Vehicle(s): 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Premium auto
Genesis Coupe 3.8GT V6 6-speed
Price as tested: CDN$28995 (2.0T) CDN$34995 (V6)
Handling: As Genesis sedan picked up plenty of awards, there are high expectations for its coupe silibing. Will the Genesis coupe have as much market significance and impact on the sports coupe segment as its sedan counterparts with luxury car? We will find out after this test drive!
As expected, the Genesis coupe is based on the same wonderful rear-wheel-drive chassis as its sedan silibings. That means its completely free of cracks and rattles. The fundamental of Genesis coupe is solid-as-a-rock with its vault-like construction. Combined with perfect 50/50 weight distribution. It has the perfect ingredients for a great sports car.
The result is nothing short of astounishing. The Genesis coupe is a perfectly balanced RWD sports coupe that is able to run rings around its rivals. Not only does its steering is picture perfect, as it provides balanced feel with wonderful precision. Both the on and off-center feel is spot on while response is quick without being twitchy, as with many of its rivalled sports cars. On the other hand, the cornering is flat while body rolls are only appear at the edge of the limits. Speaking of cornering limits, Hyundai engineers are able to tune a chassis that is equally civilized and fun both, at and above the limits. Its sports suspension is supple without losing the compliant nature. Its firm without being harsh. All combined into a harmony which makes this Genesis handles like its on rail without riding like many hardcore sports cars do. What is really amazing is the ride is European firm but definitely far from being harsh and uncomfortable. The standard ESC, or what Hyundai stands for ESP, has done a great job without being instrusive. Its the hallmark of a great stability control, which isn’t instrusive when any enthuisats want to have some fun with the vehicle. On the other hand, it will show its helping hands when driver does rear its ugly heads.
Performance: The Genesis coupe is motivated by 2 excellent powertrains. The base model comes with a torqery 210hp 2.0 liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine. Although its maximum torque of 223 lb/ft shows up at 2200rpm, it doesn’t have any of those nasty turbo lag. The turbo spools up quickly and effectively. Its also a smooth-revving unit that has the same uncanny refinement as the “other” 2.0T from VW. Our tester comes with optional 5-speed Shiftronic manumatic gearbox. The shifts are crisp and have proper gear ratios. It also helps this little tubo eliminates much of its lag down low. In the manual mode, it allows driver to up and downshifts on redline for maximum fun. The only drawback is the positions of the paddle shifters. It just placed far back behind that nicely wrapped leaher steering wheel. It makes for a rather unergonomic position that is almost telling driver to use the gearlever instead.
On the other hand, our V6′s 6-speed manual feels a bit notchy, although it has perfect gates with decent throws. The clutch has a perfect blip point. The gear ratios have matched this powerful V6 like a willing partner. As such, this V6 is not only sweet but extremely refined. With 306hp and 266 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. Power is never an issue. It has plenty of get-up-and-go in low rpm and its on the redline. Thanks to Hyundai’s variable valve timing, both the V6 and 2.0T are as willing in the mid-range as on the top-end. But as “no replacement for displacement” goes, V6 has a smoother and sweeter engine notes on the high rev. The engine note is entertaining without being boy racer.
Brakes: Along with 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, with Brembo brake calipers. Genesis’s brake system has to be rated as one of the best I have ever tested. Not only its completely free of any brake fades after hard braking. Its pedal feel and modulation are excellent. The ABS doesn’t have any unwanted intervention until driver really needs it.
Interior: The driver’s environment is tastefully layout in this Genesis. Everything else is close at hands with both tilt/telescope steering wheel, power leather seats to find a perfect driving position. The climate control is logical to use and effective. On the top of the dashboard, the driver information center is clear without being wash out by the sunlight. What is most impressive is how the whole interior put together. All the plastic and leather materials are top-notch right from obvious place like center console to minor area like side door panels. The fit-and-finish and workmanship are also flawless. Being a proper sports car, Genesis scores with excellent sports seats that hug on the right places without being confining.
The only area being flaw in Genesis’s interior is the backseat. Not only it doesn’t have much legroom. It should be considered as a cruel punishment with its poor headroom thanks to the sleek C-pillars.
In terms of cargo space, its enough for 2 persons on a trip. As it stands, the opening is narrow and liftover is high.
Conclusion: Now you can add the Genesis coupe to the list of great sports cars. Not only does it look sleek, it comes with wonderful powertrains and handle like a dream. What makes this Genesis such a stand-out is the price. It got a significant price advantage over any of its competitions with similar performance prowess. Its a sports car that everyone can afford without breaking the wallet.
So it begs the question. Does the Genesis coupe have as much impact on the affordable sports car segment as its sedan silibings did with the luxury car? In a nutshell, it does. As its superb value stands on both 4-cylinder turbo and V6 models, this Genesis will have other manufacturers take notice for years to come. 
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5