In this instalment of Drive Time, John gets behind the wheel of the Genesis G80, a luxury limo that has it all, and flags up the latest advice for drivers travelling with medication during the heatwave.
The striking G80 is the flagship of the Genesis range and its quality matches its good looks.
It made its debut back in 2021 and was given a major makeover last year.
The petrol-powered model was ditched and now it is only available as an all-electric model with a larger battery and in single Dynamic trim.
Costing from just under £75,000 before you add any options the G80 may seem expensive but you do get a lot of car for the money.
It is only sold in the UK in the extended wheelbase version, so it has Limo like looks, luxury and space.
The large 94.5kWh battery pack means it can travel up to 354 miles depending on conditions and how you drive it and you may get up to 425 miles of city driving as a result of the regenerative braking which can be adjusted to suit the driver.
Single pedal driving is possible.
View 3 ImagesTaking a look inside the Genesis G80
Two 136kW electric motors at the front and rear combine to deliver 370PS to the excellent all-wheel-drive system.
The result is that this substantial Limousine can sprint to 62mph smoothly in just 5.1 seconds before going on to 139mph if you can find anywhere to do it legally.
The power is great and allows this substantial Limo to glide along the road.
It cruises superbly at motorway speeds and for a big unit also deals well with country roads. It always feels well balanced and offers lots of grip.
The steering is light but well weighted and that means it is also good around town despite its size. Parking is not so easy as you do have to seek out a decent size parking space.
Drive modes offered include, Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow and Chauffeur which is designed to make things even more refined for passengers in the spacious rear.
The cabin offers superb comfort and there is little noise, while the suspension deals with our poor road surfaces to provide an excellent ride.
The G80 has a strong road presence with its large diamond grille which conceals the charging port, tinted windows, smart lights and huge alloys.
You will be hard pushed to find a more luxurious interior as you get Nappa leather, soft touch surfaces and it all feels superbly put together.
The seats can be heated or cooled and there is even a massage function. The steering wheel and rear seats can also be heated.
A large 27-inch infotainment screen complete with rotary controller and shortcut buttons delivers a huge amount of tech.
There is a superb Bang & Olufsen sound system, cameras and every other toy you can think of.
The 334-litre boot has a powered lid and lots of storage space is offered inside the cabin.
There are plenty of charging points as well as a wireless charging pad.
Fast charging means that the large battery can be hiked from 10-80 per cent in just 25 minutes if you can get the correct charging point.
Designed as the luxury arm of the Hyundai/Kia Korean group the Genesis is more than a match for even more expensive European rivals in the premium sector and if you are not a badge snob it is well worth a look thanks to the service and warranty that Genesis offers.
FAST FACTS:
Price: From £75,000.
Mechanical: 370ps motor 94.5kWh battery, driving all four wheels via auto gearbox.
Max speed: 139mph.
0-60mph: 5.1 secs.
Range: 354-425 miles.
Insurance group: 50
CO2 emissions: Zero.
Warranty: Five years/60,000 miles.
BIK rating: Three per cent.
Overall rating (out of five): 4.7.
Meanwhile, as the heatwave continues, drivers are being reminded to keep prescription medication cool in the car and to carry a supply with them in case of breakdown.
Leaving medication in a hot car can reduce its effectiveness, putting your health and driving safety at risk says leading breakdown provider Start Rescue.
A quarter of adults in the UK regularly use prescription medication, leading to a serious risk of drivers being stranded without vital medication if their vehicle breaks down.
“It is essential to drink plenty of liquids and be aware of feeling dizzy or dehydrated before or during driving,” said Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue.
View 3 ImagesKeep medicines in a cool place in the cabin
“Combine hot weather with an unexpected delay such as a breakdown or traffic jam, and it’s essential drivers take medication with them whether it’s a short or long journey.”
Drivers should read the instructions carefully and keep medicines such as inhalers, tablets, insulin and EpiPens in a cool place so they work effectively.
“Try to time taking prescription medication well before you set off,” adds Mr Puffett.
“If you don’t have cool storage in the car, think about keeping meds in an insulated bag or box and out of direct sunlight.
“Most importantly, if you don’t feel well while driving, pull over somewhere safe and seek medical advice immediately.”
He concluded: “Even a breakdown close to home can leave a driver too far from immediate access to their medication, especially if it needs to be taken at a particular time.
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“With the added anxiety of dealing with a broken down vehicle, potentially serious health issues can be avoided with just a little forward planning.”
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