J.D. Power says Hyundai Genesis is most dependable

THE Hyundai Genesis sedan is the highest-ranked model in the midsize premium car category in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

Released recently, the study also shows that Hyundai finished ninth overall, demonstrating that the company’s commitment to quality translates into long-term dependability for owners.

The Genesis sedan launched in the 2009 model year and earned Hyundai’s first-ever North American Car of the Year honour.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys original owners three years after their vehicle purchase, so 2012 was the first year Genesis was included in the VDS, and it was the only category award recipient in its first year of eligibility.

Genesis sedan tallied more than 20 top honours from the most prominent media outlets and automotive organisations in North America upon its launch as a 2009 model year.

The trophy case includes awards from J.D. Power and Associates, Motor Trend, AutoPacific, Cars.com and leading consumer publications in addition to its North American Car of the Year honour.

Genesis is built on Hyundai’s performance-driven rear-wheeldrive architecture which offers three powertrains: the Lambda 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine producing 333 horsepower; Hyundai’s Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 385 horsepower; and the new Tau 5.0-liter direct injection V8 engine producing 429 horsepower, available on the Genesis 5.0 and Genesis RSpec models.

With technology rivalling more expensive luxury sedans, convenience features like push-button start and navigation system, and five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2009 model year) vehicles includes 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle.

Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. Hyundai has shown consistent improvement in VDS, reducing problems per 100 vehicles by 75 points over the past five years.