2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe...Surprisingly Good?

[PRC777]

The test drivers of CNET.com rated the Genesis coupe 4 out of 5 stars for its "excellent handling and a powerful, efficient engine" and " a very affordable price" (base MSRP: a "low" $29,500). Honestly, do you guys think that the Genesis coupe can stand up with sports cars such as the Evo X or maybe an Impreza?
And what about Hyundai's "rep"? Do you think the Genesis is enough for us car enthusiasts give Hyundai a little respect after their debut with both the Genesis Coupe and sedan?

At first, I thought this car would be just another Tiburon, for better or for worse.

Here's the link for the Genesis Review:
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Coupe/Hatchback reviews - CNET Reviews

[mclaren_crazy]

I never even thought about the EVO X or Impreza being its competition. I see it as a lighter, better handling, more fuel efficient and less expensive alternative to a mustang coupe

[RacingManiac]

I have my personal prejudice against Korean cars, but if the Sedan was good, I don't see why the Coupe wouldn't be....besides, other than the 2nd gen Tiburon, the coupes have been good looking cars to start with....

As an aside though, CNET is not what I'd consider as automotive authority....

[digitalcraft]

Anyone have any insight as to why they did go with the same name for two different cars?

[LeonOfTheDead]

Anyone have any insight as to why they did go with the same name for two different cars?

They aren't the only, Mercedes-Benz E Sedan VS E Coupe, just as a recent example.

[Rockefella]

Anyone have any insight as to why they did go with the same name for two different cars?

I think the Genesis embodies Hyundai's idea of a revolution. Making that name into their premiere sedan and coupe will probably lead to new models in the future, if you get what I'm trying to say here. I wouldn't be surprised if they ditched models like the Accent and Sonata in the future for something new.

[f6fhellcat13]

I'll admit that the Genesis is a good car, and a great step forward for Hyundai, but there's something about it that would make me go Mustang. I don't know if it's the average/ugly styling or its Koreaness that make me think that, but I do.
About that last point; I can intellectually accept that there are good Korean cars (and Aveos ain't 'em, Fiz), but I have yet to get over the immediate gut-feeling Oh-god-it's-a-Hyundai part.

[Ferrer]

do you guys think that the Genesis coupe can stand up with sports cars such as the Evo X or maybe an Impreza?

Since they aren't sportscars, not very well probably. Very different kind of car.

I want it to come to Europe.

[cmcpokey]

had it been out a year ago, there might have been one in my driveway.

if fits in a very neglected gap. the $30k, rwd, non-american, 2 door, 4 seater sportscar. pretty much the rx-8, 135i, bare bones G37.... and im out. exactly what i was looking for, and exactly what i got, but i had to go used to get what i wanted for a good price.

[RacingManiac]

nowadays I'd be looking a 370Z....

[Bob]

I took a look at one around here and was really impressed. The 3.8 maybe a mustang competitor yeah, but look at the 2.0 turbo- 22,000 and you get a rwd, manual car with a solid engine and imo, wonderful interior. seats are incredibly good too. and that engine has easy potential to be tuned as far as you want to take it...

[Ferrer]

nowadays I'd be looking a 370Z....

But if you need 4 seats the Z won't do.

[switters78]

Anyone have any insight as to why they did go with the same name for two different cars?

Also BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G37...

On paper it seems like a good car and as cmcpokey said, it's filling a desirable gap occupied by few, but I'm definitely one that's always had a stigma about Korean cars, as I always buy German. But as already mentioned, this could be a turning point for them, and I'd certainly give one a test drive to see what's up. I see a silver one drive by my house every few days, and it's not bad looking. I don't like the typical Asian car angry face though. It would be nice to see car designers realize that aggression is not the only way to convey a competitive spirit...

[cmcpokey]

Also BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G37...

On paper it seems like a good car and as cmcpokey said, it's filling a desirable gap occupied by few, but I'm definitely one that's always had a stigma about Korean cars, as I always buy German. But as already mentioned, this could be a turning point for them, and I'd certainly give one a test drive to see what's up. I see a silver one drive by my house every few days, and it's not bad looking. I don't like the typical Asian car angry face though. It would be nice to see car designers realize that aggression is not the only way to convey a competitive spirit...

i agree with everything you said, just let me play counterpoint.

i also would have preferred a euro car, but the options arent really there. i didnt want a bmw for reasons not to be outlined here. MB is a bit too pompous and not really a sportscar (and i couldnt afford a C63), and audi? no, just no. so that sent me to the land of the rising sun, and found the G35 to be an outstanding, if not a bit rough around the edges, car. so while the europeans do a decent job, the japanese really have this field locked up. and since having driven a 135i, i still prefer my G.

as far as the styling is concerned, toyota (non-lexus) doesnt go for the really angry look, and all of their cars look a bit blah. or awful if you prefer. the japanese brands dont have the design language that goes back decades, so they are still trying to piece it together. i think infiniti is the only one that has a very consolidated theme among all of its models, and they arent very aggressive. so i think as the brands mature they will start to subdue and become more consolidated. but i think it is also what the japanese consumers are after, and so thats why they look that way.

[Ferrer]

i didnt want a bmw for reasons not to be outlined here.

I'm sorry but, why?