2018 GENESIS G80 SPORT FIRST TEST REVIEW

Genesis has almost two years under its belt as a luxury automaker, and we don’t envy its task of competing with brands that are 100 years old. Because other automakers have had plenty of time to secure recognition, it’s especially important for Genesis to stand out from the crowd. Is it too little, too late for Genesis?

Not so fast. Genesis will have six vehicles by 2021, and right now, only the G80 and G90 are available. The G90 flagship we reviewed last year looked promising. Although it doesn’t exude the flash of some other luxury rivals, it stood out as a top performer in ride quality. To this day it’s easy to recall; driving over speed bumps left the G90 perfectly undisturbed. As we noted in our G90 V-6 First Test, international bureau chief Angus MacKenzie called the Genesis sedan “a Korean full-size luxury car that’s better than anything America or Japan can build. And yes, that includes Lexus.”

The G80 Sport takes a very different path from its older brother by focusing on performance over plushness. The result is what often feels like a strange mix of sports car and comfortable cruiser. Packing a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6, the G80 produces a very healthy 365 hp routed to the rear wheels. It’s powerful enough that I didn’t imagine myself wanting the G80 with the 420-hp V-8 engine, and even the base 3.8-liter V-6 with 311 hp might prove more than enough. But despite the plentiful power of our tester, the weight and steering feel suggest ambitions other than raw performance.

G2

Numbers we gleaned from the track gave us a more solid idea of the sedan’s performance compared to key competitors. It hit 60 mph from a standstill in 5.2 seconds, which is 0.2 second quicker than the G90 AWD we tested with the same engine. And it’s significantly quicker than its predecessor, the Hyundai Genesis 3.8 AWD, which hit 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The G80 Sport also ranks ahead of the 2017 Lexus GS 350 F Sport RWD, which took 5.9 seconds to launch to 60 mph. That model, however, only produces 311 hp.

Other sedans are quicker than the G80 Sport. The 2017 Mercedes-AMG E43 4Matic made the mark in 4.6 seconds, and the 2016 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro managed the deed in just 4.7 seconds, all while making just 333 hp.

The G80 feels plenty robust, at least once you’re going. “It’s pretty boggy from a stop. Turbo lag? Power comes on at about 2,500 rpm,” noted road test editor Chris Walton about the G80 Sport’s acceleration tests. “The sweet spot is slightly over 2,000, and above that it spins the tires pretty hard—irrecoverably.”

In the figure eight, the Genesis G80 clocked a time of 27.5 seconds at an average 0.66 g. Other competitors performed better, including the GS F Sport, which hit the mark in 25.5 seconds at an average 0.74 g. The Mercedes managed the run in 25.1 seconds at an average of 0.77 g, and the Audi completed it in 25.3 seconds at 0.79 g.

G3

The G80 clocked 13.8 seconds at 102.6 mph in the quarter mile. The Mercedes hit the target in 13.1 seconds at 107 mph, the Lexus managed 14.4 seconds at 98.3 mph, and the Audi performed the task in 13.3 seconds at 104.6 mph.

At almost 4,500 pounds, the G80 can feel a bit ponderous in turns. And although Sport mode tightens steering feel, it doesn’t provide quite enough feedback to qualify as sporty. Like any comfortable cruiser worth its salt, the interior is quiet even while traveling at moderate speeds on the highway. But the stiffness of the sport suspension, strong power, and satisfying engine note reveal its dual personality.

In our Genesis G80 Sport First Drive review, senior production editor Zach Gale noted the G80 Sport doesn’t feel quite as light as the Lexus GS F Sport. But compared to its less powerful sibling, the G80 3.8, it experiences less pitch and dive under hard acceleration and braking. “It still feels sporty to me, but in a comfortable way,” Gale said after driving it for a second time. “You can’t have it both ways.”

