Finally got to test drive one after seeing several in stores. Beautiful car, well appointed but I immediately had three issues and called Hyundai about them. Two are stupid oversights, the third, to me is a deal breaker.

1. No 12 volt source in the trunk. I carry a larger 12V cooler in the trunk - especially to keep things chilled between the supermarket and home - and have been accustomed to plug it into an outlet in the trunk. My Azera is the first car I have had in awhile that does not have one and it is a PITA to lower the back of one of the rear seats and string the plug to the outlet at the rear of the console between the front seats. Looks like Genesis owners will need to do the same.

2. No shroud/cover/shield over the underside of the package tray as seen by looking in from the trunk. I know this was mentioned in an earlier Genesis thread but it was the first time I saw it myself. Looks cheap, is cheap - my Azera has one and probably so does every lesser Hyundai model.

3. The deal breaker: The car ignition, according to Hyundai, has no accessory position. This means anytime you want to hear the radio, play a disc, check your trip computer, etc., the car has to be running. You insert the fob in the hole (might as well have a key) and then press the start button to start the engine. I had an Audi A6 with push button start that also allowed accessories to be energized without running the engine. You have to be kidding me.

I called Hyundai about all three, they adopted a case number and returned my call today. Their answer was (to paraphrase): that's the way it is. I'll keep the Azera and move to another marque when trade time comes.

:puzzled:

This post has been edited by 03clyde: Jul 30 2008, 11:12 AM

You don't have to put the key fob in the hole to start the car. As long as you have it with you the car will start.

Fine, but I'd like to know what you can/cannot operate without the engine running. It appears you can't sit at the store while waiting for someone and listen to tunes without wasting gas.

Hi Clyde,

Yes, you can listen to the radio or any other accessory with out turning the car completely on. It has an accessory mode the same as with traditional keyed ignitions. Just press the start button without pressing on the brakes. I watched a DVD in the parking lot with my new 2009 Genesis with the tech package before I hit the driving range on Monday.

So bottom line. The car does not have to be running "anytime you want to hear the radio, play a disc, check your trip computer, etc."

DW (ATL)

THANK YOU. I also posted this same issue in the Genesis Owner's forum and got a similar response from an owner there. While I can accept that the sales folks were not on top of how the ignition works, the brain trust at Mother Hyundai were totally wrong with their reply to me - especially after "researching" the issue before answering me incorrectly today.

Guess that puts me back on the waiting list for the V8 - with the battery in the trunk, an after market 12 volt receptacle can easily be installed in the trunk and I guess I can mask that ugly package shelf - thanks again.

It is truly unfortunate that the owners know more about the cars than Hyundai call center or the dealers, as was shown with the Azera.
One example was running vent only mode in Azera. It is not in the manual, call center said it can't be done as did dealer. However, a poster told me how to do it. There were other examples.
This lack of knowledge and care by Hyundai is one thing that will hurt the Genesis. Also, for a car with this long a development and testing history, there should be no need to wait for the 2011 for them to work out the bugs and get the right amenities on the first car sold.

How does one run vent-only mode, and will it work in a Genesis?

Wrong. There's a huge 12v battery in there.



Wrong! Press the little button under the package tray and and leather cover slides neatly over it and covers up the particle board, foam, and fabric edges.



Wrong, wrong, wrong. Hyundai doesn't know what they're talking about. Ask your 10 year old to figure it out for you.


OK, I'm wrong about No. 2. :grin:

Just watched a car show "Car Business" which was dedicated to hyundai.
The hosts did drive the Genesis and though they liked it well enough they said that the name hyundai will limit sale as those looking for luxo wheels also want to have "The Badge" of luxury on it. They also said that the V8 is going to fail as they couldn't have timed it at a worse time, when the mind of buyers is on conserving rather than consuming, but that the V6 will be the powerplant of choice. I agree with that assessment and think that due to poor sales for the V8 some or all of those features, only available with it, will also be made available to the V6 in the near future.

I know...what's up with that. I noticed this too when checking out the car. I figured there must be some kind of cover that was missing that gets put on when you buy the car. It just seems like for a $36-40K car that is trying to compete with $60k german and japanese models, you would think the fit and finish would be a little more complete. In this class of vehicle they ALL have all the latest bells and whistles...it's the little touches (or lack thereof) that sets you apart.
Just a bit odd to me also that a stereo worthy of a $350k Rolls has a sub and 2 rear speakers that just vent free-air into the trunk with no sort of enclosure whatsoever.

I think most that will opt for the V8 aren't concerned with gas prices. That's probably why the V8 to V6 production is something like 30% to 70%. I think that's what I heard last. Just my opinion of course.

Don't know about Genesis, but on Azera, you turn Auto off on the A/C control. Then push in AC button to turn it on and push it in again to turn it off. This last is necessary to get the air to bypass the AC compressor (or something). You can then adjust the fan and mode controls to your liking.
BTW, the Lincoln/Hyundai dealer in Greenville SC got 5 MKS' and one Genesis in last week. The Genesis was gone in a day and 4 of the MKS' in two days. both cars selling at MSRP.