2006 Hyundai Genus Review

Specifications

Could Hyundais Best of Both Worlds Crossover Be a Winner?

Have you ever woken up one morning with the realization that things have dramatically changed? The change may have taken place some time ago, but nevertheless the realization is just as profound. While hardly earth shattering to anyone with a life outside of the car industry, about a month ago I found myself pondering how the crossover genre has not only introduced us to an entirely new market segment, but also how it has displaced an old one, for the most part: the common wagon.

Some automakers arent even producing wagon versions of their sedans anymore, at least like they used to. And Im not talking about Country Squire and Caprice faux-woodgrain wagons of yore, but more so cars like the Camry wagon, Accord wagon, Corolla wagon, Civic wagon, Elantra wagon, and others. Some are just renaming their wagons SportCombi, in Saabs case, or Magnum, a “Sport Tourer” from Dodge, no less.

I suppose that the Dodge is an entirely new vehicle on the outside, which segues into the second group of new crossovers, those that are based off of the same general architecture as their sedan counterparts, but are unique in shape and character. Toyotas Matrix falls into this category, as does Fords new Edge or Mazdas CX-7 - although Mazda breaks with the program and still builds a 6 wagon. So, while the underpinnings might be more or less the same, an automaker is capable of producing a vehicle that is much more intriguing than merely a five-door liftback version of a four-door sedan. Truly, while Fords Focus wagon may be one of the more functional compacts on todays market, a version of its Euro-only SAV, based on the next-generation Focus being sold overseas, would probably be much more appealing to most modern-day buyers. The same could be said for Hyundais compact wagon, if the  Korean automaker still built one.

Instead we have the Tucson, but as good as it is its more SUV than crossover, or at least it has been designed to look like a sport utility and with that, offer a taller ride height than many crossovers do. This means that theres room for something lower to the ground, sleeker, sportier; something more wagon-like, but heaven forbid it be named a wagon.

A good example of what this could be for Hyundai is the new Genus concept. Like Toyotas Matrix, et hoc genus omne (and everything of this kind), the new Korean CUV could easily be based off of a current production sedan. As mentioned, the Matrix shares underpinnings with the Corolla, while the Genus measures close to the rather large “midsize” Sonata sedan, and therefore could potentially use its substructure.

While no Sonata wagon is forthcoming, and for good reason, the metallic-champagne painted Genus, or whatever it would finally be named, could potentially be a much more enticing midsize five-door model. It looks similar to Mercedes-Benzs R-Class; although a good argument could be made for it being much more attractive overall, while its dimensions are much more manageable. As mentioned, its about the same size as the Sonata, with an overall length 2.0 inches shorter at 187.0 inches and a 112.2-inch long wheelbase that stretches 4.7 inches past that of the popular sedan. Its overall width of 73.6 inches, a number that may but most likely does not include the span between side-view mirror tips (the press material didnt say), is again similar to the Sonata either way. Given its CUV genus (the noun-form of genus being Latin for “a class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common characteristic” according to Merriam-Websters Unabridged), its taller than the Sonata, by 3.5 inches, at 61.6 inches.

Hyundai classifies the concept as a 2+2, which is a bit misleading. Most 2+2 production models refer to two-door coupes, such as the automakers Tiburon. The +2 portion of the equation normally suggests that real people, i.e. adults, wont fit in the rear seats comfortably, yet those in the Genus second row would have plenty of room to move around. Even elementary math suggests that adding length to the Sonatas already generous wheelbase and resultant roomy rear seat dimensions would make for an accommodating passenger compartment. There are no photos of the Genus rear quarters, but suffice to expect something a lot more spacious than a traditional 2+2. In reality, presupposing this vehicle, or something similar will eventually be produced, five-occupant seating would get the nod. The wheelbase is even long enough to slot in a third row - after all, the upcoming 2007 Santa Fes third row is quite accommodating despite measuring some 3.0 inches shorter than the Genus overall, and making do with a 5.9 fewer inches in wheelbase length.

The Santa Fe, which, when put side-by-side with the Genus is, like the Tucson, more of an SUV than a crossover, at least when factoring in its comparatively towering 67.9 inch height that measures 6.3 inches more than the Genus, wouldnt directly compete with a more wagon-like CUV. In other words, just like Toyota sells a Matrix and a RAV4, for instance, Hyundai could offer both crossover models.

Like the Santa Fe, the Genus offers a spacious cargo area accessible via a wide rear clamshell liftgate/tailgate combo, opening up to flat-folding individual rear seats - but theres more to its cargo carrying capacity than that. A rear deck, concealed in the bumper, extends outward over the trunk sill, transforming into an exterior “park bench”. According to Hyundai, the sliding deck is also good for hauling bikes and other large items, adding to this crossovers functional capability.

