Review: 2016 Hyundai Genesis is powerful, comfortable

For a long time, big luxury sedans — with artful styling, powerful engines and comfortable interiors — have represented the ultimate expression of the car makers’ art.

So it’s no real surprise that Hyundai, the ambitious South Korean carmaker, has decided to move in on Asian rivals such as Toyota, Nissan and Honda by building their own version of the traditional luxury sedan with the Genesis.

In fact, the Genesis, which is nicely styled, powerful and very comfortable, is now the foundation on which Hyundai is preparing to build a luxury brand all of its own in the next couple of years. Developing a unique luxury brand is an ambitious project, but the 2016 Genesis indicates Hyundai is quite prepared for the challenge.

On the road, the 2016 Genesis delivers a very comfortable ride even on a long trip. The ride is not only comfortable it is also very stable thanks to the steady improvements in the car’s suspension, which matches up with anything found in competitive vehicles such as the Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E Class or the Cadillac CTS.

In addition, the brakes on the Genesis are first rate and the steering is very responsive, but doesn’t offer the driver a great deal of feel for the road beneath the car. Nonetheless, the Genesis is very maneuverable and handles well even in a downpour that leaves the road surface slick.

The Genesis is also equipped with plenty of high-tech safety features such as blind-spot detection, cross traffic alert and a sophisticated cruise control system that maintains a safe interval by downshifting and applying the brakes when a vehicle in front of the car begins to slow or change direction. The all-wheel-drive system on the Genesis also enhances the car’s overall stability in all kinds of conditions.

The powertrain on the version of the Genesis that I drove was built around a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivered an impressive 311 horsepower when matched with a six-speed transmission that delivered shifts smoothly and efficient, while the fuel-economy is 19 miles per gallon in a combination of highway and city driving.

The Genesis looks good standing still at the curb or moving through traffic thanks to an exterior design based on Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” that encapsulates the brand’s aesthetics that expresses a modern design styling with a sleek, upscale appearance that underscores the car’s premium nature. Highlights of the design features a hexagonal front grille as a key geometric element, a dynamic crease accent running along the flanks of the car and a distinctive rear design.

The interior layout of the Genesis utilizes Hyundai’s knack for getting more usable space into the car.

The front seat of the Genesis gives both the driver and the passenger plenty of room. In addition, the controls are within easy reach of the driver. The one drawback I noticed was that the arrangement of the center stack, which is canted toward the driver, made it more difficult for the passenger to input information into the navigation system.

Overall, however, the extra space inside the cabin benefits all occupants, making them more comfortable and easing the stress that comes with driving or even riding on today’s highways. The Genesis is also equipped with a first-rate sound system and an entertainment system that includes disc player and USB port.

The switches are simple, easy to use and easy to find. The long horizontal line of the instrument panel only serves to add to the car’s open ambiance. The use of first-rate materials and varied textures throughout the cabin enhance the sense of luxury and should also help keep the interior fresh even when car is used every day. The overall appearance of the interior furnishings is also enhanced by the precision, finish and with anatomically friendly seat design. Drivers also tend to be collectors, and there’s storage space for practical items such as mobile electronics of all shapes and sizes as well as multiple cup holders.

The Genesis is also equipped with Hyundai’s connectivity system that allows drivers to use their smartphones in the vehicle through a Bluetooth connection. A handy head-up display that puts the vehicle’s speed right in front of the driver is also available on the Genesis.

The Genesis is far removed from modestly priced vehicles Hyundai brought to the U.S. when it set up shop some 30 years ago. The version of the Genesis that I drove was priced at $53,100, which is hardly inexpensive.

But over the years as Hyundai has moved into various market segments, it has consistently shown a definite for producing cars that can hold its own against those of rivals from all over the world.

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Hyundai adds Apple CarPlay to more models

The impressive Apple CarPlay software is now available in a wide variety of Hyundai models.

Initially rolled-out in the new Hyundai Tucson and then the i30, Hyundai has now made the system available in the Accent and the iMax/iLoad vans.

Providing smooth integration with Apple smartphones, Apple CarPlay allows you to utilize apps such as Google Maps Siri, via the cars infotainment system.

