Inside Story: 2010 Hyundai Genesis 4.6

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April 15, 2010

2010 Hyundai Genesis 4.6. Click image to enlarge

Cubbies!

Tip-out door pockets occur for the front doors, with smaller fixed versions in the rear. Neither pocket is bottle holder-specific, though one has to wonder about the space and depth of the door panel pulls, which could easily accept popular energy drink cans. (Doesn’t mean you should.) The locking glovebox still provides ample storage, even with the lump of owner’s lit. Note the lock-out switch for the rear trunk release. Below the DVD inlet is the parking spot for the keyless fob, and a thin open cubby. A flip-top door reveals the front dual cupholder, with a removable rubber bed, and four spring-loaded cinchers per cup cavity. The rear armrest holds a similar system, with removable pads, good depth, and sadly, no cinchers. Rear seatbacks are storage pocket-equipped. The centre console gets a top-mount flock-lined storage compartment, with an ingenious slide tab for feeding through a power or connectivity cable. For those of us who appreciate the sports sedan driving experience, it should be noted that the console lid does not interfere with steering wheel inputs at the correct 9-and-3 position. The lower compartment holds a 12-volt DC powerpoint, and a protective flip-top cover for the USB and auxiliary audio jack inputs. Ahead of the shifter is a sliding cover for the smoker’s package, which does not yet appear to have a delete option.

The Overhead

2010 Hyundai Genesis 4.6. Click image to enlarge

Dual vanity mirrors include sliding covers, which are the on/off switch for the overhead lighting. Both visors slide for additional sunblock. The auto-dimming interior rearview mirror includes a compass display, and Homelink transmitter. The sunglasses holder is ample, with non-marring internal padding. The full-auto moonroof opens wide, and tilts with generous venting. Note the fine detail of the headliner fabric finishing. (Pay attention, FoMoCo.) Antenna is of the shark-fin variety.

Seat Treat

Full power glide/recline occurs for both driver and front passenger, with the driver receiving the power lumbar bladder. General weirdness surrounds the front passenger seat, equipped with three-step heat only, while the driver gets the trifecta for heating and cooling. I have seen similar issues in other front passenger seats, usually due to the occupant sensor or airbag placement, so stay tuned on the Why. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited can now be had with rear heated seats, so I would expect this to be available in the Genesis too. The leather seats have soft, comfortable hides.

Cargo Embargo

2010 Hyundai Genesis 4.6. Click image to enlarge

Every inch of the trunk cavity has been tastefully trimmed. Dual protected lamps illuminate the cavity. An interior pull-down handle should keep soiled clothing to a minimum. Floor-mount tethers secure the cargo netting. The rear seatback is stationary, as per the majority of luxo-sports. A non-locking centre pass-through has been provided.

Spare Care

Life’s better with a tether, like this strap to hold the cargo floor aloft. The jacking tools are held in a foam biscuit, atop the space-saver temporary spare tire. Note the rear placement of the battery. Hyundai will change that spare for you, during the first three years of ownership, with no mileage limit.

2010 Hyundai Genesis 4.6. Click image to enlarge

The Mill

The 375-horsepower 4.6-litre V8 isn’t as tight as you might think. Note the good access to the coil-on plugs arrangement. Fluid level fill points are without issue, with the exception of a non-existent transmission dipstick.

The Verdict

Is it time for Lexus, Infiniti, et al to get worried? Dang straight. This luxo-sport appears to be going after EVERYBODY.

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