New Hyundai Genesis heading for the UK?

It looks like the next generation Hyundai Genesis – a much more upmarket Hyundai – is heading for the UK after RHD production was confirmed.

Is the Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis (pictured) heading for the UK as the new Hyundai Genesis?

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The Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept arrived at the Detroit Auto Show in January and, concept fripperies apart, previewed the next generation of the Hyundai that wants to be a Korean Lexus – the Hyundai Genesis.

The Hyundai Genesis has been selling like hot cakes in the Land of the Free for some time, but until now it wasn’t a car Hyundai felt had a place in its UK line-up. But that looks set to change.

As Hyundai has moved more and more upmarket – and now has a range of very capable cars that sell on their merits alongside the best from mainstream makers, not as a budget option – we’ve long called for Hyundai to extract a digit and bring the Genesis to the UK now Hyundai has the credibility to pull off sales of a luxury, 5-Series-sized saloon.

Now it seems that’s almost certain to happen after Hyundai’s Sales VP – Cheol Lee – took everyone by surprise by announcing that the new Genesis – due to arrive in 2014 – will be built in RHD and will be sold in Australasia.

Stuff.co.nz are reporting that Cheol Lee revealed Hyundai’s plans whilst hosting New Zealand media in South Korea, an announcement that seems to have taken Hyundai in New Zealand by surprise. When asked if Cheol Lee’s statement was true, and Hyundai are taking the new Genesis to NZ, Hyundai New Zealand’s General Manager said “Obviously I now have to say that we are”.

So if Hyundai are going to build RHD Genesis models for Australia and New Zealand it’s all but certain that means the UK will be getting the next generation Genesis when it launches. And it’s an appealing prospect.

If the styling stays true to the HCD-14 Genesis Concept – with the exception of a few concept bits – and we get the choice of a 2.8 litre V6 and 5.0 litre V8 (and maybe a high-power turbo-diesel) we reckon the new Hyundai Genesis will cause a few problems for Germany’s premium makers going forward.

More when we get some confirmation from Hyundai.