Hyundai has also quite generously offered existing Hyundai Accent, iMax and iLoad owners whose vehicles has Apple CarPlay compatibility a free software upgrade so they too can take advantage of the operating system.

To find out if your Hyundai vehicle is eligible, call Hyundai Customer Care on 1800 186 306.

“The beauty of Apple CarPlay is that it is powered by your iPhone, it is dynamic and connected and therefore, easily updated,” says Senior Manager Product Planning, Andrew Tuitahi.

“When Apple improves these systems, by tweaking performance, adding functionality, or enabling new apps, they will immediately be available in your vehicle."

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Hyundai Motor Company Named a Top Green Company by Newsweek

Hyundai Motor Company was honored in the 2016 Newsweek Green Rankings, created in partnership with Corporate Knights and HIP Investor.

Since 2009, the Newsweek Green Rankings have been one of the world’s foremost corporate environmental rankings, which assess the 500 largest publicly-traded companies in the United States and the 500 largest publicly-traded companies globally on overall environmental performance, according to Hyundai.

“This recognition from Newsweek is a testament to our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint globally,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Hyundai will continue to place importance on its eco-friendly Blue Drive lineup in all segments. Part of this initiative is the arrival of the Hyundai Ioniq late this year, marking Hyundai’s very first car offered in three electric versions to debut in the U.S.

The 2016 Newsweek Green Rankings measure the environmental performance of large public companies using eight clearly defined key performance indicators. The methodology is clear and rules-based, and the process meets the test of being replicable by a third party. A company’s overall score is a weighted average of their eight KPI scores.

"In the current global business and political climate, no company can continue to ignore its environmental footprint and there's good news: Newsweek's 2016 Green Rankings show the world's biggest companies are improving when it comes to energy productivity and in limiting greenhouse gas emissions,” said Elijah Wolfson, senior editor, Newsweek. “Our hope is the rankings will propel leaders to start looking at their environmental impact, not just in terms of carbon use, but comprehensively, and make the changes necessary to sustain both business growth and environmental viability."

Hyundai Blue Drive is a range of ecological products and technologies designed to improve fuel efficiency. Blue Drive is Hyundai’s strategy to develop low-carbon, fuel-efficient vehicles that minimize vehicle fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, thereby meeting the social need for both mobility and environmental preservation.

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Hyundai Motor, Uber tapping partnership in driverless car-sharing services

U.S.-based ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc. considers partnering with South Korea’s biggest automaker Hyundai Motor Co. to develop driverless car-sharing services. 

According to industry sources on Tuesday, autonomous driving researchers at Uber will visit Hyundai Motor’s Namyang R&D Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province on Wednesday and Thursday to learn Hyundai’s autonomous driving technologies and seek ways to join hands with Hyundai to develop self-driving ride-sharing services. 

Uber, planning to launch its separate driverless taxi service by 2020, has been looking for partners with advanced self-driving technologies that could allow fully autonomous car driving in the near future. Auto industry observers note Hyundai has proved that it has made big strides in the self-driving technology with its new Genesis sedans. 

The EQ900 that was released last year and the G80 scheduled to hit the market this month are partially equipped with autonomous car technologies such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system and highway driving assist (HAD) system. Hyundai Motor also became the first company in Korea to receive a license from the government to test its self-driving Genesis premium sedan on real roads in March this year. The auto industry sees that fully autonomous cars would be able to hit the road in just a few years. 

Uber, found in 2010, is a car-sharing giant that has more than one million members and is operating in more than 300 cities in 58 countries worldwide, and partnering with Uber is expected to translate into huge opportunity for Hyundai as it would lead to massive fleet sales of its cars. 

Speculations are already looming that Uber may purchase the new G80 models scheduled to make a debut in 2019 as the car is likely to come out with a fully autonomous driving technology.

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Hyundai delivers 50 cars for the world’s first sharing service using fuel cell vehicles

Hyundai is one of the few global automakers, alongside Toyota and Honda, which believes that fuel cell cars have a future in the automotive world. 

