 GDI engine that delivers power to the rear wheels, which is engineered to complement Hyundai’s very own eight-speed automatic transmission to ensure an effortlessly smooth and serene driving experience. The Genesis generates a high torque of 397nm even at the low RPM ranges of 5,000rpm, significantly increasing performance and reaction capabilities even at speeds of 80 to 120km/h and acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
Armed with the Multi-Link Suspension and application of various advanced technologies, the All-New Genesis offers top-class driving and ride & handling performances. An increase in the rear lateral stiffness allows for more confident handling. In addition, the Rack-mounted Motor Driven Electric Power Steering (R-MDPS) that comes with a variable gear ratio, also provides high-speed stability and direct response at low and medium speeds.
Driver Convenience Technologies
Parking this large sedan is made convenient with a 360° Around View Monitoring System (AVM) that is paired with the Smart Parking Assist System. This latest system does not only provide visual information surrounding the car but it also reveals blind spots of every side of the vehicle. The Smart Parking System on the other hand, controls steering wheel to support precise and quick parking.
A myriad of other convenience features are also fitted into the Genesis: Smart Trunk System, which automatically opens if the smart key is detected within close proximity for longer than three seconds. This system allows the driver to keep both feet comfortably on the ground, simply waiting by the boot for a few seconds for it to open automatically. Puddle lamps, featuring the Genesis logo, illuminate the area around the doors, which are equipped with an automatic-closing mechanism.
Pricing & Extended Warranty on Powertrain
The All-New Genesis which retails at RM388,921.52 (includes GST, road tax and hire purchase ownership but excludes insurance) is available in a choice of three specially selected metallic and pearlescent exterior colours - Marble White, Platinum Silver and Onyx Black which have been chosen to best showcase the sleek lines of the car. Two elegant interior trim colour options are available i.e Beige Two-Tone and Black One-Tone.
HSDM offers *8 years or 300,000km warranty on powertrain (engine and gearbox) and this warranty currently only applies to the Genesis and YF Sonata. A standard 5 years warranty or 300,000km (whichever comes first) on all its new passenger vehicles also applies. To top it off, Genesis car owners will also benefit from *5 years or 100,000km free service (whichever comes first; with a service interval of 10,000km), covering all scheduled maintenance items including labour, parts, and lubricants. A 24-hour road assist service is also made available to new and existing Hyundai vehicles.
*Only valid for first owner.
The Leader-Genesis Card
New Genesis owners will be offered a 2-year free membership for The Leader, a proprietary concierge service exclusive to owners of premium Hyundai models. The Leader members can enjoy VIP privileges such as a complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounge at selected major airports in Malaysia, complimentary chauffeur driven ride to or from KLIA, KLIA2 or Subang Skypark and much more. Apart from the standard privileges that Leader Card members enjoy, members of the Leader-Genesis Card will be offered more personalised services from hotel bookings to travel arrangements, Priority Service and an exclusive VIP lounge at selected showrooms, plus additional four complimentary chauffeur service passes (for travel within the Klang Valley) as well as four airport premier lounge passes (at selected major airports in Malaysia).
For more information or to place bookings interested parties can head to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.
More on Sime Darby Auto Hyundai GDSI 3S Centre, Old Klang Road
The Sime Darby Auto Hyundai, Old Klang Road outlet is the first Flagship 3S GDSI (Global Dealership Space Identity) centre in South East Asia.
With a total investment of RM9.5 million, the new three-story centre is fully equipped with the latest facilities, 20 service bays including 3 Quick Service bays and ample parking lots for customers. Customers can expect an upgraded premium customer lounge, VVIP lounge for Leader Card members and pickup/delivery service for the convenience of busy working executives.
“The GDSI aims to strengthen Hyundai’s Modern Premium brand proposition by not only improving the look of its sales and service outlets but also its service quality that will offer customers experience beyond expectations,” said Mr Lau.
This 3S GDSI features a modern, open showroom with floor-to-ceiling glass panes and a bronze-coloured roof. Its design concept themed E Motion Park integrates technological perfection and emotional satisfaction, with smart design and environment responsibility. The GDSI is identified worldwide with 5-design elements namely cellular landscape on the interior, shaped sky (horizontal structure reminiscence of a floating cloud), vertical green (in the form of trees), modular furniture and a brand wall.
Sime Darby Auto Hyundai’s GDSI 3S Centre is situated at No 193 & 195, Batu 3 3/4, Jalan Klang Lama, Kuala Lumpur. The sales showroom is open from Monday to Friday (8.30am to 7.00pm), Saturday (8.30am – 6.00pm) and Sunday (9.30am to 6.00pm) while the service centre is open from Monday to Friday (8.30am – 5.15pm) and Saturday (8.30am – 12.45pm). Customers can call 03-7984 5388 to find out more about the services offered here.
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