2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review

May 27, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Clean exterior lines and classic sports car shape
The Detroit News

A dead ringer for the Infiniti G37 coupe
Automobile Magazine

Controls are generally intuitive
Edmunds

Hyundai has made a very strong push in recent years to become a major player in the U.S. auto market, and if it keeps churning out vehicles like the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the odds are good that the company will achieve its goal.

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a new sports car from Korean automaker Hyundai. Hyundai will initially offer the curvaceous Hyundai Genesis 2010 Coupe in six different trims, which Autoblog lists as "2.0T, 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Track, 3.8, 3.8 Grand Touring, and 3.8 Track." The numerical designations refer to the engine under the car's hood, which comes in the form of either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or naturally aspirated V-6. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com contain wide-ranging praise for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe's exterior styling, which Edmunds says is "handsome and sporty—calling the coupe the best-looking Hyundai ever would be a perfectly reasonable statement."

Don't let the Hyundai Genesis Coupe's name confuse you, however, as Autoblog reviewers note that "the all-new Genesis Coupe is not a two-door version of the sedan." Rather, this vehicle "looks like a race car and acts like one too," according to The Detroit News. Reviewers at The Detroit News add that "the exterior shines with its long hood and sloping roof," while the slippery "front end sweeps back and the elongated headlamps seem to stretch the 182.3-inch car." If you're having a hard time getting the general idea from TheCarConnection.com's pictures of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, just imagine the Infiniti G37 and you'll be on the right track; Automobile Magazine says that "although its similarity doesn't come across as well in photographs, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a dead ringer for the Infiniti G37 coupe."

The Hyundai Genesis 2010 Coupe's interior also earns praise from reviewers, but many point out a few ergonomic idiosyncrasies. Overall, The Detroit News rates the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe's interior as "excellent," contending that the "simple interior design" keeps the focus on the road, where it should be. Edmunds adds that "the cabin is particularly impressive, boasting an enveloping cockpit-like environment." However, Edmunds also warns that "navigating through the stereo's tonal adjustments is too labor-intensive" and there is an "unconventional sideways orientation for the power window and mirror switches." TheCarConnection.com's own editors also notice the unusual configuration, which definitely requires an adjustment period.

Conclusion

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a looker from the outside, but a few strained interior pieces hurt the overall impression inside the cabin.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Clean exterior lines and classic sports car shapeThe Detroit NewsA dead ringer for the Infiniti G37 coupeAutomobile MagazineControls are generally intuitiveEdmunds Hyundai has made a very strong push in recent years to become a major player in the U.S. auto market, and if it keeps churning out vehicles like the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the odds are good that the company will achieve its goal. The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a new sports car from Korean automaker Hyundai. Hyundai will initially offer the curvaceous Hyundai Genesis 2010 Coupe in six different trims, which Autoblog lists as "2.0T, 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Track, 3.8, 3.8 Grand Touring, and 3.8 Track." The numerical designations refer to the engine under the car's hood, which comes in the form of either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or naturally aspirated V-6. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com contain wide-ranging praise for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe's exterior styling, which Edmunds says is "handsome and sporty—calling the coupe the best-looking Hyundai ever would be a perfectly reasonable statement." Don't let the Hyundai Genesis Coupe's name confuse you, however, as Autoblog reviewers note that "the all-new Genesis Coupe is not a two-door version of the sedan." Rather, this vehicle "looks like a race car and acts like one too," according to The Detroit News. Reviewers at The Detroit News add that "the exterior shines with its long hood and sloping roof," while the slippery "front end sweeps back and the elongated headlamps seem to stretch the 182.3-inch car." If you're having a hard time getting the general idea from TheCarConnection.com's pictures of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, just imagine the Infiniti G37 and you'll be on the right track; Automobile Magazine says that "although its similarity doesn't come across as well in photographs, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a dead ringer for the Infiniti G37 coupe." The Hyundai Genesis 2010 Coupe's interior also earns praise from reviewers, but many point out a few ergonomic idiosyncrasies. Overall, The Detroit News rates the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe's interior as "excellent," contending that the "simple interior design" keeps the focus on the road, where it should be. Edmunds adds that "the cabin is particularly impressive, boasting an enveloping cockpit-like environment." However, Edmunds also warns that "navigating through the stereo's tonal adjustments is too labor-intensive" and there is an "unconventional sideways orientation for the power window and mirror switches." TheCarConnection.com's own editors also notice the unusual configuration, which definitely requires an adjustment period. ConclusionThe 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a looker from the outside, but a few strained interior pieces hurt the overall impression inside the cabin. 2010 HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE STYLING | [7 out of 10] The Detroit News: "Clean exterior lines and classic sports car shape" Automobile Magazine: "A dead ringer for the Infiniti G37 coupe " Edmunds: "Controls are generally intuitive" Hyundai has made a very strong push in recent years ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Because of its price, range of engines, and performance, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe faces off against a variety of competitors. At the low end, shoppers looking at the Scion tC could move up to the fresh shape and rear-wheel-drive performance. Honda Accord Coupe shoppers could look to the Hyundai for sportier handling and more style, but they'd sacrifice some refinement and their addiction to the Honda name. More than the Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6 gives the Genesis Coupe a run for the money in the value category, with the least-expensive Chevy starting for about $23,000. The Genesis looks less macho next to any of the reconstituted nameplates from Detroit, and V-8s still rule when it comes to ultimate performance bragging rights. There is also the chance that G37 shoppers might consider the Genesis because the two cars are so close in power, but the Infiniti is silkier and more refined. You get what you pay for, in this case.

