2010 Genesis Grand Touring Coupe: One Sporty Vehicle

What’s New:

The sporty rear-wheel drive Genesis coupe first hit the scene in 2009, as an early released 2010 model. The last time we had our hands on one was approximately a year ago. At that time, the Genesis option list was lacking a navigational system and a multi-gauge information display screen, until some mid-year upgrades were made.

Must Have Goodies:

While the Genesis coupe comes in a range of models, this time we had an opportunity to review the easy-driving, tight-handling, 3.8-liter Grand Touring model. Unlike the jarring ride we experienced in the 2.0-turbo Track model we previously reviewed, we found the ride and handling of the Grand Touring model, with the sport-tuned calibrated 5-link independent suspension to be just the opposite. In fact, it made the sporty coupe the ideal vehicle to cruise around town or to take on a long trip.

Our Genesis was outfitted with a XM satellite radio, an Infiniti premium-quality 10-speaker audio system, a 10-way power driver’s seat, heat front seats, a push-button start engine, leather seats, a back-up warning audible alert system, Xenon headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels. However, we had to forego the 19-inch wheels, the two-tone cloth seats, the Brembo Braking package and racy-looking gas pedal, since we opted out of the firm-riding Genesis Track model.

For sports enthusiasts, you’ll be glad to know that a tuner-focused performance model, R-Spec, is expected to arrive at Hyundai dealerships in the near future. According to Hyundai officials, the Genesis coupe R-Spec is the ultimate upgradeable, affordable, turbocharged rear-wheel drive performance platform. And we hear that Hyundai is also working on a 5.0-liter, V-8 engine that could possibly spit-out 429 horses.

What Rocked:

It’s amazing that Hyundai has stepped up its game, offering a fun-to-drive, affordable, high-quality coupe to go head-to-head with the American sports cars. And, unlike the previous Genesis we reviewed, a navigation system is now an available feature in the sports coupe, although it’s limited to select high-end models.

Moreover, with so many variations of the Genesis Coupe available, you won’t have any problem finding a suitable model.

Furthermore, if the retro-theme found in the American sports coupes isn’t the look you’re going for, you’ll love the smooth-flowing exterior lines of the Genesis coupe. 

 

What We Hated:

It’s no secret of how extremely difficult it is to slide average-size adults in the rear cabin of this two-door coupe due to its curvaceous roofline. At least in the Camaro and the Mustang, adults can squeeze in the rear, although leg room will be at a minimum.

We also wished the folks from Hyundai would have come up with a separate name for their coupe and sedan, which both goes by the name Genesis. When you enter a Hyundai showroom, one will be asked to clarify if they’re looking for the coupe or the sedan.

Ironically, the sedan is more of a luxury vehicle, as opposed to the sporty looking coupe. We guess Hyundai tried to take a page from Infiniti, offering a G37 coupe and G37 sedan. However, both of those luxury vehicles are performance-oriented. The Genesis coupe isn’t a luxury car, since its going up against the Camaro and Mustang. On the other hand Hyundai is targeting the BMW 3-series and the look-alike Infiniti G37 coupe. Wow, this is so confusing to us and probably to you, too.

Any Juice:

The rear-wheel drive sport coupe features two-performance focused engines: a 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 306-horsepower, DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine.

The Verdict:

The Genesis coupe is Hyundai’s answer to the American sports coupes: Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang. The Genesis coupe is available with either a turbo or non-turbo engine, in either an automatic or manual transmission. While we weren’t overly excited with the ride of the Track model, we found the Grand Touring model to be ideal. The Genesis coupe is sure to give the American sports coupes a run for their money. We know that the folks over at Toyota are probably banging their heads on why they don’t have a sporty, fun-to-drive vehicle in this segment.

Pricing for the Genesis coupe starts out at $22,000 and can easily top out at around $32,000. The Grand Touring model we reviewed, with the automatic transmission, Ipod cable and optional floor mats listed for $29,875.00.

Competition:

2010 BMW 335i, 2010 Chevy Camaro RS, 2010 Dodge Challenger SE, 2011 Ford Mustang and Infiniti G7 coupe