KEY POINTS:
The 2009 Hyundai Genesis was named the North American Car of the Year by a panel of 50 of the top US automotive journalists. The redesigned 2009 Ford F-150 hauled away Truck of the Year honours.
The Genesis defeated the Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Ford Flex. The F-150 came out on top over the redesigned Dodge Ram and Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec.
The awards are given to the vehicles that get the most points by the panel of journalists. Each category has a total of 500 points, 10 per judge.
"This award tells people that Hyundai maybe is a different car company than what they think," said John Krafcik, acting chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor America. "It signals that these guys have arrived."
The Genesis earned 189 points, just ahead of the Flex with 180 points. The Jetta TDI finished third on 131 points.
The Herald drove the Genesis in South Korea last year. It is available as a left-hooker and sold in South Korea, the US, Russia, China and the Middle East.
It is the carmaker's first rear-drive offering and uses an unusual suspension design. Up front, the five-link set-up features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis.
Hyundai says the articulated arrangement reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel.
The five-link independent rear is equally sophisticated, aiding ride and handling. The Genesis is a highly refined package, with a build quality to rival Lexus. Clearly, it impressed US judges.