G5

Inside is the same conflicting story. Sport seats, aluminum pedals, and carbon-fiber accents belie the interior’s true focus on comfort and luxury. You’ll also find heated and ventilated front seats, decadent leather seats, a suede headliner, a head-up display, a 9.2-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 16-way power driver’s seat, a 12-way power front passenger seat, a wireless device charger, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a colossal back-seat area. Other features include full LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, hands-free smart power trunklid, and a power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof. Among its safety goodies are automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with start/stop capability, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and an auto-defogger windshield. All of these features are standard because Genesis offers virtually no options on the G80 Sport, except all-wheel drive. At $56,225, the Genesis G80 goes further for the dollar than comparable BMW, Lexus, Audi, and, particularly, Mercedes models.

Automakers are injecting more comfort into their traditionally sport-oriented sedans with varying degrees of success. Genesis hasn’t established itself as putting more emphasis on either sport or performance, and it will be interesting to see which direction it takes with the compact G70. But we can conclude the G80 Sport has thrilling power. Its ride befits a sports car, but its weighty feel, hesitation off the line, and large back seat make it more of a cruising sedan than anything else.

Ford Fiesta review

Replacing the maximum popular vehicle inside the UK over the past eight years with the brand new version is a very big deal.

Ford has simply completed that with the ultra-modern Fiesta, and the $ 64,000 question is whether or not the brand new car is good enough to stay on top?

At first look it looks as if Ford has performed it adequately with the seventh technology of a totally successful supermini that has bought four.Five million considering that its launch in 1976.

More evolutionary than progressive, a acquainted profile nevertheless exists, however a sharp eye will see extra fluid traces of the more recent vehicle, smoother hood, rear sweeping mild and horizontal back lights.

Still to be had as three or five doorways (with the rugged and rugged energetic Crossover model inside the pipe), additionally barely longer and wider.

However, it is interior and beneath the skin in which major adjustments have taken location.

Billed as "the maximum technologically superior small automobile in Europe", the Fiesta now sports activities with a list of present day drivers and security gizmos, plus complete connectivity, whilst the interior isn't always missing in revelation.

Let's start with the cabin where the maximum obvious exchange is in the center console wherein Ford's new SYNC 3 infotainment gadget is obtainable within the Fiesta for the first time.

Depending on which trim level you pick out, it can have an eight.Zero inch "floating" contact display screen, giving you get admission to to DAB radio, throughout attain, together with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity as general, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Not only a new infotainment device that removes about 50% of the confusing wide variety of buttons from the sixth and creates a tiny infotainment display, however that is a template for a extra attractive and cleaner cockpit layout.

Fortunately, there are still many small storage regions round, while the comfort and best has been progressed with a softer plastic contact.

The new Fiesta is also packed better, with a experience of more space inside the the front and clearly extra area for adults with average peak at the back of it.

Boot has a barely larger baggage capability of 292 liters and there may be a much broader starting for simpler access, although it is still common for its elegance.

The using help and safety technology on offer (although not all standards across the variety) encompass to be had Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection - Ford's self sustaining emergency automation (AEB) version.

There are also go-visitors indicators, that could warn drivers who reverse if unsafe, blind spot detection and Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, allowing drivers to park palms-unfastened nose to tail and side-aspect.

The listing goes on, so in case you're thinking about a brand new Fiesta, it's surely worth a experiment of the listing of options and to be had motive force programs.

I need to add that Ford truely likes the new version of B & O PLAY Fiesta, which gives an more desirable audio revel in with 10 audio system (which include a boot-mount subwoofer) and central speakers on the top of the tool panel.

Prices starting from £ 12,715 for an access level fashion spec, the Fiesta range continues to Zetec (current most famous trim levels) and Titanium to B & O PLAY collection, ST-Line sporty models and luxury Vignale boats from £ 19,345 - a spec Available at Fiesta for the primary time.

The petrol and diesel engines on provide encompass the Ford 2.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder faster gas this is well-known in 100PS, 125PS and 140PS disguises. There is likewise a inexpensive non-faster 3-cylinder 1.1 liter (70PS and 85PS), plus 1.Five liter diesel (85PS or 120PS).

I examined Titanium 1.Five TDCi (120PS), ST-Line 1.0T EcoBoost (140PS) and Vignale 1.0T EcoBoost (140PS), all of which might be mated to a six-pace manual gearbox (automated version of maximum fashions are also available).