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See the Hyundai Genesis Coupe in Other Years:

2010

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Draven #2, Posted: 10/28/2009

    The Genesis Coupe is for minimalist drivers who appreciate a gorgeous car with some serious balls, without the pretentious and snobbery of a big-name brand like Infiniti. I have nothing against the G37, but it is difficult to justify paying almost $10,000 - $15,000 more for a car that can't escape a competitor like the Genesis Coupe on a tearaway. Although the car lacks luxury features like a telescopic steering wheel (God knows how people survived before THEY were invented), it justifies its price tag completely. My 3.8 GT (basically a Canadian Coupe with a Grand Touring option package married to the Track racing suspension) is a monster that can easily keep up with its contemporaries, or beat them outright.
    Competitiveness aside, the car is deadly amounts of FUN. Although comparisons are made to the G37, you'll only notice that on the back end unless you're actively looking to discredit the car in the looks department. Here in Toronto, G37s drive by all the time and barely anyone gives it a passing glance. When my Yellow 3.8 Gen Coupe drives by, jaws drop, people point with googly eyes, guys roll down their windows at red lights and confront you at gas station fillups to congratulate you on your "sweet ride," and you definitely get the sense that Hyundai is a brand that has earned its newfound respect.
    It's a powerful sports car with a very attractive price tag. It isn't big on options. You're paying for a healthy, aggressive V6 and some serious stylin'. If that's your bag, the Gen is your car. If not, you'd best look elsewhere.

  2. By Ecutuner #3, Posted: 11/14/2009

    Car connection, I'm begining to question your judgement about cars if you can find the amounts of negative nit pickings you have about such a fine invention like the Genesis Coupe. There is nothing like this car in the market and it just happens to come with great value too. What other RWD 2 Liter turbo can you find out there? You're going to compare this with the Scion TC that is on paper? If Toyota intended the Scion to come out with that 3SGTE turbo 2L in RWD that it should have had in the first place, come out for 2010, I think we would have known about already; why even go there. Everyone else has whipmped out and given use some mediocre rubbish 2 litre lame engines. And how can you compare any of Detroit's muscles which know nothing about handling. Also, think about how easy it is to tune this car, or just ask Mr. Rys Millen. I don't think you review is credible especially that all you can find to fault it by is it's interior.

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