Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review
The Hyundai Genesis coupe I will gladly admit is not the first sports coupe that come to mind when you think of a fast, powerful, stylish looking sports car. It is not something that you will see extensively reviewed on the latest car review show as it just does not have the kind of personality like the Bugatti Veyron that would warrant a TV slot for it.
')">But being entirely honest the range of supercars that are affordable by most people while delivering the over the top performance are also not common and in this respect the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is actually absolutely fabulous. Hyundai already has another Genesis sedan in its stable and although they have a common name both cars are extremely different and target different audiences.
The Genesis sedan is more in line with the Mercedes-Benz S-class or the BMW 7-series and is the premium luxury model from Hyundai. On the other hand the Genesis Coupe is a super sleek sports car that offers way more that one will bargain for. Expected to be sold for an estimated price of 35 lakhs, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe should have competition as a sports car in India as the Indian car market is finally catching up to international standards when it comes to availability of sports cars. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe will compete with the Nissan GTR, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette and the Bugatti Veyron. When I say that the Genesis Coupe will compete with the Bugatti Veyron I mean that purely looking at the fact that both are sports cars. That is about where the similarities end and that is why the Bugatti is being sold in India for approximately 16 crores. So although it will be available as a sports car option in the Indian market its pricing makes it seem like a much more affordable option than some others that are going to hit the Indian market in the coming months.
Performance – Hyundai Genesis Coupe in India
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a sports vehicle that is powered by two types of engines. It has a 2.0 liter turbocharged, inline 4 cylinder and a 3.8 liter six cylinder V-type. The four cylinder engine generates 210 horsepower with 223 pound-feet of torque and the six cylinder version generates 306 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0 liter inline 4 is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with manual shift control. The 3.8 liter V8 engine is powered by either a six-speed automatic with shift control or a five –speed manual transmission.
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is available in six trims which are the: 2.0T, 2.0T R-Spec, 2.0T Premium, 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring and 3.8 Track.
The base model is the 2.0 T and features standard features like 18 inch aluminum wheels, tilt steering, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, leather wrapped gear shift and steering wheel, audio system with CD/MP3 and USB and iPod connection, Bluetooth connection and steering wheel audio controls.
The R-Spec version of the 2.0 liter engine adds the 19 inch wheels with all-weather tires, limited-slip rear differential, a better tuned suspension and brembo brakes. The 2.0 Premium does not have the performance package of the R-Spec and has convenient, comfort features like automatic headlights, sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, power driver seat, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror and improved audio and navigation system.
The 3.8 liter R-Spec has the same options as the 2.0 liter but uses the V 6 to power itself, while the 3.8 GT has similar features to the 2.0 premium but adds rear parking sensor, heated outside mirrors with indicator, heated front and leather wrapped seats. The 3.8 Track has all the trimmings of the Grand Touring but also gets xenon lights as well as the R-Spec’s performance package.
The engines used in the Hyundai Genesis Coupe are powerful but at the same time they provide for maximum fuel efficiency and the Genesis Coupe gives 7.2 km/l in the city and 11.4 km/l while driving on the highway. Using the automatic transmission changes these figures slightly and gives a fuel efficiency of 6.5 km/l in the city and 10.5 km/l on the highway. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has a very good acceleration and the 2.0 liter engine gets from 0-100 in about seconds with the 3.8 liter version getting to the target in about 6 seconds. Max speed with the 2.0 liter powertrain is 220 km/hr and it is 240 km/he with the 3.8 liter variant.
Styling
The interiors of the Genesis Coupe are a blend of exciting contours and the high-quality materials are visible everywhere. The dashboard has swooping, flowing curves and flow smoothly into the panels of the doors. The unique design of the dash has given the power windows and powered side mirrors an uncommon orientation.
The driver has a very comfortable position and the wide windshield affords an unobstructed viewing area although the driver’s seat is low-slung. The fact that the steering only has the tilt function and not the telescopic should make shorter driver feel that the steering wheel is too close to their chest. The audio system is also an upgrade on the older model and is one provided by Infinity.
The front seats are electrically powered and offer comfortable seating and support for both occupants whether in the city or over long drives. The rear area though is small and is only suitable to accommodate children or small luggage. Trunk space is usual for a car in this class and when the rear seats are folded there is ample storage space.
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe price and Recommendations
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a very capable car on the road and handles impressively as well. It has commendable body control, a superior ride quality and precise and accurate steering. The tuned suspension used on the R-Spec models and the 3.8 liter version offers even better handling and the grippier tires enable the car to stick to the road better.
Buyers will be keen to know that acceleration is quite mediocre for the turbo 2.0 liter four cylinder especially for a car in this segment, although the bigger 3.8 liter engine generate very impressive power as well as acceleration. One drawback on the Genesis Coupe would have to be its manual transmission which is sticky and does not offer quick smooth shift while driving aggressively.
Priced at around the 35 lakh mark the Hyundai Genesis Coupe offer a relatively cheaper option to those looking to purchase a sports car but don’t want to break the bank.
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe in India Specifications and Price
Vehicle Category: Sports coupe
Engines (standard): 2.0 L, 4-cyl inline, turbocharged, 210 HP, 223 lb-ft torque
Engines (standard): 3.8 L, V 6, 24 valve, 306 HP, 266 lb-ft torque
Drivetrain: Front engine, 4 passenger, 2-door coupe, RWD
Transmissions (standard): 5-speed manual / 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 1256 kg
0-100 kph: 7 secs (est.)
Mileage city/hwy: 7.2 / 11.4 kmpl
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe price: Rs.35 Lakh (est)