Once you hit the Start button, you're without delay struck by the subtle cabin experience. Clearly a whole lot of work has been executed in this subject with Ford claiming the exceptional stage of tranquility in its class.

Even with the greater effective diesel and sporty saws from ST-line, that is a complicated using revel in for such small vehicles.

The trip is still at the business enterprise facet, however it seems as a way to absorb the each day lumps and a rougher street surface readily.

The Fiesta has always been one of the first-rate coping with cars in its elegance, and rookies do now not disappoint. Standard cars are as fun as ever before with precision blades, agility, plenty of grip and proper body control.

ST-Line is the version for use in case you want a more vibrant drive, adding a touch snarl on a 3-cylinder turbo turbo 3-sided faster and a horny frame package, while handling extra enjoyable thanks to a 10mm decrease ride and a stiffer suspension.

If you spend most of your time on the toll road, then diesel will make experience. Strong and smooth, that is a casual cruiser. The lowest output model (85PS) is the maximum gas-green Fiesta - handing over 88.3mpg on paper, even as emitting CO2 82g / km.

Gasoline engines also are frugal. Even the Turbo ST-Line 1.0 has a strength of sixty two.8mpg, no matter the time of 0-62mph nine seconds and a pinnacle speed of 125mph.

Ford has also no longer forgotten the personalization. Check out the combination of shade / body roof is various. Frosty White with Red Roof Races and matching door mirrors are very pleasing.

Frankly, the brand new Fiesta is tough to criticize, but it's also now not perfect.

Some plastic inside the cabin (eg the door is as an alternative difficult and cheap), the guide gearbox is a bit immaculate and I would like to look more generation - mainly the self sustaining emergency braking - the usual in the range.

But common, the more upmarket Mk 7 Fiesta is an outstanding automobile and have to have no trouble retaining its crown as the great supermini offered in the UK. Some achievements, considering this against the likes of the new Nissan Micra, Renault Clio, SEAT Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia.

Verdict: The new Ford Fiesta is higher than ever, constructing the power of the car out, even as bringing the bang updated with all the today's technology in a more state-of-the-art and spacious and fashionable package.
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Volvo XC60 review

Volvo is rolling round. In latest years Swedish carmakers have released the well-known XC90, S90 and V90, even as smaller fashions are in development.

Add a headline-grabbing announcement to handiest sell electric powered vehicles or hybrid vehicles from 2019 and you've a emblem on top of things.

We simply tested the state-of-the-art vehicle to sign up for Volvo stable - the second one technology XC60 SUV.

XC60 out has grown in income for each 12 months has been in showrooms seeing that its arrival in 2008 and now debts for one-third of Volvo's international income.

The query is - can this new version additionally declare to be the high-quality-promoting top rate SUV in Europe? Is it precise enough to stand his severe competitors, which include Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus NX and Audi Q5?

Longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, the brand new XC60 is really an evolution with greater than simply an XC90 clue. However, it is a lot easier to look than the outgoing model, benefiting from finer and proportioned bureaucracy.

This is likewise the key to the new begin of Volvo, first visible in XC90, entire with LED light "Thor hammer".

Under the bonnet there are two picks of 2.0-liter rapid diesel engine, four-cylinder 2.Zero-liter gas, plus a plug-in gas hybrid.

Incredibly, all fashions are 4-wheel power paired with an 8-pace computerized gearbox.

I tested  diesels which are expected to be the most important dealers. The 190bhp D4 is ideal for 55.4mpg with 133g / km CO2 emissions, whilst the more potent Powerpulse 235bhp D5 can return as much as fifty one.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 144g / km. If my experience is some thing to undergo, I suspect the actual international economic system may be near 40mpg.

D5 is barely quicker up to 62mph (6.8s vs eight.4s) with a pinnacle velocity of 137mph - 10mph quicker than on D4 - and is the excellent option, specifically if you use Volvo for towing.

Both engines are more suitable, except absolutely driven, and whilst the greater energy inside the greater responsive PowerPulse D5 is seen, the D4 has quite quite a few grip.

