2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupé Review

Test vehicle: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8L V6 with 6-speed ZF Shiftronic Automatic Transmission

Throughout the history of the automotive industry and other industries too, there have been times (admittedly rare) when a company not only manages to survive in a difficult climate, but thrive. An example of that would no doubt have to be Hyundai and its sister brand Kia, both of which have managed to increase market share and sales, on the strength of strong product.

One of the turning points for Hyundai was the Buyer Assurance Program that offered the ability for an owner to give a purchased vehicle back to the company in the event of losing their job.

The program proved to be very successful, enabling customers worried about their job security to get a new car, as well as being a big statement about Hyundai's commitment to its products - it was something no-one else was doing at the time. Competitors sure copied it after though, aiming to replicate its success.

The first big step towards higher ambitions for Hyundai started with the Azera. Many thought that the Azera was a stretch for Hyundai at the time, but the company didn't stop there, introducing the rear-wheel drive Genesis Sedan and Genesis Coupe. Now they are going even further still, with the next model in this onslaught slated to be the Equus, a competitor to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The remarkable thing is that this is all being done without a standalone new luxury brand. Producing these vehicles under the Hyundai name instead of a dedicated luxury brand was a big gamble, but one that is paying off. Not only are consumers willing to buy these vehicles under the Hyundai badge, but there is a halo effect which trickles down to the rest of the lineup.

With the Genesis, that strategy is two-pronged - the sedan is designed to target buyers looking for no-compromise value in the luxury segment, and the coupe for those in the performance segment.

However, aside from the name these two cars share very little. That goes for character as well - the Genesis Coupe is entirely different from the sedan. It is not simply a two-door version of the Genesis Sedan.

The difference starts with pricing - the Genesis bucks the tradition of coupes being priced higher than their sedan counterpart, coming in at well under the base price of the Genesis Sedan. The base model Coupe checks in at $22,750 for the 2.0-liter, 210 horsepower turbocharged manual 4-cylinder.

Moving up to the automatic base model with the 3.8-liter V-6 (of which a tamer version is found in the base Genesis sedan), the car comes in at $27,250 versus $33,800 for the Genesis Sedan. There are a dizzying amount of ways you can configure your Genesis Coupe - 16 variations in all, including differences in the engine, transmission, trim levels and option packages. At every one of these price points, the Genesis Coupe offers an incredible performance value.

The particular Genesis Coupe tested by CarThrottle was a fully loaded, automatic 3.8L V-6 Track model in Nordschleife Gray, coming in at $32,875.

Stylistically, the Genesis Coupe is even further removed from the sedan, offering a sporty, youthful look in comparison to the clean, inoffensive styling of the sedan.

The best view of the car is from the side or rear angles, where the character lines on the car can be best seen. They help to enhance the Genesis Coupe's visual stance, with a side line going to up above the door handle and a second one running nearly parallel with it. The sculpting forms a shoulder and character line that continues to the rear end. A curve in the rear quarter window also adds character to the design.

Since nothing is perfect, if there is an issue with the car's styling - it would have to be the front grille. It feels a bit cheap to the touch. But since most people aren't touching their grilles, design is what is more important.

The design looks a bit inexpensive as well, with an odd sort of weaving pattern to it. Overall, that is the only design element of this vehicle that we didn't quite like. The good news is that it is a very easy fix both for Hyundai and a potential new owner. It is also a subjective design element.

All who saw the Genesis Coupe questioned what kind of vehicle it was and commented in amazement at how far Hyundai has come.

Inside, the Genesis Coupe continues with the total differences from the Genesis Sedan, taking an approach in tune with its performance emphasis. On models like ours equipped with a navigation system, the screen takes center stage. It is a touchscreen unit, housing a lot of the center stack controls along with functions like XM Radio. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

The resulting look is extremely clean and good looking, with a minimal amount of buttons. The buttons that are there look great too, with a favorite particularly being the large central temperature control knob.

The center stack and steering wheel is finished in a silver metallic paint, a look that works well in combination with the chrome-ringed accents. The accents show an attention to detail (for instance, they line the top of the cup holders) and help to add an upscale air to the interior.

From the center stack the dash design curves upward, with a line continuing to the door panels. It helps section off the cabin visually.

The seats are well bolstered and hold you in place, (in addition to all controls being within reach, like a proper sports car should be). The Genesis Coupe is a 2+2, offering seating for four passengers.

The rear isn't a place for adults to comfortably spend their time, not due to legroom as much as headroom due to the low roof line. Styling would have to be severely compromised to offer the sort of headroom required but in a car like this, the priority is really on the front two seats, and mainly, the driver.