In order to promote the only hydrogen-powered cell sport utility vehicle currently available on the market, the South Korean company announced in April it has teamed up with the German group Linde – a supplier of industrial, process and specialty gases – to launch BeeZero, a car sharing service that offers only fuel-cell vehicles for its customers. And Hyundai has just delivered 50 units of ix35 hydrogen SUVs, so the world’s first such program could start this summer. Hyundai’s FCEVs will be available to book either online or via the dedicated smartphone app in Munich, Germany.

The automaker has currently more than 250 units of Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell on European roads in 13 countries, all deployed thanks to some funds received from the HyFIVE Project. The Hydrogen For Innovative Vehicles is an European alliance that includes 15 partners who committed to deploy 185 fuel cell electric vehicles built by major global automakers, such as BMW, Daimler, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota. According to a recent report from IHS Automotive, the global production of hydrogen-powered cars are projected to reach more than 70,000 units annually by 2027.

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Hyundai shares football passion with UEFA EURO 2016™ fans

As football fans around the world tune in to watch the 2016 UEFA European Championship, Hyundai is playing its part to raise the excitement level. Hyundai is a long-standing ‘Euro’ partner, with a proud commitment to putting real fans first and ensuring that as many supporters as possible are able to enjoy the spectacle and drama of the month-long competition. 

Within Europe, Hyundai’s support includes Fan Parks in major cities, where thousands of supporters can come together and cheer their national teams, while digital activities share the passion for football far beyond the continent’s boundaries. 

“Although the tournament itself only hosts teams from Europe, it remains one of the most anticipated football events for fans across the world,” said Mike Song, Head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East Region. “With some of the world’s best national teams taking part, Hyundai’s support recognizes the many fans who will be watching EURO 2016 with enthusiasm internationally, far beyond the stadiums in France.” 

Under its own slogan ‘Real Fans First’, Hyundai Motor has been demonstrating its devotion to EURO 2016 and its dedication to enhance the experience for real football fans through a variety of activities leading up to the big kick-off. The innovative Digital Fan Park, launched in April 2016, has enhanced the excitement for fans at the digital platform http://euro2016.hyundai.com while the UEFA EURO 2016 Hyundai Predictor game launched allows fans to submit their prediction of tournament results on http://europredictor.uefa.com/ and win prizes. 

Building further anticipation, Hyundai Motor ran online videos in the build-up to the tournament. The first online video ‘Euro 2016 is coming’ has already reached over 34 million views on YouTube (http://youtube/bJ0yLPMpeFU). The second video ‘The Wait’ has been on YouTube (http://youtube/GBuPeSTfBp) since June 1.

During the tournament period, Hyundai Motor vehicles are being provided as official vehicles to support the second-most watched football tournament in the world. Among the 428 Hyundai official vehicles, 363 are passenger cars including Sante Fe, Tucson and i30, and 65 are commercial vehicles. National team buses are also distinctly branded with the Hyundai Motor logo and feature each country’s team slogan chosen through the ‘Be There With Hyundai’ campaign held athttp://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/be-there-with-hyundai/index.html in the run up to the tournament. 

Across the host country of France, trophy tours took place in 12 cities in the build-up to the event, while UEFA Fan Zones provided by sponsors of UEFA are open in the cities of Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lens and Toulouse – as well as in other European cities including London and Prague.

Hyundai Motor has been an Official Partner of the UEFA European Football Championship for 16 years. As an Official Partner, Hyundai Motor has played a key role in providing official vehicles for national football teams, players, officials and guests as well as staging various events and promotions in support of the competition.

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The insider's guide to buying a car for teenage drivers

The number of US parents footing the bill for their child's first car has increased in recent years, according to a 2012 study by Autotrader. In the survey of parents with children of driving age, 41 percent say that they have opted to buy their child's first car.For many, the motivation behind this decision is based on safety. For those just learning to drive, inexperience with busy roads, mechanical malfunctions common in older vehicles and similar vehicular issues can be problematic. However, financing and insurance considerations also play large roles. 

Keeping your teenager safe

Breakdowns and other common mechanical issues can be particularly worrisome to parents of novice drivers. David Nathan, general manager of Gary Rome Kia of Enfield, noted that parents who visit the dealership often express worries that their child will be stranded alone while dealing with a vehicle malfunction. "I have two kids," he added, "and my biggest concern is not their driving ability, but that [their] car is in good working order so that they can get home, especially at nighttime. My biggest fear is breakdown."

