WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Click on the image to enlarge

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

CAR's rating
Handling:
Performance:
Usablity:
Feel Good:

Statistics

How much?	$ 30000 (est)
Engine:	3778cc, 6cyl, 310BHP @ 6000, 263lb ft @ 4700
Transmission:	Automatic
Performance:	5.9 sec 0-100kph , 240kph
How heavy?	1610kg

Phill Tromans
12 October 2008

So this is a Korean car you can drift?

Oh yes. The internet has been buzzing with excitement about this car since a concept version first appeared last year, and with good reason. Here is a 2+2 coupe that you can have serious tail-happy fun with but at a very reasonable price. The engine is a little beauty, with plenty of grunt controlled by very lively throttle pedal. The chassis is nicely balanced, stiffer than a last-generation BMW M3 and turning the electronic stability control off allows for some top quality rear-wheel slidey fun accompanied by a thoroughly enjoyable sound track from the dual exhausts.

It sounds too good to be true.

Well, almost. It’s true that the car is very good to drive, although it’s not perfect. The steering could use a little more weight and feel, and at higher speeds the front wheels do have a tendency to dive into all the imperfections on the road. The gearbox works very well in both auto and manual modes, but doesn’t have paddle shifts. And from a practical point of view it’s not ideal. The boot aperture is tiny, but that does contribute to the stiffness of the chassis. Having said that, the rear seats are roomier than the Tiberon, although adults would still get cramp after anything more than short hops around town.

Does it still feel like a Hyundai?

Kind of. The Koreans have moved their game on considerably in recent years. The dash is soft touch, the gear knob is a handsome beast and the chunky sports seats grip you around the bends just as they should. There are also some very fetching aluminium pedals and door sills to spruce up an otherwise fairly standard interior, and there’s full iPod and USB stick compatibility. The instrument binnacle and some of the switchgear still feels a little on the plasticky side though – Volkswagen and Toyota won’t be worrying about the Korean’s quality levels yet. But this is a car that isn’t just about functionality. It has soul to it, emotion - something we haven’t really seen from Korea before.

Should I want one?

We think you should, yes. For real sports car fun at rock-bottom prices, you can’t do much better. The Genesis is the latest in a line of Hyundais that have really pushed their game on, after the Veracruz and the Genesis saloon. Make no mistake - the Koreans are here, and they’re here to stay.

Rate this article...

Average rating:

(votes 309)

User Comments

Comments


	Llort Mondella says Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe Nice job getting a nab at the first one! Glad to see America isn't in the spotlight for once; that maybe we can start to see the Middle East having some prominence in the auto market, and that the American car can become a thing of the past. 13 October 2008

	GenCoupe.com GenCoupe.com says Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe Nice Review! For those who want to learn more and chat about the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Please visit our enthusiasts forum at www.Gencoupe.com! Hope to see you there! 13 October 2008

	Ron Kappus says Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe Way to go Hyundai! This is the car company to watch. 13 October 2008

	GenesisForums.org GenesisForums.org says Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe Very nice write-up. If you guys want to see some ORIGINAL pictures and video, check out http://GenesisForums.org Thank you to Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai Motors. We're the Premier Hyundai Genesis Forum on the Internet. Check out our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/genesisforums 14 October 2008

	hyundaifans.com hyundaifans.com says Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe Thanks for the review! This and other Hyundai brand vehicles can be discussed at "www.hyundaifans.com". Looking forward to your visit! 16 October 2008

	Shankar Krishnan says Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe Congrats Car ME on pulling off a world's first ! What would Hyundai do to the coupe (Tiburon)? As the most affordable coupe in the market, a lot of heartburn is guaranteed if they decide to kill it. Have a look at topgear's review of the Hyundai Coupe...though TG has very low opinion on hyundai's offerings, they rate the coupe higher than the Lexus SC430. 21 October 2008

	Amir Nourian says Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe I am going to Dubai to buy a car and I would like to buy a Genesis. Where can I buy one? Is it available at all Hyundai dealers in Dubai? 23 October 2008

First Name *
Last Name *
Email *
City *
Country *
Subject *
Comments *
Type the verification code shown *

Refresh verification code if not clear.
	Signup for CAR ME newsletter
	Remember me