Stepping into the XC60 is like respiratory clean air - literally. The new 4-sector CleanZone weather manage device eliminates dangerous pollutants and particles from out of doors the cabin, sucking Scandinavian sparkling air internal.

You also can look for Scandi indoors look with panoramic sunroof, Nappa soft leather-based seats and steerage wheel, plus driftwood at the dashboard.

Quality materials are used at some point of, whilst the addition of a 19-inch Census transportable infotainment screen that has portrait-formed pics has enabled Volvo designers to provide a more minimalistic flavor dash.

Almost everything is controlled through a sleek touchscreen that helps you to swipe, tap and pinch your manner through the various menus, whilst in the front there is additionally a virtual motive force show and head-up display (HUD) presenting the whole lot from speed data to navigation. HUD works properly, even only a little on the small side.

Elsewhere inside the cabin, roomy with lots of space in the front and rear, despite the fact that the center again seat is on the facet of the corporation. Combined with a easy trip, it makes for a at ease all-round experience.

There are 3 trim levels - Momentum, R-Design and Inscription - plus Pro model respectively, including a spread of non-obligatory additions, but to be sincere the primary Momentum is very well geared up. Highlights consist of LED headlamps with energetic active beams,  sector weather controls, heated the front seats, powered truck tubs and 18 "alloy wheels.

Priced from £ 37.205, XC60 is absolutely a premium presenting, but remains solid with optionally available trim and non-obligatory options or you may get a slight change from £ 50,000.

Needless to say, the XC60 also comes with security technology and gives a most five-megastar Euro NCAP crash protection check.

Volvo City Safety System is mounted as a general. These include automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrians, cyclists and massive animal detection, plus the world's first Steer Assist app that enables to keep away from or limit the severity of collisions at low speeds by supporting guidance in emergencies by means of snaking. Avoid obstacles.

There is likewise Mitigation Lane, which feels an immediate collision and uses steerage assistance to manual you again on the right track, plus Blind Information with Steer Assist that automatically directs you again on your direction and far from your blind automobile.

Pilot Assist, step towards independent driving force, additionally to be had as an alternative. This permits you to raise your palms from the wheel for a restrained time frame, assisting the steering wheel to hold the car in tune and cruising pace or the preferred distance from any car in the front.

So how does it feel to pressure? Well, XC60 is certainly greater agile than its predecessor. Set up to be relaxed instead of sporty, the frame roll stays properly managed and there may be brilliant traction, way to AWD. The vehicle gearbox is seamless and appears to fit.

If you're pursuing a extra thrilling revel in, you could always flick the drive mode to Dynamic and use the steering paddle shifters, but you will ought to watch for the approaching Polestar performance model in case you want to get closer to the class- The Leading Dynamics of the Porsche Tiger.

We can't take a look at the XC60 off-street, however to be truthful, Volvo does now not market the auto as a hardcore all-terrain automobile. You may be sure that AWD may be enough to provide you a little peace in the face of challenging weather conditions.

Particular attention to the non-compulsory Bowers and Wilkins sound system, proposing 15 speakers and a complete output of one,100W, and includes an remarkable "concert corridor" setting (particularly exact for classical track and live performances), plus a new, decrease door. / Sill design that seems to eliminate old dust SUV on the back of your foot while out.

Verdict: Solid, safe, nicely equipped, cozy and flowing with a Scandi style, the smart Volvo XC60 is a class act.

Seat Ibiza review

This proved to be the greatest yr for the superminis - new kids on the block which includes the converted Nissan Micra and the today's model of Ford Fiesta at the vanguard of the marketplace.

Now it is Seat's turn with the famous 5th era Ibiza. Originally released in 1984, this is the excellent-selling Spanish emblem model with over five.Four million bought.

The new vehicle is a enormous step forward with more area, the modern-day era and protection capabilities, plus the drive for quality and dynamism on the road.

Thinner and slightly shorter and lower, the brand new Ibiza now has a circle of relatives resemblance to Leon, subsequent in range.

