The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring

Written by Steven Macoy
Thursday, 14 January 2010 11:46

Hyundai keeps rolling out new models and each one seems to overachieve more than the last one did. So it is with the Genesis Coupe, a sporty car that approaches the best in its class in every respect except styling — and beats them soundly, with one or two exceptions, where price is concerned.

The Genesis name applies to a four-door luxury sedan, introduced in 2009, and as a sporty coupe, new this model year. We drove a gray 2010 Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring, sticker-priced at $29,875. The least expensive Genesis Coupe, with a 210-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and manual transmission, starts at $22,000.

Those numbers make it competitive with the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, but most in this segment are higher priced. For example, the similarly equipped Nissan 370X we drove recently cost about $9,000 more than our Genesis.

Hyundai built its reputation during the 1990s on low price, reliability and standard features that were available only as expensive options on competing models. Where power, refinement and handling were concerned, the company seemed content with adequacy. The cars appealed to their owners’ common sense, not their emotions.

The rear-drive Genesis marks a firm departure from this template. It’s fast, fun, luxurious and unexpectedly nimble. Its strengths include a high level of standard amenities, easy access and egress, ample leg room to go with satisfactory head room, high power and a pleasant exhaust note when pressed.

Our list of things we didn’t like about the Genesis coupe is commendably short. The front seats could be more supportive, and the seat heaters have only one setting. The car’s styling is appealing, though it lacks the retro appeal of the Camaro and Ford Mustang, and it’s not as eye-pleasing as the 370Z.

One of our benchmarks for judging a car’s handling is its response to a stretch of irregular pavement on Interstate 84, just east of Exit 9 in Newtown, Conn. Even some high-end sports cars get jittery and erratic there. The Genesis tracked straight and true up the long hill.

Our Genesis came with the 306-horsepower V-6 engine and six-speed automanual transmission, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Technically, the car seats four, though the rear seat is suitable only for children. The trunk is comparatively roomy and has a decent-sized opening, so this is a car that can go from sporty to functional if need be.

The long list of standard features at the Grand Touring trim level includes leather upholstery, power driver’s seat and sunroof, keyless pushbutton start, XM radio and automatic climate control.

The Genesis Coupe received five-star ratings in every category except front-passenger protection in government crash tests. We averaged 24 to 25 mpg on regular gasoline; EPA ratings are 17 city, 27 highway.

With the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai has overachieved yet again, reaching a new level of excellence unseen in past South Korean models, yet maintaining their tradition of high value and attractive pricing.

Price: $29,875

Engine: 3.8-liter V-6, 306 horsepower, 266 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: 6-speed automanual with paddle shifters

Drive: Rear-wheel

Weight: 3,397 lb.

Suspension: Four-wheel independent, MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear

Wheels: 18.5-inch alloy

Tires: 225/45R18 V front, 245/45R18 V rear

Seating capacity: 4

Luggage capacity: 10 cu. ft.

Fuel capacity: 17.2 gallons

Fuel economy: 17 mpg city, 27 mpg highway

Fuel type: Regular

Steven Macoy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is a longtime car enthusiast and full-time editor who lives in Bethel, Conn.

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