Best 2009 luxury car ($30,000-$50,000)

TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO

Hyundai Genesis

Jil McIntosh

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

BEST: Hyundai Genesis

Genesis is among the better cars I've driven. Period.

At $37,995 for the 3.8 L V6, and $43,995 for the 375-hp, 4.6 L V8, it's price is much less than many competitors. The Genesis V8 with optional technology package comes to $48,995, while a similarly-equipped 2009 Lexus GS 460 is $66,400, and a BMW 550i is $80,400.

The V6 is fine, the V8 is awesome, and if you don't mind a slight drop in power, you can run it on regular-grade fuel. It's so silky that its rapid acceleration will surprise you, but step on it hard, and you're rewarded with a sexy exhaust rumble. That's pretty much all you hear, given how much sound deadening is stuffed into the car.

Handling is more luxo-liner than sports sedan, but the steering is well-weighted, and the ride is pliable without being floaty.

Genesis was named the 2009 Canadian Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada; it was also the 2009 North American Car of the Year, and its V8 was one of Ward's 10 Best Engines.

NEXT BEST: Cadillac CTS

After years of freefall, Cadillac got seriously back in the game when it introduced the redesigned CTS sedan. Two V6 engines are offered, both 3.6 L. The standard version starts at $39,990; for $42,995, you get a direct-injection one, making 304 horsepower.

Default is rear-wheel-drive, but you can opt for all-wheel, and choose a manual or automatic six-speed transmission. The sharp, responsive handling is on par with its German and Japanese competitors, and the interior goes head-to-head with them on quality and design as well.

ALSO CONSIDER:

Chrysler 300C ($34,395): Roomy interior, smooth-riding rear-wheel platform and a bulletproof 5.7 L Hemi V8 that shuts off cylinders.

Infiniti G37 Sedan ($37,990): Good looks, great performance, and plenty of choices.

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