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GENESIS GV80 Luxury Line

By now you’ll hopefully be aware that Genesis is the posh arm of Hyundai, and the GV80 is the firm’s largest offering. And when I say large, I mean large,

If you want to buy a large luxury SUV you’re spoilt for choice, as pretty much every motor manufacturer has at least one in their range. So, is this relative newcomer worthy of punt? Let’s have a look…

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On the Road

Despite being the size of a barge, the GV80 is quite easy to pootle around in. Its front and rear multilink suspension, along with massive 22” wheel and tyre combo, creates a nice ride; it was neither soft and wallowy nor firm and sharp, it was in the middle, though I would be interested to compare it to a GV80 fitted with standard 20” wheels. Unlike many of its competitors the GV80 isn’t available with air suspension, I’ll leave you to decide whether that’s a good thing or not.

Under the bonnet, the 3.0 litre inline-six diesel is mated to a slick 8-speed automatic gearbox and offers 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds. Being honest, I’m never really bothered about 0-60 times, more how smooth it is. Thanks to 588Nm of peak torque that comes in from just 1,500rpm, the combo never gives the impression of being ruffled of flustered, and the auto box is rarely forced into kicking down a ratio. The times when you do sink your right foot into the carpet, it does make a fairly pleasing sound.

As all versions of the GV80 come with four-wheel drive, you can assume correctly that it feels reassuringly sure-footed through the corners. Despite having enough performance to keep a keen driver interested, the GV80 would much prefer it if you relaxed into its comfortable seats and enjoyed the serenity of its smooth road manners and refined cabin.

On the topic of road manners, there’s a front camera that spots potential potholes, then adjusts the suspension to optimise comfort and safety.

Off Road

Despite adequate ground clearance, like the GV70 that was in last month’s issue, the GV80 isn’t a vehicle that you’d want to take off-road, it’s more a road going SUV that has some off-road capability.

That said, I had to give it a test - obviously!

Like its smaller sibling, it has three 4x4 modes; Mud, Snow and Sand. Engage Mud and the hill descent control works an absolute treat. Climbing a steep incline with a very loose surface proved to be an absolute doddle, no drama at all, even after stopping half way up for photos and starting again.

In fact, the only concern I had was accidentally damaging the aforementioned 22” wheels or getting a sidewall puncture, at nearly £400 a corner that would’ve wiped out my monthly chippy tea quota!

Interior

Think comfortable quilted seats draped in napa leather, knurled aluminium knobs, real wood trim, premium sound system and all the safety spec you could ever wish for, that’s what Genesis gives you in the GV80.

It isn’t just posh either, giving plenty of attention to the smallest of details it’s also finished to a standard that easily matches, and often surpasses many of its contemporaries.

Open the tailgate, and with a press of a button the silent warring of electric motors can be heard as both the second and rearmost seats rise and fold revealing 2144 litres of nothingness when flat.

Rear passengers have oodles of space, especially headroom, and the thrid row seats are, as usual, are meant for children and Oompa Loopas.

Going back to the boot for a moment, 7-seat versions of the Genesis are offered with only a puncture repair kit, but opt for 5-seat model and you can specify a spare wheel for an extra £40 - well worth it.

Engine ’n’ transmission

You have a choice of two engines, either this, the 274bhp 3.0 litre diesel or 2.5-litre, fourcylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 300bhp. Both are offered with AWD and the impressive 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Ownership

When it comes to its aftersales service, Genesis wants to make looking after your purchase as premium as possible, this includes a 5-year care plan. The original retail price of the car includes a warranty, servicing (including home collection and delivery) and breakdown cover for the full period, you don’t see any other manufactures doing that.

Conclusion

All things considered, Genesis should be congratulated for delivering such a competitive car in the most competitive of classes, it’s a cracking flagship vehicle and a well designed and executed alternative to its strong opposition.

Vehicle tested - £62,91 - after options £74,615

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