The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

SEE ALSO: Hyundai Specs, Prices, Reviews and Comparisons

THE AUTO PAGE
By JOHN HEILIG

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
SPECIFICATIONS

Model: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Engine: 3.6-liter DOHC V6
Horsepower/Torque: 306 hp @ 6,300 rpm/266 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 111.0 in.
Length/Width/Height: 182.3 x 73.4 x 54.5 in.
Tires: P225/45VR18 (F)/P245/45VR18 (R)
Cargo volume: 10.0 cu. ft.
Fuel economy: 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway/25.6 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 17.2 gal.
Sticker: $29,875 (includes $750 inland freight and handling charge plus $125 in options (iPod cable and floor mats)

The Bottom Line: Like the Genesis sedan, the Genesis Coupe is a very good product in its own way. It is an excellent sports coupe with power, handling and exceptional good looks. There’s a nice roar to the exhaust that can be annoying at times, but still sounds great.

The Hyundai Genesis sedan burst upon the scene a while back and was an immediate success. The Genesis was well-made, had interior room, decent power, and looked great. Consequently, people looked forward to the next vehicle in the Genesis line, the Coupe. I’m here to report that the wait for the Genesis Coupe was well worth it. The Coupe is all for two-door cars that the Sedan is for four-door cars; it’s stylish, sporty, powerful and handles the way you’d expect a sports coupe to handle.

Externally, the Coupe’s design is striking. There doesn’t appear to be a straight line anywhere. There is sculpting and character lines everywhere. It’s something that can easily be messed up, but it works.

Inside, well, it’s a coupe. There’s great comfort in front with excellent side support and a head rest that works on long trips. So many manufacturers these days don’t seem to take into consideration the driver and passenger’s comfort in head rest design. Hyundai did. The seats are also heated when you need warmth.

The seating surfaces are brown leather that extends to the door trim. There is a black interior to the seats with brushed aluminum trim.

The rear seat is cozy. It isn’t really meant for adults, but children can fit back there quite well. Getting back there is a challenge, but if you’re smaller, it’s not too bad.

The rear seat backs fold to extend the trunk. I was able to get a large golf bag in the trunk/rear seat. I had to squeeze it through a small opening, but I got it in there. Despite the coupe shape, rear visibility is very good, and isn’t compromised by the presence of a large spoiler.

Under the hood is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that develops a healthy 306 horsepower and powers the rear wheels through a 6-speed gated automatic transmission that has paddle shifters on the steering wheel if you choose to shift manually.

Handling is very good. I wouldn’t qualify the handling as true sports car quality, but on the other side of the coin there isn’t as much kidney-smashing that one can get from a too tightly sprung sports car.

The instrument panel was true “sports car,” with two large recessed dials for the tachometer and speedometer with inset water temperature and fuel level gauges, respectively. In between the two large dials was an information panel that included the odometer and fuel economy readouts.

The Genesis Coupe uses a pushbutton start and stop. In fact, there‘s also keyless entry, so you never have to remove the key from your pocket. However, as with all cars like this, confusion sets in at the beginning of the test and the beginning of the next test ride. It took a while, but I discovered a handy smart key holder behind a “cubby” door in front of the shifter.

The Genesis Coupe has a smart steering wheel with audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls attached. The audio system readout is at the top of the dash with a digital clock, internal temperature settings, outside temperature readout, fan setting and fan direction.

The Genesis Coupe is a fun car to drive with lots of power and very good handling. It’s also good on Interstates and long trips. The exhaust is noisy, but it sounds great on acceleration. In normal driving and cruising, it’s fine.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai Specs, Prices, Reviews and Comparisons

Copyright 2009 The Auto Page Syndicate