by James Hamel

Created on: February 16, 2010

Just because you don’t have $50,000 to spend on a new executive sports sedan doesn’t mean you are destined to be stuck with either one of those “low lease rate specials” or a car that handles corners about as well as maple syrup. Really, don’t go try and hang yourself with your tie.

The reason for all this hope is the simple fact that 2010 is one of the best ever years to be an “entry-level” luxury car shopper. Not only are there the usual suspects from Audi and BMW but Acura has unleashed a high-power V6 variant of its TSX while Hyundai (yes, them) has also dipped its toe in the shark infested waters of the new luxury car market. Now, who makes the most fun to drive, high value luxury sedan in 2010?

2010 Hyundai Genesis V6

The mere fact that the Genesis is being mentioned in the same breath with these world class luxury machines is complement enough. For a first time engineering effort the Genesis is truly exemplary thanks to clean (albeit totally unoriginal) styling and an impressively smooth engine/transmission combination.

Yes, luxury sedan buyers may want leather, navigation, premium audio and but that doesn’t also mean they don’t know a bargain when they see one. Starting at $33,000  for a base-level 3.8 liter V6 290 horsepower model, you can still add quite a few thousand to the Genesis base price by optioning navigation, Lexicon audio, opulent leather lined dash or even a V8.

A pretty well loaded V6 Genesis with all the essential options will probably set you back at least $35,000 but that isn’t bad when you consider how Lexus-like this luxury sedan is in feel and the fact that it has a ten year/100,000 mile warranty on the powertrain. While the interior is refreshingly free of clutter and was designed with really easily readable dials and gauges, Hyundai still has a little way to go before it masters the art of realistic-looking wood trim.

While this next characteristic may appeal to a certain demographic of driver (Lexus owners) who prefers the feel of low effort power steering, the steering rack of the Genesis sedan package is where it falls somewhat flat. Despite what some may say you CAN engineer steering with lots of feel AND low effort for supermarket maneuvers. The Acura TSX V6 proves that theory.

The last problem is truly an unfortunate one as the Hyundai Genesis really is a great luxury sedan. The problem will always be that the Genesis is still a Hyundai and you will have to

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