New cars can be a good way of insuring against unexpected mechanical errors; however, the right pre-owned car can also provide parents with peace of mind. Parents shopping for used cars should prepare to thoroughly vet these vehicles through a background check to learn about the car's history and any past accidents. Another helpful resource is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which rates vehicles according to crash test performance.

Financing options

While many older drivers will remember months spent slowly scrounging up enough money to buy their own car, modern parents concerned with safety may want to consider buying their child's vehicle instead. More often than not, a parent's financial stability allows them to provide their child with a much safer vehicle than the child would be able to purchase on their own. However, this doesn't mean that you can't still shop around for a good deal. Websites like Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book are excellent resources for anyone trying to ensure that they receive a great value for a used car.

Insurance costs

Another aspect of vehicle purchasing to take into account, especially when new drivers are concerned, is the high cost of car insurance. "Insurance for teens can go through the roof," Nathan explained. "Parents should buy a car under their name and list [their] child as a driver, not as a primary owner of the car." Most insurance agencies will also reduce the cost of insurance if a teen driver has taken formal driver's education courses. There are also reductions for young drivers who perform well academically. 

Making your purchase

As any experienced driver knows, the car-buying process can be complex. Adding an eager teen to the mix can only make things more complicated. "Many kids can't wait to have their first car. They see something they want, and they're not apt to make a comparison [and] go look at other cars," Nathan stated. When parents visit his dealership, he noted, "more than 50 percent of the time, the parents are doing the legwork [first] ... and when the parents have made their decision, that's when they get their children involved." 

While parents can't make the roads any safer, taking the reins on the purchasing decision allows parents more peace of mind when their new driver gets behind the wheel.

5 Fast Facts: 2016 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai redesigned its Sonata midsize sedan in 2015 with more conservative styling. For 2016, the seventh-generation Sonata adds a few styling and suspension upgrades plus boasts enhanced fuel economy. In addition, the Sonata Hybrid’s power train is updated and a plug-in version is new.

Here are five fast facts about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata:

1) Trim levels for the 2016 Sonata include base, SE, Sport, Limited, Sport 2.0T, Limited 2.0T, and Eco. More content is added in the Sonata’s cabin this year, including a 7-in. color touch-screen display audio system with smartphone integration for Android Auto and standard rearview camera in most trims. The Sonata’s cabin offers generous rear-seat room and 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk space.

2) Exterior changes on the upscale Limited trim feature a more aggressive front bumper with 3-bar grille plus 17-in. alloy wheels, including woodgrain trim inside on Sonatas with a beige interior.

3) Sonata power starts with a basic, standard, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder GDI engine that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. A 2.0-liter, turbocharged GDI engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission propels the Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T trims. That engine produces 245 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The Sonata Eco’s turbocharged 1.6-liter engine makes 177 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque partnered with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. It is EPA-rated to return 32 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

4) To improve handling, Hyundai has reduced the weight of suspension components in all 2016 Sonatas by making them out of aluminum instead of steel.

5) Advanced safety features added this year include automatic emergency braking (AEB) on Sonatas equipped with forward-collision warning systems. Also, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata received a “Top Safety Pick+” crash-test rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)(link is external)as well as the highest-possible 5-star overall safety rating from federal safety regulators.


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Hyundai To Launch Genesis, An All-Electric Luxury Brand

There truly has been a significant shift in the focus of auto brands around the world. Many are now putting some, if not a lot, of focus on building an electric-car arm. The latest to join the trend is Hyundai Motor Corp., which has declared that its future Genesis cars will head into that direction as well. 

"We will definitely go as Genesis brand down the road of alternative propulsions and it is very, very obvious that EV is definitely on the map," the brand's Senior Vice President Manfred Fitzgerald said, as quoted by Reuters. Fitzgerald also stated that "I think full electric cars will be the future in the auto industry."

The Genesis brand will need to be differentiated from other Hyundai vehicles and the key is in design. Luc Donckerwolke, who is the Senior Vice President at Hyundai Design Center, is very much aware of this and says there should be "no design overlap" between the units. Hyundai has branded itself as a value brand and Genesis is meant to come up on a more luxurious scale.

