The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe has sharper styling than past Hyundais, but is it the best way to spend your $30,000? Find out over the next week, and see more photos of the Genesis Coupe in today's slideshow.
"It sure looks nice, if you can afford it," was a compliment paid today to the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe that's spending the next week with the DC Car Examiner.
How many Hyundais can you say that about? This loaded Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track isn't unique among Hyundais for having a sticker price of over $30,000 -- the Genesis luxury sedan and Veracruz SUV do the same -- but eye-catching looks and a growling engine are a new one.
So the rear-wheel-drive 306-horsepower Genesis Coupe is undoubtedly a big deal, for a Hyundai. The upcoming weeklong evaluation will determine whether the "for a Hyundai" qualifier is necessary, or if this car has jumped to the forefront of today's moderately-priced sporty coupes. You'll see impressions of what it's like to live with this car in rain and sunshine, at day and night, on empty highways, on city streets, along curvy back roads, and in rush hour congestion. Check back for daily updates on the basics of its driving dynamics and comfort, and for more nuanced details that emerge over extended use. In the meantime, read the review of the less-expensive four-cylinder Genesis Coupe 2.0T and of the competing 2010 Ford Mustang GT.
And all readers are encouraged to leave any questions you'd like me to be on special lookout for in the comments section below, or by e-mail at dc.car.examiner@gmail.com.
Day 1: Introduction
Day 3: Interior details
Day 5: Driving dynamics and fuel economy
Full review
Past weeklong reviews:
2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
2010 Kia Forte SX
2010 Kia Soul Sport
Vehicle tested: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Vehicle base price (MSRP): $22,000
Version tested: 3.8 Track
Vehicle price as tested (MSRP): $30,375
Estimated transaction price as tested: $28,875
Odometer at beginning of test: 5,171 miles
Odometer as of this writing: 5,233 miles
Test vehicle provided by: Hyundai Motor America
Key specifications:
Length: 182.3 inches
Width: 73.4 inches
Height: 54.5 inches
Wheelbase: 110.0 inches
Weight: 3,389 pounds
Trunk room: 10.0 cubic feet
Turning diameter: 37.4 feet
Engine (as tested): 3.8-liter V6 with 306 horsepower
Transmission: 6-speed manual
EPA city mileage: 17 miles per gallon
EPA highway mileage: 26 miles per gallon
For more info:
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/GenesisCoupe/GenesisCoupe.aspx
Comments
You probably already know the first things you'll need to share and address:
1. Ride quality. Is it as harsh as some say it is? I was hoping they'd give you a non-track version, but you take what you can get, right?
2. Clutch engagement/release. I'm assuming this is a stickshift model. Is it as tricky as others say it is?
ok, I just looked at the last photo in the slideshow and confirmed my assumption. Let us know how that clutch is!
My transmission perception is skewed a bit from coming off the ridiculously difficult Kia Forte SX, so I'm at the moment impressed with anything that doesn't try to stall when you move forward. But you will get a sharp jerk if you're not shifting very carefully into 4th and 5th.
And this impression may change as I drive over more roads, but I didn't have a major problem with the track suspension either so far on this car or on the 2.0T Track I drove a few months ago. It's certainly far from supple, but I haven't hit any truly terrible bumps yet. It's not all that much worse than a Grand Touring I'd driven.
I too wish that you's comment on the GT automatic because that is the car most of us will buy. Very few who live in the North will want to swap out tires every Fall or want to put up with the harsher riding track model and stick in commuter traffic at least I don't.
You can see my impressions of the Grand Touring automatic included in the review linked below:
www.examiner.com/examiner/x-1017-DC-Car-Examiner~y2009m5d17-Review-2010-Hyundai-Genesis-Coupe--a-sporty-coupe-with-some-sophistication-behind-it
The ride on the Track model isn't that much worse, really. Can't speak to weather in the north.
Looks like you are going to have some fun next week, Brady. Looking forward to the review.
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