2015 Hyundai Genesis to hit showrooms in April
First details on upcoming BMW 5 Series rival: new Hyundai Genesis will cost from £47,995
Hyundai is finally going upmarket in the UK, with the Genesis executive car set to go on sale in our shores in April. It's been on sale in the US for a while, and will be aiming to compete with established rivals such as the Jaguar XF and BMW 5 Series here in Britain. Priced at £47,995, it'll only be available here in limited numbers.
We drove and reviewed a European-spec Genesis last June, but this is is the first time Hyundai has confirmed pricing and details Britain. According to the firm, the Genesis will only be sold in a small quota from selected Hyundai dealers, at bespoke showrooms.
For the near-£50k outlay you get a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine sending 311bhp and 397Nm of torque to the rear wheels, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It's capable of 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and manages 24.4mpg. This is the only engine option available globally, showing Hyundai's realistic prediction for limited sales compared to the big-hitters in the executive car class (with their efficient and powerful diesels).
Standard kit includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 'fine grain' leather, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and what Hyundai claims is the world's first CO2 cabin sensor to protect the driver from a lack of oxygen in the cabin. Four cameras around the cabin give a 360-degree view of the car, aiding the standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert system and Blind Spot Protection.
On top of this, there's a head-up display, xenon headlamps with high-beam assist and an automatically-opening Smart Boot. It's available with a choice of seven exterior colours.
Hyundai's vision for 2020
Alongside the Genesis announcement, the firm has outlined growth targets for the next five years. Aligning with the forthcoming launch of new models such as the i20 Coupe and hot i30 Turbo, alongside various 2015 facelifts across the range, Hyundai expects to increase annual sales by a fifth, to 100,000.
That is reflective of the target in the next couple of years to gain a 5% market share in the UK, with the long-term prospect of models consistently approaching a top-five sales position within each sector.
Earlier this month, the Korean brand announced £48billion in new manufacturing and design facilities across the globe, including plans to revamp the firms dealer network, including one of the world's first virtual dealerships.
