MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

does that wood look real to you guys?

GFerg

I guess thats nice. That interior design seems so overdone and played out right now.

plex

iTrader: (11)

Looks decent..........

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Even if not 'perfectly' executed, it still looks like a huge leap forward for Hyundai.

I think many here look down on it because of the brand name and the junk they originally produced. Hyundai seems to be fully intent on moving upmarket from their position today, using Kia (their subsidiary) to carry the econo market. I see nothing standing in their way except time.

marshmallo

That interior has a real cheap look to it.

It looks like an attempt to copy a Benz interior gone terribly wrong...

dunnojack

the seats look cheap.

like those $29 Staples "leather" managers chairs.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

that cheap looking digital clock has got to go, especially w/ that big display it looks really out of place and outdated.

TRDFantasy

It's not going to happen. 10K less than ES350 is 23K, and the Azera already costs 24K base price so it's impossible. Hyundai has confirmed the Genesis will be it's most expensive sedan. Expect a base price of 27-32K. And I would not expect the standard features to match the ES350.

Korean insiders are saying what you see is fake wood.

Hyundai has been really struggling with sales. US sales have been flat for over a year now, and China sales are actually down.

Depending on specs and pricing, the Genesis might do well or it might end up like the Azera has: just another average Hyundai.

LexBob2

I've always thought that it's suprising their sales are flat. It seems they have competitive, nice looking cars and SUV's with great warranties. Just shows that it takes some time for consumers to change their perception of the brand. The Azera is a good example of unmet expectations. It does make you wonder how an even more expensive, upmarket Genesis will fare. VW has been trying to go upmarket in the U.S. for years with not much success.

TRDFantasy

Here's the problem; their cars are competitive, but are they class leading? To change perceptions, you need class leading vehicles to make people take notice of your brand. As it stands right now, Hyundai has some very competitive vehicles, but none that are actually class-leading.

If people are happy with their Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans, why would they suddenly switch to Hyundai? The American brands have the most to worry about because their owner satisfaction rates are not that great, and their vehicles as a whole not as competitive as the Japanese.

LexBob2

Good points. Hyundai hasn't been innovative at all. They've done a good job of copying the successful styling and features of other brands, but haven't done anything innovative from an engineering or styling standpoint. Maybe that will be next?