Katy Lifestyles and Homes Magazine Sep 2009: Kelly Foss Reports on New Autos for Katy Lifestyles and Homes magazine

eing aware of which direction vehicle trends are headed, Lexus recently introduced the first dedicated hybrid luxury sedan. Think of it as the compact luxury sedan built by Lexus offered only as a hybrid, like a Prius. With this combination you get Lexus luxury, superb fuel economy and low emissions all in one package.

The HS is a very comfortable 5-seater, sized between the sporty Lexus IS and the comfortable Lexus ES. It ’s the no-guilt, most eco-friendly machine in the Lexus stable. Notwithstanding these credentials, potential buyers need not worry about a compromised or watered-down ownership experience. It is still a bona fide Lexus.

The HS has a similar hybrid system to the Toyota Camry. As such, it has an EPA rating of 35/34/35 mpg fuel economy which is really good. It can scoot from 0-60 miles an hour in 8.4 seconds and accomplishes all that in a non-disruptive, no-excuses fashion. For perspective, with the HS, you get the joy of driving a Lexus yet have the fuel economy of a very, very small mini car, plus almost zero emissions. The HS whirs down the road in an effortless manner. It is very quiet, responsive and comfortable.

The exterior styling of the vehicle caters to the car’s high fuel economy aerodynamics. The look is modern, angular and attractive. The interior is very cozy especially when the premium package is added. This is where you get the ventilated leather seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, the wood trim and pretty wheels.

Additional packages include a generation 6 Navigation system with voice command, touch screen and XM real-time traffic, weather, sports and stocks information. A touring package offers special two-tone leather seating, sports suspension and a rear spoiler.

The technology package offers Intuitive Park Assist, radar cruise control and a heads-up display.

Pushing the tech envelope even further, Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning and Driver Monitor are also available. These items fall into the love-it or hate-it category. They serve to elevate the car to “partner” status in the driving experience, rather than an “obedient servant,” and yes, mercifully, they are optional. Lane Departure Warning will beep at the driver if it senses that the car may wander outside its lane in traffic. The system will actually intervene and will “steer” the car into what it believes is the center of the lane. Driver Monitor has a camera pointed at the driver ’s face looking for signs of fatigue or inattentiveness. It will also intervene if it thinks the driver is not paying close enough attention.

This is a great car and fits a perfect niche for those who want luxury appointments with a conscience and without excess. Starting price is about $34,000.

The Genesis Coupe is the second model to be introduced in Hyundai’s new Genesis line. The Genesis Sedan was the first and was honored with the title of North American Car of the Year. The coupe seems totally disassociated from the sedan and for the most part it is. Hyundai describes their Genesis vehicles as a sub-brand within the family dedicated to rear-wheel-drive technology.

The Genesis Coupe is attention getting, highly styled, sporty with a compliant ride, offers superb handling characteristics and is fun to drive. It ’s a modest to mid-level priced four-seater with a price ranging from about $22,000 to $35,000. It competes with vehicles like the Infiniti G37 coupe, only it ’s less expensive, the Mazda RX and the BMW 3 Series coupe…kind of. The V-6 models of the new Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang also fall into the same competitive group.

There are two iterations of the Genesis Coupe. The 2.0T model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine with 210 horsepower and 223 ft. lbs. of torque. This model is offered with a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. It has good power with 0-60 miles per hour times in the low 7 second range, good fuel economy with an estimated 30 mpg on the highway and is reasonably refined with its all aluminum engine possessing variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cam shafts.

The Genesis 3.8 model is equipped with a powerful 3.8 liter V-6, producing 306 horsepower and 266 ft. lbs. of torque. This unit is offered with either a 6-speed manual or a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.8 has more luxury amenities and greater performance. Zero-60 mph times are estimated at 5.5 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 149 miles an hour. The 2.0T is responsive, but the 3.8 is aggressive and reacts vigorously with even small throttle input.

Both models offer a Track package for more performance. It includes track tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels that are staggered with the rears being wider than the fronts, Brembo brakes, Torsen limited slip rear differential and a rear spoiler.

The convenience package has keyless entry and start, 360 watt premium audio system, automatic air conditioning, paddle shifters and navigation. Bluetooth connectivity, iPod/USB plugs and satellite radio are standard equipment.

To Hyundai’s benefit, they have a fine suite of safety equipment, and it’s standard equipment on all their models. It includes 4-wheel disc antilock brakes with Brake Assist and EBD, electronic brake force distribution. Also, stability control, traction control, front, side, side curtain airbags are included. The front seats have an anti whiplash system, seat belt pretensioners and a TPMS tire pressure monitoring system.

Buyers who value exterior styling will definitely be drawn to this car. Is the vehicle perfect? No, but it ’s really good. Is it worth the money? Yes, definitely.

Visit www.MyCarData.com for more information on these models.