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January 2021

2020 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport2020 Genesis G902020 New Cars and Trucks2021 GENESIS GV702021 Genesis GV80AutomotiveAutotrader.comBest Large SUV for familiesBest new carsconsumerrports.orgcrossoverDecisive MediaDecisive Media NetworkGeneral MotorsGenesis G80Genesis G90Genesis GV80Luxury Carsmid-size sedansMid-size SUVNew Car and Truck Test DrivesNew CarsRandi PaytonSUV under $18,000Top 80 Automotive Blogs

What is the Genesis Motor America Luxury Division?

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

Not many people know that Genesis is the luxury division of Hyundai Motors and has an affordable line of sedans and SUVs that compete with BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac, and Lincoln. But that’s about to change with the Genesis GV70 crossover’s launch and the all-new 2021 GV80 SUV. Now that Genesis has over 300 stand-alone dealerships to provide first-class customer service, consumers will also begin to notice their presence.

Despite low recognition, the brand was ranked #1 in the Consumer Reports Annual Ranking of Automotive Brands, won the Top New Vehicle Satisfaction award by AutoPacific, the 2019 Motor Trend Car of the Year, and the 2019 North American Car of the Year, in addition to many other accolades.

The masterminds behind the brand come from a talented team of engineers and designers recruited from other automakers like Bentley, BMW, and Audi. Genesis vehicles are thousands of dollars less than many rivals in its class, offering excellent value and aggressive style. It also comes loaded with more standard safety features and conveniences.

The original Genesis and Equus models were sold under Hyundai before Genesis Motors spun off as a separate luxury division. In 2017, the Genesis G90 replaced the Equus, followed by the G80, G70 sedans, and the GV70 crossover.

Today, there are now five models under the Genesis brand: the G70 sedan, the mid-size G80, the full-size G90, and the GV70 Crossover. The recently launched all-new 2021 GV80 SUV hopes to drive awareness of the brand and more consumers to Genesis dealerships.

The GV80 is the first Genesis built on an SUV platform, with a standard rear-wheel-drive, optional all-wheel-drive, and an optional third row to accommodate seven passengers.

I recently tested the top-of-line 2020 Genesis G90 and was impressed with the style, comfort, and power from its 5.0-liter Ultimate V8 that generates 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet torque. The base model G90 3.3T Premium is powered by a Twin Turbo premium V6 that gets 365 horsepower with 376 lb-ft of torque.

Genesis now has a complete line of sedans and SUVs to begin competing with comparable luxury-class competitors. The flagship G90 starts around $72,200 MSRP for the base model V6 and goes up to $78,200 for the V8 model. All vehicles come loaded with standard safety and performance technology, and an eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The all-wheel-drive system is available as an option.

The G90 5.0 Ultimate is the best option for accommodating five passengers. The backseats provide executive style features with lots of rear legroom, dual entertainment screens, power-adjustable and ventilated seats.

The Genesis G80 sedan also received a significant overhaul this year. Since there were no substantial changes to the 2020 G90 this year, it is an excellent deal as a new or certified-used purchase.

For a complimentary subscription to the latest car and truck reviews, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.

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2020 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport2020 Kia Soul2020 New Cars and Trucks2021 GENESIS GV702021 North American Car of theBest Midsize Cars for 2021Best new carsDecisive MediaDecisive Media NetworkKia Niro EVKia Niro EV EX Premiummid-size sedansNew Car and Truck Test DrivesNew CarsRandi PaytonTop 80 Automotive Blogs

All-New 2021 Kia K5 EX is a Winner

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

The Kia K5, formerly named Optima, is entirely new for 2021 and comes with a bold new exterior, luxurious interior, an efficient engine, and smoother transmission. While many American-based automakers have cut back on producing sedans in favor of SUVs, Asian-based manufacturers are going all out for the younger customer, who prefer sporty cars over their parents’ vehicles.

Although Kia K5 has a long way to catch up with the number of vehicles sold by Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, it is rapidly expanding market share due to its lower price and improved quality. The K5 is also racking up top awards and was recently ranked by Kelly Blue Book as the #3 sedan for “Best Midsize Cars for 2021”, following Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Both Kia and Hyundai are building award-winning vehicles. Hyundai, which owns 34% of Kia Motors, share the same platforms, powertrains, and other components but have unique engineering and design.

Last year, the North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year Awards named The Kia Telluride the 2020 “Utility Truck of the Year,” while the Hyundai Elantra, which shares the same platform with the Kia Forte, won the “2021 North American Car of the Year”.

