Driven: Hyundai Genesis relaunched as G80

GENESIS has marked its arrival in Australia with the launch of two sedan models, headlined by the G80 large luxury car that the South Korean brand hopes will attract a greater share of private sales.

If the G80 looks familiar, it is because the model has been on sale as the Hyundai Genesis since late 2015, however with the launch of the brand in Australia, the facelifted version will represent the flagship model for the brand above the G70 medium sedan.

During its run as a Hyundai model, the G80 found favour as a company vehicle, with 31 per cent of sales over its lifetime being made up of business, fleet and government sales, compared to 20 per cent of sale coming from private buyers.

Speaking at the local launch of the new marque, Genesis Australia head of product planning Chris Saltapidas said the brand would be aiming for a higher percentage of private ownership with the G80.

“We have a lot of customers out there who are ready to change over into newer vehicles and upgrade, and hire car buyers are one portion of those customers,” he said.

“But we also believe with the repositioning of the car and the brand, and the value that it offers in terms of customer experience, we believe we can increase our private share.”

The fresh Genesis G80 will be available in four specification levels, kicking off from $68,900 plus on-roads for the base-level 3.8, up to $92,900 for the 3.8 Ultimate Sport Design.

Pricing has trended up from the Hyundai Genesis, whose two-variant line-up ranged from $61,500 to $82,000 for the Genesis and Genesis Ultimate, respectively.

The new version retains the same 3.8-litre aspirated V6 across the entire line-up, tuned to produce 232kW at 6000rpm and 397Nm at 5000rpm, driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Despite power remaining the same as in the Hyundai version, Genesis has focused on reducing weight, which has resulted in a fuel economy improvement of 0.8 litres per 100km to 10.4-10.8L/100km. Fuel emissions are pegged at 237-253 grams of CO2 per km.

In other markets the G80 is offered with the choice of the 272kW/510Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 found in the G70 sedan, however Australia is the only current right-hand-drive market for Genesis, and the forced-induction engine has not been made available for right-hook G80 examples.

All local examples feature an Australia-specific ride and handling tune, aided by the G80’s now-standard Genesis Adaptive Control suspension system, which can constantly adjust damping compression and rebound for a comfortable driving experience.

Inside, Genesis has focused on providing a luxurious, comfortable environment for customers, with noise insulation and premium materials used, and a focus on delivering a high level of specification.

Entry-level 3.8 versions come as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, LED tail-lights and foglights, a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, leather upholstery, 12-way adjustable power front seats with heating and memory function, leather upholstery, aluminium interior trim, rain-sensing wipers, electrochromatic mirrors, wireless phone charging, acoustic laminated windshield, rear power sunblind, rear seat audio controls, dual-zone climate control, and a 17-speaker, 900W Lexicon audio system.

Standard safety kit on the G80 range includes nine airbags, tyre pressure monitor, surround view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, electronic stability control and the brand’s suite of active safety tech including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, driver attention warning, forward collision assist, high-beam assist, lane departure warning, pre-active seatbelts, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go.

The Ultimate grade adds a number of features over the 3.8 including 19-inch alloys, Nappa leather upholstery, suede headliner, 16-way power driver’s seat, power adjustable rear seats, heated and ventilated front and rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, acoustic laminated door glass, panoramic glass sunroof, electric boot opening and close, soft-close doors, head-up display, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster display, air ioniser and CO2 sensor, and illuminated door scuff plates.

Both the 3.8 and 3.8 Ultimate can be had with the Sport Design pack for $4000 extra, therefore creating the 3.8 Sport Design and 3.8 Ultimate Sport Design grades.

The Sport Design pack adds darkened highlights on the bespoke 19-inch alloys, Genesis crest grille, and front and rear bumper highlights, a piano black rear diffuser, specific side skirts and dual oval exhaust tips, dark satin chrome door window frame moulding, dark chrome door handles, stainless steel pedals, and bi-Xenon headlights with washers.

A panoramic sunroof is available as an option on 3.8 and 3.8 Sport Design models for $3000.

Nine exterior paint colours are available with three being exclusive to Sport Design, as well as three different interior pallets including black, beige and brown.

G80 models come standard with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, roadside assistance and valet service, and five years/75,000km of complimentary scheduled servicing.

Owners also get five years of the Genesis To You program, which provides courtesy vehicles when servicing as well as concierge services.

Genesis is opening its first showroom this week in Sydney this week with studios to open in Melbourne and Brisbane next year, with the company distancing itself from Hyundai and offering a direct-from-factory sales model.

2019 Genesis G80 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs