Genesis plans hybrid onslaught in ongoing quest to beat BMW and Mercedes
Genesis – the luxury arm of Hyundai – will launch a series of hybrids designed to bolster its position in the premium new-car market. It will allow the maker to launch all-new, multi-fuel models, as well as reintroduce cars that have been killed off by increasingly stringent emissions regulations.
While the maker hasn't officially confirmed which models are in line for hybrid drive, UK brand director Jonny Miller told us the company would not retrofit petrol engines to dedicated EVs that currently sit on the E-GMP platform – 'of which we have one, in our range', he said. This rules out the GV60, but leaves the newly-facelifted GV70 SUV and G80 saloon as possible candidates for this new range of electrically-assisted combustion engines. Advertisement - Article continues below
It's not clear what form the hybrid tech will take, but the brand's positioning in the market and Miller's comments about how any implementation would have to 'aid performance', would suggest a plug-in (PHEV) setup is likely. The UK boss refused to write anything off, however, insisting 'if [Genesis has] the technology within the [Hyundai] Group' that anything is possible.
Miller hinted that as a collective, Hyundai and Genesis were also working on a range-extender (REx) setup, with the tech proving particularly popular in Asian markets. Volkswagen has recently hinted at plans to bring REx models to Europe, potentially allowing ageing ICE cars – models that would otherwise be axed due to emissions legislation – a stay of execution.
Miller also said the move could allow Genesis to 'bring back models that were previously offered with a petrol engine' – cars such as the GV80, and possibly even the G70 and G70 Shooting Brake. It may also present the maker with an opportunity to finally sell the GV80 Coupe here; UK buyers have so far been denied the BMW X6 rival due to limited powertrain choice, and the manufacturer's need to meet ZEV Mandate targets.
We could see the first hybrid-powered Genesis variants as soon as this year, alongside the first of the firm's hot Magma cars, based on Hyundai's N and Kia's flagship GT models. Miller said Magma will be the 'pinnacle of the range' and 'only available with that top spec, top engine'.
Fancy a Genesis on your driveway? Our dealer network has fantastic cars on offer right now with new, used and leasing deals to choose from...
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Sun
Aldi confirms ‘addictive' discontinued crisps will return in months after shopper fury
ALDI is bringing back "addictive" crisps in a matter of months after they were axed. Shoppers were left distraught after spotting the Specially Selected Prawn Cocktail Crisps missing from shelves earlier this year. The 150g bag cost £1.09 and came as part of the discounter's premium range. But the picky bits are set to make a comeback later this year, Aldi has confirmed, following customer fury. Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: 'We always do our best to listen and meet our customers' requests. "These crisps are clearly a fan favourite, so we are excited to bring the flavour back — watch this space." Aldi has not revealed an exact date the crisps will be available but is urging customers to keep an eye on its website and store shelves. It comes after eagle-eyed customers took to social media earlier this month to ask where the crisps, based on the classic British starter, had gone. One, posting on X, said: "What's happened to the prawn cocktail crisps? Bring them back please!" Shoppers who can't wait for the Specially Selected Prawn Cocktail crisps, branded "addictive" and "amazing", to be reintroduced to shelves can buy one alternative. Aldi also sells the more budget Snackrite Prawn Cocktail crisps, with packs of six smaller bags costing 89p. It is not the first time Aldi has axed a product customers love. It recently quietly removed the Specially Selected Caramel Layered Yogurt from its shelves. Shoppers only discovered the yogurt was discontinued after struggling to find it in their local shop. The German discounter has dropped Deli Smoked Pork Sausage and Deli Smoked Reduced Fat Pork Sausage 160g packs from many of its shelves as well. ITEMS MAKING A COMEBACK Retailers often bring back nostalgic and previously discontinued items, based on customer demand and appetite. Discos, owned by KP Snacks, is bringing back its beloved pickled onion flavour that was last seen on shelves in the noughties. The savoury bites will be sold in convenience shops across the UK from August 27. The 70g bag costs £1.35. Meanwhile, White chocolate Maltesers made a grand return to shelves earlier this year after a 10-year hiatus. A 30g bag is currently available to buy in Morrisons for £1.05, while a larger 74g pouch costs £1.75. Elsewhere, Opal Fruits, which were rebranded as Starburst in 1998, are available from Sainsbury's for £1.25. Why are products axed or recipes changed? ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders. Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether. They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers. There are several reasons why this could be done. For example, government regulation, like the "sugar tax," forces firms to change their recipes. Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs. They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable. For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018. It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version. Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year. Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks. While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.
BBC News
28 minutes ago
- BBC News
Teachers at closing Fulneck School in dispute over pay
Members of a teachers' union at an independent school due to close next month have declared an industrial dispute, claiming they have been told they would not be paid for the second half of the final School, in Pudsey, Leeds, announced in March that it would close on 8 July due to a decline in enrolment and rising costs. The NASUWT said its members had been informed after the May half term that the school could no longer afford to pay them, but they must continue working until the the school said staff would be paid up until 8 July, with a spokesperson for the school's trustees adding that they remained committed to a "regular and open" dialogue with staff. The independent day and boarding school, founded by the Moravian church, has been teaching for more than 270 years. Announcing the closure earlier this year, the school blamed "a continued decline in enrolment, combined with rising operational costs" for making it "increasingly challenging to maintain financial viability". 'Kick in the teeth' Announcing the dispute, a spokesperson for the NASUWT said many of its members at the school had had long careers there, often "making sacrifices" to keep it running, such as forgoing pay increases."As a result of the school's decision not to pay them for the last half term, Fulneck teachers stand to lose 14% of their annual salary," a union spokesperson said. "Even if they are able to secure positions at other schools, they will go from July to the end of September with no pay – despite the fact they have earned that money."Matt Wrack, acting general secretary of the NASUWT, said union members at the school had "pulled out the stops to support their struggling pupils this term, and it has come – quite literally – at their own expense"."After years of sacrifice for the good of the school, losing months of pay is a real kick in the teeth," he Toepritz, the union's national executive member for Leeds, said the school's teachers had undergone a "collective trauma"."They have spent the last term supporting panicking pupils through exams and school transitions, all the while frantically searching for new roles themselves," he said."On top of that, they now face unpaid bills over the summer."But Fulneck teachers are strong, and they won't go down without a fight. The school needs to abide by its church's mission statement and pay up." 'Ongoing support' However, according to the school, staff would be paid up until 8 July – the proposed date of the school's closure and planned insolvency - and in line with the school's legal obligations as an percentage calculated by the NASUWT did not reflect the entitlements for staff through redundancy and notice pay, which would be processed through the government's Redundancy Payment Service and triggered following the school's planned liquidation, it said.A spokesperson for the school's trustees said their priority was to ensure a "fair and transparent process" for everyone affected."The trustees have provided ongoing support throughout the school's operation and closure process," they added. "Communication channels remain open for staff to raise concerns, and the trustees are committed to ensuring all legal obligations are met."No further comments can be made while the formal consultation process is ongoing." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Auto Blog
32 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
Kia Defies Convention with Lower-Priced Seltos
Kia Bucking the Trend as Prices Climb Elsewhere Automakers usually mark the arrival of a new model year with a predictable price hike. Whether it's due to updated features, rising production costs, or now, even geopolitics, such as new tariffs on imported materials or components, most new cars cost more each year. A 1% to 3% increase is often considered standard fare. That's why the 2026 Kia Seltos stands out: instead of climbing across the board, it now offers a new, cheaper way into the lineup. A new entry-level Seltos LX FWD has been introduced, carrying a starting MSRP of $23,690, or $1,000 less than last year's base model. And while the rest of the trims do see slight bumps, they're modest $200 increases that fall well below the typical range. 0:03 / 0:09 What is the Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1? Watch More 2025 pricing 2026 pricing Difference Seltos LX FWD – $23,690 – Seltos LX AWD $24,690 $24,890 $200 Seltos S FWD $25,190 $25,390 $200 Seltos S AWD $26,690 $26,890 $200 Seltos EX FWD $26,190 $26,390 $200 Seltos EX AWD $28,390 $28,590 $200 Seltos X-Line AWD $29,390 – – Seltos SX AWD $31,190 $31,390 – Of note, the X-Line AWD trim has been removed for the 2026 model year. Plus, the prices mentioned here don't include the untouched $1,395 destination charge. The price shift comes down to a key change in drivetrain strategy. Last year, all-wheel drive was standard in the base model. But this year, if you're in the market for a Seltos and you don't need an all-paw SUV and all the laundry list checked, then you have a cheaper choice. Source: Kia What You Get with the 2026 Seltos In terms of powertrains, the Seltos lineup carries over largely unchanged. The base engine remains a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, making 147 horsepower, paired to a CVT. Those who want more punch can look to the SX AWD, which continues to feature a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot that produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Kia continues to cram the Seltos with technology and interior features, especially at the higher trims. All Seltos models get standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while S, EX, and SX trims are equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system. Dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays are available on EX and SX, along with a wireless charging pad. The top-spec SX model also gets a premium Bose audio system with mood lighting, smart power liftgate, and optional Digital Key access. Safety is comprehensive across the lineup. Even the base trims include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. Higher trims add blind-spot warning, cross-traffic alert, Highway Driving Assist, and adaptive cruise control. Source: Kia Headed to Dealers Soon Beyond the introduction of a new base offering and a fresh set of gloss black 17-inch wheels included in the EX Sunroof Package, there are no major design or engineering changes. That said, the introduction of FWD variants could also bring slight fuel economy gains, though no official EPA ratings have been released yet. Kia hasn't confirmed any hybrid option either, despite speculation. The 2026 Kia Seltos is expected to arrive at dealerships soon, offering buyers a rare win in a market where prices rarely move in the right direction. Source: Kia About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
