2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

New sports coupe challenges segment stalwarts

Don't confuse the Genesis coupe with the Genesis sedan. While the sedan aspires to be an affordable alternative to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Genesis Coupe is targeting upscale sporty cars like the Infiniti G37 coupe. It has a low, sweeping roofline and its body is completely different than the sedan's.

Besides the eye-catching exterior and the generously equipped interior, the Genesis Coupe's most arresting feature is its price. Our car, a Grand Touring model with a 306-hp, 3.8-liter V6 and six-speed manual transmission, had a sticker price of $28,375. At that price level, the Genesis Coupe not only competes in the same arena as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, but it is about $10,000 less than the G37s cousin, the Nissan 370z.

Initial impressions

The V6 engine is probably the Genesis Coupe's richest asset. Muscular and torquey, it pulls well and makes a satisfying roar. The steering setup is good, with quick responses and appropriate heft. It also provides good feedback, something that we have found lacking in most Hyundais.

Like other sporty cars, the Genesis Coupe has an independent rear suspension. That chassis configuration offers the potential for a well-controlled ride, but instead the ride is quite stiff and without the expected tied-down composure. Road bumps punch through too hard, followed by a flinch of the body. Hyundai also offers this car with an even stiffer suspension in a Track trim line, which we shudder to contemplate.

The manual shifter, moreover, turned out to be a major Achilles' heel. The clutch feels heavy and the shift motion is clunky and imprecise. It's hard to shift up through the gears without the car lurching. The six-speed automatic transmission would certainly be easier to live with, but that takes a bit away from the car's sporty potential.

As is typical with low-roofed coupes, it takes some ducking and stooping to climb in and out. Accessing the rear seat isn't so difficult-the passenger seat scoots forward easily-but actually sitting there poses a problem. Even moderately tall adults will find their heads in contact with the back glass. Consider the rear uninhabitable for passengers taller than 5-foot 10.

The cabin is nicely finished if rather plain. The perforated leather seats are a plus, and the climate and audio controls are especially easy to reach and use. Storage spaces are modest but adequate.

CR's take

Hyundai has come a long way, and it makes some very good cars that are also good-looking and reliable. But the Genesis Coupe shows there's no free lunch. The clunky shifter and not-quite-there chassis development detract from the driving experience-the real point of the Genesis coupe.

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