Currently, there are plans to release a diesel version of the Genesis G80 by the first half of next year. Including electric vehicles into its roster is important in order for the brand to plant its name in the luxury market. Fitzgerald knows this and the company is making all the necessary moves to proceed.

Auto Blog adds that Fitzgerald, who gave his statements at the recently concluded Busan Motor Show in South Korea, did not give a definitive timeline or any hint as to when Genesis would release the electric vehicle. However, it is going to happen and the electric car industry will grow.

Hyundai Genesis will follow the likes of Tesla, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche, all of which have already tapped into the market with some battery-powered luxury options. 

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2017 Ioniq hybrid begins Hyundai’s eco assault

Hyundai’s never been short of ambition, and that was clear as the Korean automaker’s director of eco-vehicle development announced the company’s plan to have  26  alt-energy cars and SUVs — including six electric vehicles and two with hydrogen fuel cells — on sale by 2020.

It’s a bold goal, particularly since it coincides with Hyundai’s plan to launch six vehicles for its Genesis luxury brand in the same period. Few automakers have tackled bigger engineering challenges, and none have done it so publicly.

The all-new Ioniq hybrid car that goes on sale in the U.S. late this year is Hyundai’s first move. The compact Ioniq was developed specifically to challenge the Toyota Prius as the world’s best hybrid, director Byung Ki Ahn said over lunch at the Rattlesnake Club on the Detroit riverfront last week. It uses a  new architecture that was developed specifically for hybrids and electric vehicles. The architecture, developed under the program name AE, also underpins the Kia Niro hybrid SUV, also expected to go on sale late this year. The Hyundai Group controls Kia. The two brands share engineering and technology but have very different designs.

Hyundai will sell conventional hybrid and all-electric versions of the Ioniq in the U.S. this year. A plug-in hybrid will follow  late in the second quarter of 2017. The hatchback Ioniq will be the only vehicle in the world to offer all three powertrain choices in a single body style. Hyundai hasn’t announced pricing for any of the cars yet, but expect them to be close to their arch rival, the Toyota Prius.

Hyundai came to the hybrid game late, but its technology has progressed quickly. It sold its first hybrid — a Sonata midsize sedan — in 2011, more than a decade after other leading automakers plunged into the green-car race. Despite that late start, the 2016 Sonata plug-in hybrid can go 27 miles on electricity alone and scored 40 m.p.g. combined city/highway in EPA tests. Both figures beat the Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid handily.

Hyundai is aiming for bigger game with the Ioniq. It hopes to beat the fuel economy and electric range of Toyota’s Prius, the world’s best-selling hybrid. The target is more than 56 m.p.g. in EPA tests.

The battery-only Ioniq EV aims to beat the Nissan Leaf and VW e-Golf by offering a range of 120 miles on a charge. The Chevrolet Bolt will have blown past that with its 200-mile range on a charge about the same time the Ioniq EV goes on sale late this year. Hyundai hopes to have a 220-mile EV on sale in 2020, but won’t say if it’ll be an Ioniq.

By 2020, Hyundai will offer 10 hybrids, eight plug-in hybrids, six EVs and two fuel cell vehicles, Ahn said. The automaker's new Genesis luxury brand will have an EV, but Hyundai won't say when.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid  (Photo: Hyundai)

The company plans to make a global splash using its green vehicles when South Korea hosts the Winter Olympics in February 2018. Expect Hyundai hybrids, EVs and fuel cell vehicles to shuttle Olympic athletes and officials around the games.

Hyundai also hopes its eco-cars and SUVs will distinguish themselves as being more fun to drive than the competition. It’s one of the few automakers that publicizes 0-60 m.p.h. times for hybrids and EVS — about 10 seconds for the Ioniq EV, 10.8 for the Ioniq hybrid. Kia’s hybrids also use a sporty dual-clutch transmission while most competitive hybrids opt for thrifty continuously variable transmissions to deliver a sportier driving experience and avoid patent battles with automakers who got into the hybrid game earlier.

“Fun to drive will be one of the ways Hyundai distinguishes itself from other hybrids,” Ahn said.

