What's the news?

Hyundai has officially revealed the HCD-14 Genesis Concept at the Detroit Auto Show and thrown the gauntlet down to premium European manufacturers in the process.

Exterior

The HCD-14 is said to preview a four-door coupé version of the forthcoming Genesis, a model that is not sold in the UK. The body is constructed from 'ultra-rigid' high-tensile steel; and it needs it as, like the Ford B-MAX, the HCD-14 does without a B-pillar. Unlike the Ford however, which utilises sliding rear doors, you gain access to the back of the Hyundai concept via rear-hinged 'suicide' doors. The affect is a four-door coupé that provides easy access to the rear seats - not something that can be said of some of the current premium offerings.

Interior

The Genesis concept is a technological showcase for Hyundai, featuring such advances as a head-up display that 'sits' above the steering wheel, eye-tracking and interactive 3D gesture recognition systems that allow drivers to work the climate controls, satellite navigation and infotainment without their hands leaving the wheel.

Mechanicals

The Genesis concept is powered by a 5.0-litre 400hp V8 engine that is mated to an eight-speed transmission. Unlike the Hyundais we are familiar with, all that power is sent to the rear wheels.

Anything else?

While the Genesis saloon is unlikely to come to the UK there are murmurs of a Genesis coupé appearing on these shores. Whether British buyers are ready to accept the Korean brand as a premium rival to Mercedes-Benz and BMW remains to be seen.

Paul Healy - 14 Jan 2013