Hyundai reveals Genesis sedan tipped for Australia

Hyundai has unveiled the second generation of its Genesis sedan, showing the car we could see here as early as the middle of next year -- with news that the sedan will now gain a right-hand drive version.

Its coupe sibling will debut at Detroit motor show in January, and Hyundai has already confirmed it will bring the rear-wheel two-door to Australia. Global CEO and president Steve S Yang told Carsguide during a test drive in Korea last year the coupe would be on our list, but at the time ruled out the sedan because it didn't have a right-hand drive program.

"The right-hand-drive coupe will be available for Australia and other RHD countries," he said. "But at the moment we don't have any plans for a RHD Genesis sedan." However he acknowledged "we know there is a market for the right-hand sedan in Australia, and maybe Singapore, Hong Kong and  South Africa."

That acknowledgement has borne fruit, and the new sedan will be built in both left- and right-hand drive, and will also have both rear- and all-wheel drive versions.

The range will be powered by V6 and V8 engines mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions. The sixes open the bidding with a 190kW/304Nm 3.0-litre, followed by a 208kW/348Nm 3.3-litre and the carryover 232kW and 397Nm 3.8-litre, while the 313kW/520Nm 5.0-litre V8 is also retained -- claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds.

Hyundai wants to keep pushing the brand further upmarket and the new sedan has its eye on the premium buyer with styling and fit-out that it intends to challenge the European brands. It gets a more resolved and streamlined development of Hyundai's sometimes over-frantic 'fluidic sculpture' design language, a striking hexagonal grille and a larger, wider, higher body that the carmaker says boasts best-in-class cabin space.

Inside and out, the Genesis sedan suggests Hyundai has looked closely at what's on offer from Europe, with the restrained styling and focus on a premium impression.

Features include a high-resolution 9.2-inch touchscreen for audio and nav, blind spot detection integrated with a heads-up display, lane keeping assist and departure warning and radar-controlled cruise system with automatic emergency braking, surround-view monitor and advanced parking assist.

Under the skin are stiffer multi-link front and rear suspension set-ups and electronic suspension and traction cornering controls for better handling, plus a strong focus on ride comfort and noise reduction.

Hyundai has not yet confirmed that the sedan will join the coupe in Australian showrooms. But with their eye on a target of 62,000 sales for it next year -- 32,000 in Korea and the rest around the world -- it would seem extremely unlikely they would ignore a significant right-hand drive market like ours.

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott