Think of a fun-to-drive sport coupe, and a creation from the Hyundai brand probably doesn't come to mind, and understandably so. Hyundai 's first attempt at making a sport coupe back in the early '90s with its Scoupe turned out to be nothing more than a revamped Excel and the succeeding Tiburon, while a fun car in its own right, didn't particularly excel in any one category other than price. Although Hyundai claims that the new Genesis Coupe is not a successor to the recently discontinued Tiburon, the Genesis Coupe does fill an otherwise void in Hyundai's sport coupe line-up. Hyundai likes to compare its new Genesis Coupe with cars like the Mustang GT, the Altima Coupe 3.5 SE, and the Eclipse GT. Should the people at Ford, Nissan, and Mitsubishi be worried about Hyundai's new hotshot rear drive Genesis Coupe?

The Genesis Coupe is available in a variety of trim levels to suit a variety of budgets and driving styles. Where the lower-rung trims come equipped with a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder making a respectable 210 horsepower, the king of the hill 3.8 trim lines come equipped with a racy 3.8-liter V6 making an impressive 306 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft of torque. To put the Genesis's V6 engine into perspective, the Mustang GT (with its much larger 4.6-liter V8) has a mere 9 horsepower advantage. While the Genesis's boosted 4-cylinder can be coupled to either a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 5-speed automatic with auto-shift, the 3.8 V6 can be coupled to either a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. This review will be focused on the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track with its optional 6-speed automatic.


Styling:

Although the Genesis Coupe shares its basic RWD format with the Genesis Sedan, the two identically named cars share no physical similarities. After seeing what a great job Hyundai did with the sheet metal of the Genesis Sedan, I had high hopes for the styling of the coupe. Though Hyundai has given the Genesis Coupe a great looking posterior, subtly resembling the rear end of the higher end Infiniti G37 Coupe, the Genesis's profile and front end are arguably less aesthetically pleasing. I don't particularly care for the Genesis's generic profile lines and the drooping window cut behind the B pillar detracts from an otherwise aggressively swept beltline. Hyundai has, however, given the Genesis Coupe Track handsome 19" dual-spoke gunmetal wheels (lesser trim levels receive smaller 18" wheels) that fill out the Genesis's fender wells perfectly: a nice up-market touch. The Track trim level also receives performance oriented Brembo brakes with painted (red) calipers that are clearly visible through the Genesis's rims; a subtle but effective reminder to passerby that this isn't just another all-show Hyundai. Where Hyundai has completely failed this car is at the front. I appreciate Hyundai refraining from using hood scoops, big air vents and other pretentious body garb, however Hyundai's use of black plastic with the front grille and air dam fatally cheapen the Genesis and destroy an otherwise handsome front fascia. But I digress, even with aforementioned styling flaws the Genesis is a decent looking coupe, albeit far from the groundbreaking design that I had hoped for.

Performance: 3.8 Track Automatic

Acceleration:

Though I would have liked to have driven the Genesis Coupe Track equipped with its standard 6-speed manual gearbox, settling for the optional automatic with paddle shifters wasn't nearly as much of a penalty as I had expected. Stab the Genesis's throttle and there is enough grunt from its 3.8-liter V6 to pin you back in its leather bucket seats and thanks to the Genesis's RWD set-up torque steer is completely absent- can't say the same about the Eclipse or Altima Coupe. Despite not having a V8 under its hood, there is a surprisingly good amount of low-end torque helping provide plenty of giddy-up from idle. Like any true sport coupe, the Genesis's engine is highly flexible: not only does this engine provide excellent power at lower revs but it also doesn't run out of breath at high revs. The Genesis Coupe 3.8 is one of those rare cars in the sense that the harder it's driven the better is feels. So how does the Genesis Coupe 3.8 compare to its competitors? While Ford's Mustang GT feels noticeably faster off-the-line and Nissan's 370Z packs more punch in the upper rev range, the Genesis feels noticeably quicker than Nissan's Altima Coupe 3.5 SE in any driving situation and accelerates like a rocket in comparison to Mitsubishi's Eclipse GT. All said, the new Genesis Coupe is a fast car. I doubt anyone but the most picky of enthusiasts will complain about what this car has to offer in the power department.

Engine refinement:

The Genesis's engine isn't just powerful it's also incredibly refined, especially considering the fact that it's under the hood of a sub $40,000 coupe. This engine certainly isn't reminiscent of a Hyundai creation. At idle there is absolutely no engine vibration transmitted into the Genesis's cabin and under normal acceleration there is nothing more than a husky engine/exhaust note that serves as a reminder that this isn't your typical all-show Hyundai. Flog the throttle, however, and the Genesis' s engine is quick to wake up providing some of the best race inspired acoustics throughout its powerband that I have heard from any engine in this segment, including the 3.7 V6 Nissan uses in its 370Z.

Transmission:

When it comes to automatic transmissions Hyundai typically makes a slush box that is slow to respond to throttle input and one that tends to up-shift too soon under full throttle take off. This is precisely the reason why I was hoping to get my hands on a 6-speed manual equipped Genesis. The 6-speed automatic in the Genesis Coupe 3.8 is a huge exception to the generally lackadaisical autos Hyundai provides its vehicles. For one, the Genesis's transmission is extremely smooth. With six close gear ratios shift shock is never an issue and transitions between gears are largely undetectable. Unlike many Hyundai automatics the 6-speed auto in the Genesis has no problems holding gears till engine revs hit redline: not once during my time with this car did the Genesis's automatic up shift prematurely. If you like to shift yourself, Hyundai has given the Genesis Coupe 3.8 paddle shifters. The Genesis's paddle shifters are highly responsive with no noticeable delay when up shifting or downshifting.

Handling:

The Genesis Coupe isn't just about going fast in a straight line, this car is equally impressive on the twisites. Though I didn't get to test the lesser Genesis Coupe trim levels for comparison, the top-of-the-line 3.8 Coupe Track (the Track trim level adds a stiffer suspension, a limited slip differential, bigger rims and tires, and a front tower brace) is a blast to drive on twisty roads. Toss the Genesis Coupe around sharp bends in the road and its suspension is largely absent of body roll and it exhibits a very neutral feel while cornering with no obnoxious understeer or oversteer. The Genesis's steering is weighted perfectly and offers plenty of feedback coupled with a perfect amount of assist.

Ride Quality:

There is one compromise that normally plagues great handling cars such as the Genesis Coupe: ride quality. Though the Genesis Coupe I drove came equipped with the Track package, which adds a tuned suspension adding firmer springs and more rigid shock settings than the base models, it didn't result in nearly as harsh of a ride as I had forecasted. The Genesis's suspension is unquestionably geared for sport versus comfort, though I didn't find this coupe to be overly jarring on rough pavement nor any harsher than other RWD or FWD cars in this segment i.e. the 370Z or Eclipse GT.

On the highway:

The Genesis can also claim to be a good highway cruiser. Though the Genesis Coupe does suffer from mild road noise (mainly tire noise) at speeds north of 60 MPH, engine and wind noise are kept almost completely devoid from its cabin at highway speeds: the cabins of the 350Z/370Z, Eclipse GT and the Mustang GT aren't nearly as quiet on the highway. Will you confuse the highway ride of the Genesis Coupe with the Genesis Sedan? Not a chance. But for a tuned sport coupe under $40,000 the Genesis 3.8 Track ranks as a smooth highway cruiser, making it a good daily driver for those who spend a lot of time on the interstate.

Gas Mileage:

Though the Genesis 3.8's EPA rating of 17-MPG city and 27-MPG highway (26 MPG highway with the manual) won't exactly have environmentalists jumping for joy, for a rear drive coupe boasting a large V6 and 306 horsepower these numbers aren't so bad. There are certainly thirstier and less powerful cars in this class, i.e. the Eclipse GT and Mazda RX-8. It should be noted that unlike most high performance cars in this segment, i.e. the 370Z, Mazda RX-8, Eclipse GT, etc, which require premium grade fuel, the Genesis 3.8 gets by on good ole regular grade petrol.

Interior:

Styling & Ergonomics:

Step inside the Genesis Coupe and it instantly becomes apparent that Hyundai has marketed this car for those who prefer flash to simplicity. I'm not a fan. The problem with the Genesis's styling mostly centers on Hyundai's gluttonous use of metal accents. The Genesis's faux metal center stack, for example, nearly blinds the driver and the steering wheel is almost painful to look at due to its dizzying dose of silver painted plastic. That said, I prefer the more stark interiors of the Genesis's competitors, i.e. the 370Z, the Altima Coupe, and Eclipse GT. I am not a complete hater of the Genesis's interior styling, however. I for one appreciate Hyundai's simple dash shape and the lack of gauges that sit atop the dash (ala 370Z) is definitely a plus. Hyundai has also provided this interior with logically placed controls: all of the Genesis's switchgear is in easy reach from the driver's seat.

Quality:

When I drove the Genesis sedan I was impressed with its up-market interior quality: nothing in that car was cheap. I can't say the same thing about the Genesis Coupe. While the Genesis Coupe drives like a much more expensive car than its MSRP suggests, its interior quality is about what you would expect from car with a base price of around $20,000. Although gaps between plastic panels are minimal and there are no exposed screws, the plastics used throughout the cabin are merely of average quality. I am particularly disappointed with the acoustics of said plastics. To explain, the glove box and center console both have a nasty plasticy sound when they are shut, and if you give some of the lower level door/dash plastics a good tap they emit a hollow sound all too typical of cars in the Genesis's base price range. If there is one thing that does stand out in the quality department, it's the Genesis 3.8's high quality leather seating surfaces. The Genesis 3.8 Track's black leather seating surfaces (the Touring trim gets outfitted with brown leather) are nicely stitched and feel qualified to be in any premium grade vehicle.

Seats:

Hyundai generally falls flat when it comes to making a performance oriented bucket seats. The Genesis 3.8 Coupe, however, is an exception. Hyundai has given the Genesis supportive seats that provide excellent support all-around with just the right amount of spacing between bolsters to keep the front occupants snug without feeling claustrophobic. The Genesis's are also refreshingly comfortable with plenty of cushioning for long drives. Finding a good driving position with these seats is also made easy. Despite the Genesis 3.8 curiously not being equipped with a telescoping steering column, the Genesis's 8-way power seats (6-way manual seat adjustments come on lesser trim levels) were sufficient for finding a driving position that was comfortable for my frame. The rear seat is also cozy, is nicely bolstered, and provide the same high-grade leather seating surfaces as the front buckets.


Room:

Like most 2+2 sport coupes on the market you're not going to find a load of creature space in the new Genesis Coupe, at least not for 4 full-sized adults. Up front there will probably be few complaints with headroom, legroom, or shoulder room. At 5'6" I felt no shortage of creature space in the front the Genesis's cabin and the same was true for my passenger who is around the 6' mark. The rear of the Genesis is a completely different story, however. I couldn't imagine anyone but young children being able to sit comfortably in the back of this car for more than an hour.
Storage space is also about what you would expect to find in a sport coupe. The Genesis's cabin provides a small center console, an average sized glove box, and its trunk is good for a few grocery bags at best. The Genesis's rear seat does fold down allowing for a wide but short passthrough into the cabin, however.  

Equipment:

With a starting MSRP of $25,000 (for the 3.8 trim levels) a certain amount of equipment is expected. The Genesis Coupe doesn't disappoint. All Genesis Coupe 3.8's come equipped with automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows mirrors and locks, leather seats, iPod USB and AUX jacks, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a multifunctional trip computer, keyless entry, a 6- disc CD changer.. Opt for the mid-level Touring trim (add 2,500) and the Genesis gets upgraded with heated seats and mirrors, an excellent sounding 10-sepaker audio system by Infinity, power sunroof, HID Xenon head lamps, a proximity key with push button start, and a back-up warning system. Go for the top-of-the line 3.8 Track model ($4,500 over the base 3.8) and you get basically the same interior equipment as the Grand Touring trim (minus the brown seats, and back-up warning system) however you do get the upgraded sport tuned suspension mentioned earlier in this review. All Genesis Coupes (including the 2.0T) come with basically the same safety features, which include front/side/curtain air bags, ABS brakes, traction and stability control, active head restraints and a tire pressure monitoring system. For more information on standard and optional equipment, you can visit Hyundai's official website at hyundaiusa.com.


Price/Warranty:

While the base Genesis 3.8 starts out at a relatively affordable $25,000 for the base trim (the 2.0T can be had for around $22,000), the price of the Genesis 3.8 can easily rise to the low 30K range with the top-of-the-line Track package. Still, at $31,500 (-$1,500 with the manual gearbox) my Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track with its optional automatic represents a good value in this segment, especially considering other coupes with comparable performance and equipment, i.e. the 370Z and Infiniti G37, cost thousands more. Sure you can get an Eclipse GT or Altima Coupe 3.5 SE for less, but they aren't nearly as fun to drive.

Unlike most cars in this class that get a standard warranty of a few years if they're lucky, Hyundai provides the Genesis with the same great warranty it provides its economy and family sedans: a solid 5-year/ 60,000 miles bumper-bumper warranty, an impressive 10-year/100,000 mile warranty on powertrain components, and 5 years (unlimited mileage) of roadside assistance.

Overall:

Hyundai's new Genesis Coupe 3.8 is a lot of car for the money. Though some of its interior materials are on the rough side and it's exterior design is less than groundbreaking, the Genesis is a highly refined coupe with gobs of performance, a generous amount of standard amenities, and a great warranty. Not only is the Genesis the best performance coupe Hyundai has ever made, it's one of the best bargain coupes on the market.

Thanks for reading!
Amount Paid (US$): 31,500
Condition: New
Model and Options: 3.8 Track automatic