The 2021 Kia K5 has five trim levels: The base LX starts around $23,590, the LXS is $24,590, and the EX is $28,090 MSRP.  They are powered by a 1.6-liter I-4 that gets 180 horsepower with an eight-speed automatic transmission. There are two performance models: The GT-Line, which starts at $25,490, and the sporty GT, which starts at $30,590 and generates 290 horsepower from a 2.5-liter I-4 engine.

The Kia K5, which I test drove for a week, shares a platform with the Hyundai Sonata, upgraded in 2019. The K5 operates in Normal, Smart, Sport, or Custom modes. The engine, transmission, and steering adapt to meet your driving desires. The new GT has a Sport Plus mode, while the all-wheel-drive option has a Snow mode.

Although the K5 EX doesn’t pack a lot of power, the ride is smooth, and it accelerates effortlessly. It feels like a premium luxury sedan at a discount price. The EX comes loaded with standard equipment, including a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, leatherette seats, wireless phone charging, power driver seats, parking distance warning, and more.

Other safety features include the Kia Driver-Assist Technology package with forward-collision warning/avoidance for pedestrians and vehicles, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, high-beam assist, and electronic stability control.

The 2021 Kia K5 EX included additional options for $3,400, including navigation with a 10.5 touchscreen, Bose premium audio, a power front passenger seat with lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, smart cruise control, highway driving assist, and memory mirrors.

For a complimentary subscription to the latest car and truck reviews, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.

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2020 New Cars and TrucksAutomotiveBest new carsCadillacCadillac CT4Decisive MediaDiscount Incentivesedmunds.comGeneral Motors

2020 Cadillac CT4 Premium Luxury

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 compact sports sedan is a bold move by the brand to expand its lineup in the entry-level luxury class. Cadillac hopes to lure more younger luxury buyers from European competitors by introducing the latest safety and advanced performance technologies and making a stylish design statement.

Introduced in the Spring of 2019, the all-new CT4 which replaces the Cadillac ATS, showcases a high-tech design, the latest safety and performance features, including super-cruise control, two powerful turbocharged engines, premium electric power steering, eBoost brakes, coated rotors, magnetic ride control, and Brembo front brakes, which are standard on the Sport and V-Series models. All-wheel drive is optional on all models.

The hands-free Super Cruise system assures the driver’s attention with high-definition maps and sensors that watch the road and monitor the driver inside the car. When activated, the vehicle will steer itself and remain in the lane during highway trips.

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 also introduces other features to the compact luxury sedan class, including self-sealing and run-flat tires, allowing the vehicle to continue driving with punctures and not stop to change tires.

The four-door CT4 comes in four trim levels: The base Luxury starts at $32,995 MSRP, the Premium Luxury has a starting price of $37,495, the Sport model at $38,595, and the top-of-line V-Series goes for $44,495 MSRP.

The CT4 gets its spirited performance from Cadillac’s innovative turbocharging technology. The 2.0- and 2.7-liter Twin-Scroll Turbo engines are engineered with sportiness in mind. They include a three-step sliding camshaft along with Active Fuel Management and automatic stop/start.

The base Luxury model comes with a 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll Turbo engine that generates 237 horsepower that is matched with an eight-speed transmission.

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 Premium Luxury model I experienced was powered by a 2.7-liter turbo engine that generated 327 horsepower with a segment-leading ten-speed automatic transmission. Agile and quick on its feet, the Premium Luxury came with a rear-wheel-drive infrastructure for better handling and sports performance. All-wheel-drive is optional for all models and standard on the V-Series.

The CT4 allows the driver to select different drive modes: Touring, Sport, Snow/Ice, and Track. A My Mode and V Mode (V-Series) alters the vehicle’s characteristics by calibrating the suspension’s transmission, shifting, steering, brakes, and front/rear torque for the AWD version.

The CT4 feels smooth and powerful yet responsive on quick maneuvers and during lane changing. The steering is precise, and the ride feels comfortable and sporty at the same time. Rapid acceleration and braking are balanced and together produce a sporty ride in the Sport and Track modes.

Beautifully designed for appeal and practicality, the interior has a user-friendly layout with easy access to touch controls for the audio, climate, and other interfaces. Other features include a wireless charging pad, USB and USB-C ports, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay come standard in all models,

The CT4 Luxury and Premium Luxury exterior design have unique LED lighting, tail- and headlamps, and front grilles with premium hot foil-stampings. The Sport and V-Series are distinguished by a sportier design, signature vertical lights, a rear spoiler, and performance wheels.

The 2020 CT4 is virtually the same as the 2021 model. Additional features added this year include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, a safety alert seat, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Due to the pandemic, you can contact your local Cadillac dealership or car-buying service for discounts, special financing, home deliveries, and test drives for purchasing.

For a complimentary subscription to the latest car and truck reviews, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.

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