After launching its flagship Genesis sedan some seven years ago under the Hyundai brand the company then launched Genesis as its luxury brand in 2019 – now with three luxury models, the G70 and G80 sedans and the GV80 SUV – the latter made famous by Tiger Woods high speed crash in the U.S. and credited by many for saving the Golfer’s life.  I’ve just tasted my first Genesis brand drive – the new G80 sedan and what an incredible effort from this South Korean company. Two models, 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo rear wheel drive at 84,900 and 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 all-wheel drive at $99,900 – both feature 8-speed automatics. I tested the V6 all-wheel-drive and came away absolutely sold on its quality and class.

Let’s be honest buyers at $100,000 are welded on to the eurocentric German brands, as they purvey more than luxury but a success story for the owner . I drove the Genesis G80 to the Blue Mountains on the weekend and parked in Leura’s main street it drew enormous admiration. The styling, beautifully sculptured with elements like trim, instrumentation and touchscreen a standout. I didn’t like the timber trim on the dash the only downside on a car that impressed me from moment I started driving. You may be a Europhile but drive Genesis G80, it will change your thinking.

I’m David Berthon

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