Drive a 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe and expect every young kid in the neighborhood to run over to check it out.
There’s reason for plenty of excitement from car lovers of all ages about this rear-wheel-drive performance car, which has a 210-horsepower turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine.
» Engine: 2.0L turbo Intercooled Engine
» Transmission: Six-speed manual
» Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: From $22,000
Driving this car is the closest many of us will come to driving a supercharged concept car, which this was when it was introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. And it’s a bargain price, too, starting at $22,000.
This six-speed charmer has ultrasmooth manual gear shifting that quickly ramps up the power as the car smoothly hugs the road. One part of the shifting that I especially enjoyed was just the bit of resistance between first and second. That ensured that those who aren’t nimble at shifting — such as me — won’t accidentally move it into first during normal driving.
It also had plenty of acceleration power in fifth and especially sixth gear. Nice, especially when you consider I had the low-end 2.0T model. The higher-end models of this coupe have 306 horsepower from a 3.8-liter V-6 engine.
Plus, the gas mileage for the 2.0T model isn’t shabby at all — 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg highway.
The car is as beautiful as it is powerful. The arching roofline, broad shoulder and wide stance give it an aggressive look. The close-to-the-ground rocker panels, bulging fenders and dual exhaust add to the sports look.
The cockpit’s design echoes the athletic theme with a large speedometer and tachometer, a modern-style instrument cluster, and a high-end audio system. The downside, to me, was the comfort of the seats and the less-than-high-end materials in the cabin. In fairness, I had the low-end model that sells at a bargain price. Hyundai invested in power and safety, clearly the better choice.
This car has some terrific active and passive safety features, including front and side airbags, active front head restraints, a strong unibody construction with front and rear crumple zones, and bodyside reinforcements. The hood also has buckling creases and safety stops.
Other safety features include Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Brake Assist.
Those looking for a sharp, powerful and agile sports car that competes with models priced at thousands more would do well to consider the Genesis Coupe.