Hyundai concedes that Toyota’s decades of work and millions of hybrid sales lock it in as the No.1  maker of green vehicles in the public’s eye, but No. 2 is up for grabs. Hyundai plans to grab it.

It’d be a mistake to bet against the Korean giant. Hyundai regularly sets itself daunting goals, and it usually meets them.

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G80 Next to Come From Hyundai’s Retooled Genesis Brand

The new Genesis G80 sedan, a refresh of the model sold previously as the Hyundai Genesis, takes its world bow at the Busan International Motor Show today in Korea.

“We are striving to make a positive difference in the lives of our customers by becoming an important part of their lifestyles,” declares Manfried Fitzgerald, the former Lamborghini executive who now heads up the Genesis brand for Hyundai. “Creating fascination all begins with great design. That is why we are such a design-focused brand.”

The Genesis G80 will be available in Korea soon with Lambda 3.3L Turbo GDi and 3.8L GDi V-6 engines mated with 8-speed automatic transmissions.

It will be available later in a sports coupe version, also displayed at the Busan show.

No pricing information was given. The car is expected to hit the U.S. market this summer.

Genesis launched the larger G90 sedan in Korea last year and the U.S. this year. In addition to the G80, a G70 sedan will roll out in 2016, according to media reports. A midsize CUV launches in 2017 and an entry CUV and sports coupe are expected to join the lineup by 2020.

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Hyundai enables DIY CarPlay, Android Auto upgrades for some 2015-2016 models

In the not-too-distant past, buying a new car meant that you were able not only to flaunt the latest styling for a few years but also to relish the latest-and-best set of technology and entertainment features.

Today it’s all on a much shorter timer, as vehicle dashes are far more influenced by the pace of the personal electronics sector than they ever were in the past; and the 18-month lifecycle for a smartphone doesn’t always match up so well with the 12- or 15-year lifecycle of a vehicle. Automakers haven’t been very generous on upgradability, either; far too often in recent model years, if you bought the wrong model year (or in some cases, the wrong build date within a model year), you were simply out of luck.

So it’s heartening that Hyundai is offering some do-it-yourself upgrades for the infotainment and navigation systems in several of their recent models, some going back to the 2015 model year.

The upgrades bring full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with existing hardware, and they apply to select 2015-2016 Hyundai Sonata, 2015-2016 Hyundai Genesis, 2016 Hyundai Tucson, and 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT models, plus 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe models that have already been delivered.

Apple CarPlay

Both of these systems let you use core apps from your phone, yet with the vehicle’s touch screen (with larger font sizes), the microphone, and sometimes its steering-wheel toggles. Meanwhile the phone itself is locked while in this mode, helping you to resist the urge to pick it up.

To upgrade the software, owners will need to visit MyHyundai.com, input their vehicle identification number (VIN), and provide a USB memory stick or the SD card from their navigation system. Installation guides are posted there, and further video instructions can be found on the Hyundai USA YouTube channel.

CarPlay works with iPhone 5 and newer models, and requires iOs 7.1 or newer plus a Lightning connector. Android Auto requires the 5.0 operating system, a companion app, and a micro USB cable.

Depending on which system you have, the total time for the upgrade is either 15-30 minutes or 1-3 hours. Or dealers can perform the upgrade for a labor fee.

Consult the graphic below for a summary of what's available now. Own a different late-model Hyundai? CarPlay and Android Auto announcements are on the way for the Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, Veloster, and Azera, according to the automaker.

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Hyundai Electric Vehicle Will Raise Low-End Bar to 250 Miles

The first Hyundai electric vehicle has yet to hit the U.S. market, but the automaker has revealed plans to set a new standard for the lower end of the segment. Like Tesla and General Motors, the Korean manufacturer has plans on launching a 200-mile EV by 2018. That will only be the first step. According to a new report, an electric model capable of 250 miles of range will follow two years later.

Byung Ki Ahn, Hyundai’s director of green vehicles, told Autoblog about his company’s plans to push the range envelope to unprecedented levels in the affordable class. While Tesla blew past 250 miles years ago and Audi has expressed confidence in its ability to make it to 300 miles, lower-end car makers have been content to stop at 200.