The Genesis Coupe has a standard push button starter. Interestingly, the fob also has a hidden key that can be found by pulling the metallic portion of the fob off. Nice touch, Hyundai!

The material quality of the interior is very good, except for a few places with hard plastics. In the interior, the lack of a telescoping steering column and a bit of an underwhelming Infinity sound system were the only complaints. By all measures though, this is a world-class interior.

Whilst the sound coming though the speakers might be a bit underwhelming, the sound coming through the exhaust is not (or more than compensates). Hitting the push button starter fires up the 3.8L V-6, which makes 306 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 266 pound feet of torque at 4700 rpm. That is enough to propel the 3397 pound coupe to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and do the quarter mile in 14.0 at 101.0 mph (14.2 seconds at 99.5 with the six-speed manual).

One really nice thing about those figures as well is that they are achieved using only 87 octane fuel, unlike most other sports cars requiring a higher-grade of fuel. With a vehicle like the Genesis Coupe, the most important part is the driving experience. The well-bolstered seats hold you firmly in place and all controls are within easy reach.

One of the most striking things is the excellent visibility. It is rare that a car with a low slung, enveloping cockpit-feel like the Genesis would be able to offer that.

The Track model has 19-inch wheels, upgraded Brembo brakes, a sport tuned suspension, a rear trunk spoiler and a Torsen limited-slip differential, amongst other things. This all makes for an incredibly fun driving experience. That hardware however doesn't mean much if the suspension isn't willing, but this is a car that begs to be pushed, with great feedback from the steering wheel upon turn in, and fantastic communication from the road.

The steering is weighted and precise, and works in concert with the stiffened suspension. Point and shoot, the car is directed easily. You feel a part of the road - and some would say that is a bad thing, but in a performance vehicle, it isn't. The expectation is probably that the Genesis would provide more of a Grand Touring type experience - it doesn't, at least not in the Track trim level. It is the real performance deal.

In aggressive driving, it always remained composed and confident. Ride quality isn't harsh but definitely on the stiff side. Being the Track trim level has a lot to do with that. Braking power from four-piston 13.4-inch Brembo brakes was extremely strong, stopping the car on a dime.

The six-speed ZF Shiftronic automatic offered the ability to shift using the gearshift selector, or paddles behind the wheel. It isn't a replacement for a regular manual, but it makes for a nice compromise.

One of the most interesting features about the Genesis Coupe that relates to the driving experience is the meter placed in the upper dash area. It provides instantaneous feedback on torque level and fuel economy. It is a neat experience to see how the meter responds based off of driving style. When one is up, the other goes down. It is a small but unique feature on the Genesis Coupe that we really liked. We're guessing the torque meter is the one most people reading this care about.

Oh, how things can change - and so quickly. Just a few years ago the Hyundai Tiburon was being panned as a lackluster entry into the performance vehicle segment. Fast-forward, and the company is building a credible rear-wheel drive performance coupe, along with an entire lineup of competitive cars.

Hyundai has always been known for its inexpensive vehicles. However, there is a big difference between being inexpensive and offering great value. The Genesis Coupe is a value offering - and at its price point is expected to even attract buyers from luxury segment vehicles like the Infiniti G37 Coupe.

We haven't had a chance to experience the standard model, but from an enthusiast's standpoint we wouldn't have a Genesis any other way.

Other models like Premium in the 2.0T or Grand Touring in the 3.8L would probably be more of a substitute for a buyer looking to replace their Infiniti. The least expensive Track model is the manual 2.0T Track that retails for $27,500. As for us? We'd go for the 3.8L manual Track model with the Navigation system, priced at $31,250.

The pricing equation of the Genesis Coupe is truly unparalleled, and it offers - dare we say it - the best performance value around. Want more proof? Practically the only thing of consequence that we would change on our Genesis Coupe tester is having a manual transmission to row our own gears. High praise indeed!

Disclaimer: This test vehicle was provided to CarThrottle by the manufacturer for purposes of evaluation

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Specifications

Base Price: $22,000

Body: 2-door CoupeMechanical Orientation: Rear Wheel Drive

Engine: 3.8L V6Power: 306 bhp at 6300 rpmTorque: 266 NM at 4700 rpmTransmission: Sequential ZG Shiftronic transmission (6 speed)

Weight: 3294 lbsWheelbase: 111 inLength: 182.3 inWidth: 73.4 in0-60 mph: 5.5 secondsTop Speed: 155mph (limited)

For: Great looks from side angle, amazing power from V6, priceAgainst: A bit of an underwhelming sound systemConclusion: A great value-for-money performance car