Ibiza's fourth era is cute, however a piece shabby than its successors. The sharp and sporty Penatama combined with the Seat signature LED lighting fixtures in front, the newcomer has a greater state-of-the-art look.

One of the maximum dramatic differences is in a far wider place way to the more 87mm width and longer axis distance. The chair is 42mm wider, which the Chair thinks is pleasant in its magnificence. Legroom at the rear increased by means of 35mm, at the same time as the headroom rose 24mm in the front and 17mm at the back of.

The Tardis trick does now not give up because the boot has additionally extended 63 liters, bringing its overall capacity to 355 liters - once more excellent in its elegance. Combined with lower loading lips, this makes Ibiza very extensive.

The variety of petrol and diesel options to be had includes a hundred and fifty cylinder or 150PS TSI, a brand new 1.5 TSI 150PS 4-cylinder cylinder (available by using the stop of 2017), plus 1.6 TDI diesel (80PS, 95PS and 115PS).

Gearbox alternatives include five and 6 velocity manuals, plus a 7-pace DSG 7-speed twin-snatch automated gearbox.

Now to be had best as a 5-door, Ibiza is obtainable in 4 trim specifications, beginning with S, observed via SE, then FR sporty and top-of-the-variety XCELLENCE.

Most surprising, as preferred, all Ibizas offer Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) - referred to as Front Assist - plus Hill Hold Control, automatic lighting fixtures, multi-collision brakes, tire pressure tracking systems and daylight hours lighting. No marvel if it became offered the great five stars in Euro NCAP crash checks.

Other options consist of Adaptive Cruise Control, wi-fi charging, ambient interior lighting, Keyless entry & Go, the front and rear parking sensors, rear digicam, plus an eight-inch contact display integrated with glass panels.

Of direction, Ibiza is likewise fully linked with get entry to to Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link.

I examined a model this is probable to be the most famous choice, SE trim with a 95 liter 1.0 liter TSI petrol engine and a 5-velocity gearbox.

Regardless of the trendy new look, it is going interior and is more spacious with masses of area for adults in the front and rear.

With a focus-minded yet clean-to-take into account dashboard and a decent 5-inch shade touch display, it's simply the activity.

Begin him and soon it's miles clean that the brand new Ibiza is greatly enhanced. There is a vulnerable thrum of a 3-cylinder engine, however no more however tough pressed.

The riding satisfactory is up there with the best in its elegance, but the biggest surprise of all is the sensation of being planted on the street with a well-controlled frame roll, making it a truly interesting vehicle to drive.

His small punching system driven him faster than sufficient speed, whilst the light steerage and true visibility made it ideal for the metropolis.

On various trials we ought to be 50mpg without too much problem, that's superb thinking about the Chairs claimed it was capable of 60.1mpg. The precise news does now not forestall there due to the fact the CO2 emissions are 106g / km low.

Frankly, the new Ibiza is grown and difficult accountable, however no automobile is perfect.

For instance, no tender plastic is used within the cabin so it isn't always too fancy, at the same time as the S and SE trim fashions get FM / AM radio with fashionable DAB (popular £ 145) options for FR and XCELLENCE. There is likewise a bit of road noise over the rougher floor.

It is said that overall it's far an excellent package that gives decent competition for its principal opponents that also consists of Corsaux Vauxhall, Citroen C3 and Renault Clio.

Verdict: The new Seat Ibiza is a revelation. Stylish, secure, spacious, clean and entertaining to drive, this is a superb price and one of the first-rate superminis on the market.

Renault Koleos review

Renault Koleos is the present day player in a completely tight, mid-to-large SUV segment that includes Mazda CX-five, Nissan X-Trail, Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq.

Completing the Renault crossover collection, which additionally consists of Captur and Kadjar, Koleos acts as a large flagship French car. As such, it is supplied handiest inside the top two trim trim degrees - Dynamique S and Signature.

It may additionally percentage a call with a formerly unloved Renault SUV that was ejected from his misery in 2010, however fortunately the new Koleos has extra things for him.