And those rear seats? They slide forward to build what Hyundai calls a “visual unit” with a sliding two-layer cargo floor, making a “flexible wrap-around cargo space”. I really like how Hyundai describes the rest of the interior; with “visual forms that mimic the continuous flowing nature of sand dunes”. Dont you just want to go there? There is a sense of fluid movement to the Genus cabin surfaces, though, and its instrument panel, set into a “floating frame”, and unique foldable center stack that hides a blue-hued illuminated infotainment interface, is decidedly upscale. Such details make concept vehicles fun, and while Hyundais designers and engineers no doubt had a good time putting all this together, a production Genus would probably receive and interior treatment that more closely resembles the new Santa Fe - no bad thing. It probably would come with the option of aubergine (egg plant) leather or the “contemporary silk-like textile” draped over primary surfaces, as Hyundai explains it. No, but its likely the light beige leather inserts would remain, joining more beige elsewhere in the cabin - with the option of anthracite or light gray to complement a variety of exterior colors.

The anodized metal accents would be replaced with metal-like plastic, of high quality mind you, and the perforations in the leather seat surfaces would most likely remain in top trim levels. A road-ready Genus might also lose the wrap-around roll-bar, although the cool “almond-shaped” dome light might remain, just to give it that made to measure look that more and more automakers are trying to capture, even at the lower end of the market. The Santa Fe, after all, offers a luxury experience despite what many believe will be a very attractive entry-level midsize CUV price tag.

And like that Santa Fe, which will join the Sonata in North America, Europe and other markets, the Genus could be an all-market vehicle if produced. So, dont let the fact that the new crossover is being introduced in Geneva, Switzerland after being conceived in the Hyundai European Design Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, located just outside of Frankfurt, lower your hopes of getting your hands on one.

No doubt, the attractive model would sell well no matter where it was put to market. It follows a similar “frowning” grille treatment to Hyundais Talus concept, which debuted in Detroit this January, at least in overall shape, but executes the design language in a slightly happier demeanor thanks to a bisecting body-color bumper. Its not as sporty as the Talus, purposely, but rather more upscale - almost premium-like.

This upward mobility is an important one for Hyundai, a brand that needs to force itself and its customer base upscale since purchasing its entry-level rival, Kia. The two companies share a lot of components as well as chassis architectures between models, which is hardly unusual amongst automakers, although Hyundai needs to stop competing directly with Kia and start taking on other brands that are steadily moving up-market. Theres a limit, however, to how far peoples perceptions will allow Hyundai to increase its stature. Volkswagen and its ill-fated Phaeton luxury sedan is the most obvious example - Volkswagen sold just one in all of Canada last month. Just the same, the iconic German economy brand (Volkswagen translates into peoples car after all) has done very well with its Touareg luxury SUV, so anything is possible.

Styling, such as that applied to the Genus, could work toward increasing Hyundais status amongst new car shoppers, mind you, and then factoring the improvements made to the brands interiors, the new Azera leading the way, it could be well on its way to targeting entry-level premium buyers.

Those who might take the bait in North America probably wouldnt want the Genus concepts drivetrain, mind you, at least not as the sole choice. U.S. buyers tend to vote for gasoline or hybrid electric powered SUVs and crossovers, not oil burners, and their Canadian counterparts, while more diesel-centric, would probably want similar more often than not. Some, however, would want Hyundai to bring its 2.2-liter Common-Rail Diesel engine (CRDi) to Canada. These would like its fat torque curve and thriftier fuel economy combination, and thanks to Hyundais smooth five-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive capability, appreciate its easy acceleration and top-level refinement.

While Hyundai doesnt say which chassis architecture the Genus is riding on, if indeed it is the Sonata under these graceful five-door lines, it wouldnt sacrifice handling competence for a smooth ride, or vice versa. Of course, the 20-inch aluminum rims might give it a slightly more rigid feel than the optional 17s fixed to a top-line Sonata, but these should improve reaction to a drivers input beyond the sedans deft capability.

And with that, will Hyundai build the Genus? The fact that it fills a nice between the Sonata and the Santa Fe is both a boon and a bane for the stylish prototype. While it could present the perfect balance of each, it might also find few buyers with the majority opting for convention over innovation. Mercedes-Benzs R-Class is struggling to find buyers, despite its roomy interior and sleek although unorthodox lines, while its E-Class models, at one end, and ML on the other, are selling well. Of course, Mercedes-Benz buyers are different than Hyundai buyers, or at least their incomes, more often than not, are. But when it comes to changing the way buyers purchase, or more correctly, the way buyers think, something entirely new can often be a tough sell.

And unlike Mercedes, which can get away with a low-volume product due to high profits on a per unit basis, Hyundai cant (although the jury on whether Mercedes will actually come out smelling like roses thanks to a very slow selling R-Class is still out). A production Genus would have to be a high volume seller in order for its builder to consider it a success. This said, Hyundai can afford to take a chance or two, being one of the fastest growing and most successful automakers in the world. Maybe the Genus should be the first completely new direction the company takes. After all, its shown a number of impressively forward thinking concepts over the years, but as far as production models go it has followed a rather conservatively conventional process, kind of like how the Japanese brands started out. Build a better sedan, SUV or coupe for less than rival brands, its a formula that works. But why not stretch now that its so successful, and do something altogether different? Yes, maybe its time Hyundai.