Considering the longest-range model remains the 107-mile Nissan Leaf, the mark of 200 miles is enough of a benchmark for most automakers. The Chevy Bolt EV due in 2016 will get there first. Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the Model 3 (at least 215 miles) will join the club in 2017. Nissan and Ford are expected to follow with their own models sometime in the following year or two.

In the case of each of those manufacturers, we have seen their first offerings in the segment. While the Tesla Model S has established its reputation worldwide, the volume-selling Nissan Leaf has achieved its own loyal following. Ford Focus Electric and Chevy Spark EV have made the acquaintance of consumers as compliance cars. But an all-electric Hyundai has yet to appear.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata PHEV is the brand’s first model to run on battery power alone. Among all plug-in hybrids on the U.S. market, this model’s 59 miles per gallon combined economy (99 miles per gallon in electric mode) is bested only by the BMW i3 REX and Chevrolet Volt. In that respect, Hyundai has proven its ability to compete with the best in plug-in efficiency.

Of course, Hyundai subsidiary Kia has shown its mettle with the Kia Soul EV that has been around on the U.S. market for a few years. Due to limited availability and relatively little promotion, we never saw this model take off in America, but the Korean motor group proved it has the capacity to produce a highly efficient (120 miles per gallon city) and long-range EV (93 miles) at a competitive price point.

Nonetheless, the real test comes when the Ioniq series begins arriving in different world markets this summer. Hyundai laid down the gauntlet by saying the hybrid model would top Toyota Prius in efficiency. After Prius Prime set a new standard for plug-in hybrids, we wonder if Hyundai plans to make that model’s elite economy numbers (120 miles per gallon equivalent) its next target. Either way, much is riding on the Ioniq’s three-pronged debut.

As Hyundai officials made clear at the U.S. debut of the Ioniq, this car must be a success to bode well for future electric products from the brand. Consumers are already comfortable/happy with the Prius if they want a standard hybrid or plug-in; they are likewise happy with the Nissan Leaf if they want an EV with about 110 miles of range, as the Ioniq will feature.

In order to have an edge over the competition, Hyundai must deliver on that fun-to-drive element consumers once complained Prius did not have. (New models have enjoyed a better reception.) Stylistically, the automaker did excellent work in trying to remove the dorky EV stigma from the Ioniq line. These cars don’t scream “it’s electric!” and that is exactly how the designers planned it. Having a lower price than the competition wouldn’t hurt.

There is still no clear recipe for the success of a plug-in vehicle in America; some quality cars failed because the automaker saw limited profit potential and kept them as compliance vehicles, others simply failed because the drive or range was not good enough for the cost. Before a Hyundai electric vehicle shoots for 200 miles followed by 250 miles in the lower end of the segment, its first effort will have to make a great impression on consumers.

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Hyundai Veloster Turbo Rally: Will It Baby?

Fatherhood offers the opportunity to no longer feel compelled to be cool or fashionable. My Brooklyn neighborhood seems to be split between dads who embrace this freedom and those who consider their kids another expensive accessory. The Hyundai Veloster Turbo Rally is that dad still trying hard to be cool.

I should probably clarify here that there’s no way in any world that I was cool or fashionable before Bette came into my world, so I didn’t have a lot to change upon becoming a father. The most common refrain I heard from coworkers when they found out my wife was pregnant was “Now your sense of humor will be more appropriate.” You could say the same about how I dress.

Williamsburg is not cool. I’ve been told it was cool at one point. It’s possible that it was cool as recently as the day before I lived there and I was the J. Crew checkered oxford that broke the camel’s back.

It’s not like I walk around in a garbage bag. I put some thought into my appearance, but I look so much like the casual Brooklyn dad in my not-too-skinny Levi 511s and My-Aim-Is-True glasses that a toddler at a daycare I was visiting immediately latched onto my leg when I got into his field of view.

“You look just like his dad,” one of the daycare’s employee’s said. I do. I look like all the dads.

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo Rally does not look like every other hatchback on the market. It looks like it wants you to think it’s a high performance hot hatch. Why else would it have factory matte blue paint, pieces that look like carbon fiber, a big chrome-tipped exhaust, and GENUINE 18-INCH RAYS ALLOY WHEELS?

