Hyundai VS Lexus ??

It's not surprising to have manufacturers making bold claims from time to time, such as Proton's launch of the Waja, claiming to be "Asia's answer to the 3 Series" that caught headlines and dropped spectacles of many automotive journalists. However as we all know, truth prevails and most journalists follow up on Proton's claim with group reviews of Waja VS 3 Series VS A4 VS C Class Waja VS Corolla VS Civic VS Sentra, of which the Waja falls behind to most of it's competition mainly due to fit and finish issues.

Fast forward 10 years, the current world's fifth largest manufacturer Hyundai, having launched the Genesis, not as a brand, but as a flagship model under the Hyundai moniker. They did not make wild claims such as 'taking on the S-Class' but they do so by extending the fame claim of being the best, bang for buck brand; in the reverse; rather than charging less and understandably offering less, they do so by charging less, offering more.

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This round, unlike Proton's claim, although the Genesis thou supposingly should be played against the likes of similar priced cars, the $38,000 Genesis should be compared to the Lexus ES, which is supposedly just a Lexified Toyota Camry, with a 3.5 V6 engine in a Camrified Front Wheel Drive; however compared to the 4.6 ltr V8 from the Genesis powering the rear wheels, Edmunds Inside Line decided to bring on the class leader (in sales), for a detail review on the Genesis, they brought the Lexus GS juggernaut.

We could almost feel Lexus marketer's grins and Hyundai engineer's sweat when such a comparison was being taken place. Is this placing Hyundai on the guillotine? Is this a mere joke from Edmund's to remind Hyundai that it's not as easy as it seems to squeeze themselves amongst the ranks of the German Trio + Lexus, and Hyundai should continue selling their 'Dollars and Senses' campaign and leave the luxobarges alone.

After a rigorous test on comfort, handling, slaloms, braking, acceleration, interior fittings, quality materials, utilities etc, the Genesis scored higher than the GS. Losing out only on average fuel consumption (understandably for 4.6 V8 VS 3.5 V6), and steering feedback. The Genesis, Hyundai's first foray into the mid size sedan, highly competitive market, and taking on the No.1 luxury manufacturer in the US proofs Hyundai is not joking.

We weren't have thought of it, what started with Lexus Marketers grinning and Hyundai Engineers sweating, turns out to be Lexus engineers sweating and Hyundai Marketers grinning. Good job Hyundai.

Read the entire review at Edmund's Inside Line

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