Large and handsome (about the same size as the brand new Skoda Kodiaq), it stocks many layout functions with its Renault siblings, inclusive of LED-formed LED sunlight hours LED-formed LEDs in the front and horizontally included DRLS tails.

There is not any doubt that Koleos has a road presence way to its length, sculpted lines, muscular thighs and twin exhausts. It is likewise proportional to the SUV, with a exceedingly quick overhang.

Step inside and it's far clean that Renault keeps pushing the upper elegance as it's miles properly built with many smooth touches and durable plastics, satin-end chrome insertion, leather-based and at ease seating.

Meanwhile, the dashboard and center console have a comparable appearance to other Renault new motors with respectable-sized portrait touchscreens (7 or eight.7 inches depending on spec) and a 7 inch TFT digital speedo.

Stay with era, driving force help system which includes automatic emergency braking, blind warning, lane departure warning, Faster Prevention Speed ​​with Traffic Identifier and Hill Assist Assistant Assistance. The rear parking camera with front and rear parking sensors is likewise included across the variety.

Safety functions consist of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with traction and understeer control, cruise control, speed limiter, six airbags, aspect safety bar and ISOFIX children seat mount point on two outer rear seats .

The rear passengers also enjoy the choice of heated seats, while in front there's also seat cooling manage, so the back does no longer sweat once more on a hot day!

Sitting at the lower back and Koleos has a awesome sedan feel, with lots of leg room, enough headroom for all however the tallest adults and masses of mild thanks to the panoramic sunshine.

Naturally, the boot is a reasonably-priced 458 liter, however no longer the leading elegance (1,690 liter with a folded rear seat) and there's masses of garage area.

And the 0.33 row of seats like Kodiaq and Sorento? Well no, because Renault says that Koleos was designed from the beginning as a seat of five. That's now not to mention that Renault does no longer serve customers who need seven seats - look no similarly than the new Grand Scenic.

Seating isn't the most effective place that distinguishes Koleos from the opposition. It is best to be had with diesel engine - dCi one hundred thirty liter or 2.0 liter dCi a hundred seventy five.

The large-engined Koleos model additionally comes with 4-wheel force ALL MODE 4 × 4-i, supplying you with the capability to pick your using mode - Auto, Lock or 2WD.

I tested a 2.Zero-liter faster diesel mated to a new constantly variable X-Tronic (CVT) Renault transmission.

Capable up to forty seven.9mpg, 0-62mph time nine.5 seconds and pinnacle velocity 125mph, CO2 emissions are 156g / km reasonable (guide version is barely greater least expensive with decrease emissions), so count on actual gasoline economic system to be greater Near 40mpg

Now I'm now not partial to the CVT transmission, which has a tendency to be obedient in my enjoy, however Renault deserves respect for the X-Tronic who cleverly simulates the equipment shifting, making the using experience an awful lot more enjoyable.

Indeed, Koleos is a casual cruiser that feels faster than the figure indicates. With a commanding using position, that is obviously designed extra for comfort than dynamism.

However, it isn't ideal - the road noise is important, specifically at the rougher surfaces, at the same time as the suspension does not soak up bumps very well at low speeds.

A super driver may also discover the managing a chunk disappointing because the weak point of the softer experience is a piece of a rolling frame in a greater hard manner.

On the plus side - not like Kodiaq - it feels now not so great in the road.

I also attempted a chunk of gentle-roading, and although it isn't advertised as a 4 × 4 hardcore, there are indeed a few terrain capabilities. Despite the dearth of Hill Descent Control, this works properly and there is a sizeable distinction among the grip among 2WD and 4 wheel drive.

So despite the fact that Koleos may not be used significantly off the street, it suits roughly and should provide peace of thoughts in more severe climate situations.

Priced from £ 27,500- £ 34,2 hundred, Koleos is blessed with a 4-yr warranty (like all Renault), even though a loss of seven seats and a choice of fuel engines would possibly make a few shoppers leave.

Verdict: Stylish, safe, cozy and nicely ready, the brand new Renault Koleos is a class act and should be included on your list if you are searching out a sizable SUV.