It works. If you didn’t know anything about this car, merely by looking at it and seeing the words “TURBO” and “RALLY” you’d assume it was fast. It is not.

This isn’t to say the car is slow. With slightly more than 200 horsepower and a reasonably low sub-3,000 pound curb weight it’ll shuffle to 60 mph in less than seven seconds. The version I drove had a six-speed manual modified with a short-shifter and hustling through the gears was enough to get Bette’s eyes to widen while accelerating up an on-ramp.

I didn’t love the shifter, but it’s a better experience than the regular Veloster Turbo I tested a couple of years ago. Hyundai has said in the past that the take rate on manuals for the Veloster is nearly one-third so I’m glad they’re improving the experience.

As I’m becoming more comfortable with having the most important thing in the world in the backseat I’m able to sneak in a quick turn here and there. Fitting for a car designed to appeal to video gamers, the car will plant the tires firmly on any corner with a minimum of fuss even though there’s no obvious connection between the steering wheel and the rest of the car.

The suspension has been stiffened, we’ve been told, and I’m sure that’s true. The ride is firm. Does it make the handling any better? I’m less sure about that. I like cream cheese on my bagels, but I don’t use an entire tub of it. I have the same feeling about suspension tuning on pseudo-performance cars and there’s just a little too much cream cheese on this bagel.

Ultimately, the Veloster Turbo Rally looks faster than a Focus RS and is slower than a Focus ST while being sized somewhere closer to a Fiesta.

As Jason wrote when he put Otto in the non-Rally version, “It’s a sporty car instead of an actual sports car.”

That’s fine. If you’re a new dad and you want to look fast and want to sometimes downshift and make a noise (not a great noise, mind you) then you can definitely baby in the Veloster.

Jason had it a little easier because, at the time, Otto was in a forward-facing seat, which takes up a lot less space than the rear-facing model I’m stuck with until Bette gets older. Even so, the Veloster is large for a subcompact and both a pint-sized human in a car seat and a full-sized can stretch into the back without compromising too much room in the front seat.

Getting into the Veloster is where the challenge lies. Though the Hyundai looks like a three-door from the driver’s side, it’s actually a four-door thanks to the rear door on the other side.

Because I live in a place with opposite-side-of-the-street parking, this means that roughly half the time I could load Bette in from the sidewalk, which was excellent. The rest of the time I had to push her stroller out into the street or find an open space near a fire hydrant in order to open the appropriate door.

While not ideal, it’s still better than no extra door and I like the funkiness of it. What was more challenging from a parental perspective is that the rear is raked fairly sharply and has a big piece of glass that sits over where Bette’s face is. This means I had to worry about blasting her gentle skin with UV rays the entire time. Getting the car seat in and out was also slightly challenging because of the sharpness of the roof, but the seats back there didn’t say “TURBO” so that’s a plus.

The most baby-worthy part of this car is actually the cargo area, which is deep and spacious for a vehicle this size. I had no trouble getting an overstuffed diaper bag and our travel stroller in there.

More importantly, changing diapers anytime and anywhere is a skill you need if you’re going to be a new dad. This is essentially the parental equivalent of diffusing a bomb without the handy timer that madmen seem to include for dramatic purposes. Bette wired one up while we were trying to enjoy lunch at a restaurant that, for some cruel reason, had no flat surfaces in either restroom on which we could change her.

I did the geometry in my head and realized there was probably enough space in the trunk of the Veloster to make it work. I laid out my extra diaper, wipes, trash bag, changing pad, and hand sanitizer and there was plenty of room to do my work. Because it’s so deep, Bette also had more privacy than she normally gets when we’re out in the world.

Would I baby it? Sure. The Matte paint is begging to get wrecked by a larger kid and I’m not sure the suspension upgrades make the car much better, but I still think the Veloster is a smart and interesting package.

If I were in the market I’d get a regular Turbo manual with navigation and buy the shifter as a kit and call it a day and spend about as much as the model pictured above.

Compared to the 1970s era Volkswagen Beetle I was carted around in this thing is a Bentley and it will certainly baby. With some tweaks to the steering and a little more power the next generation Veloster could be a car that’s as cool as it looks.

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