Because I enjoyed driving the sedan and had a new-found respect for Hyundai, I decided to check out the 2013 Genesis Coupe (2-door), 2.0 Turbo (entry level). I'd read about all the cosmetic and power changes and had to find out what all the buzz was about.
EXTERIOR: LOVE IT OR HATE IT
The Genesis has been around since 2010 but Hyundai decided to give the coupe a facelift for 2013. At first glance, I wasn't completely taken in, but after a few minutes it grew on me. The coupe doesn't even come close to looking like its' sedan sibling, nor does it resemble the first generation. For starters, the faux hood vents look like a set of eyebrows. The front end has a very large grille: a big schnoz with an opened mouth design. The angled headlights and the addition of fog lights add to the overall aggressive look.
Although first generation coupe owners don't care for the new design, I, along with the majority of automotive reviewers think it's a sharp looking vehicle. Here's an example of what one Genesis Coupe forum participant said, "The vents go with the redesigned front end...some don't like it but for me it's what separates this car from the pack. The earlier models look boring just like the G37 (Infinity). The new look and performance upgrades are why I'm buying the car. If I wanted clean lines and no balls I would have gotten the G37. But I decided I wanted a man car!"
INTERIOR AND FEATURES
The Genesis coupe cabin has a nice design with faux stitching, but I wasn't overly impressed. It just didn't have that "wow" factor. As with most vehicles in this price range, there's somewhat of a plastic-y feel to the interior. But then again, the Camaro and the Mustang both have that same feel (i suppose the manufacturers gotta cut costs somewhere). The dash is soft and curvaceous making it pleasing to the eye. One thing for sure, I didn't feel cramped. The cloth seats are perfectly shaped and quite comfy. I could easily take this baby on a long road trip.
The rear seats are crampy, to say the least. I can't imagine adults sitting back there for more than two minutes. There's plenty of room for the kids, but a family car it isn't.
The controls are perfectly placed, easy to read and user friendly. The three circular displays depict mpg, oil temp and boost pressure (turbo). Standard features include Bluetooth, USB/iPod interface and satellite radio. New for this year is Hyundai's BlueLink telematic system which includes voice text messaging, trip computer and monthly vehicle reporting. The six-speaker Infinity stereo with CD player also comes standard but the sound quality was a little too "tinny" for me.
Also new for this year is the telescoping/tilt steering wheel, which allowed me to get in optimal driving mode. I'm on the short side, so this feature is a must.
The trunk is 10 cubic feet, but the rear seats fold down for more room. Two nice size drink holders and a sunroof add to the many nice features the coupe offers.
THE RIDE
On the road, I was impressed with the balanced handling and quick, tight steering. Corners were taken with ease. Kudos to the suspension engineers. Although I attempted to take a highway drive, the 5 freeway was bumper to bumper. I had no choice but to open her up on a long side street. I love the throaty and roaring sound of the engine with its' brisk acceleration. What I also commend Hyundai for is that I didn't experience any Turbo lag (like I do in my VW Eos 2.0T). Smoothness at its' finest.
CAR/ENGINE SPECS
Subcompact, 2-door, rear-wheel drive, 4 passenger
2.0L Turbo, Inline 4-cylinder
274-hp (30% increase over previous engine)
275 lb-ft torque
8-speed shiftronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters
sport-tuned suspension
weight: 3554 lbs
0-60: 5.3 seconds
SAFETY FEATURES
Traction and stability control
Anti-lock disc brakes
Front-seat side airbags
Full length side curtain airbags
Active front head restraints
Option: reverse parking sensors
5 stars out of 5 stars for rollover test (by U.S. Govt.)
No crash test results by IIHS or NHTSA yet
FUEL ECONOMY
CIty: 18-20 mpg
Highway: 28-31
Uses regular gas (turbos usually require premium)
Fuel tank size: 17.2 gallons
6 AVAILABLE TRIMS
2.0T Base: $25,125
2.0T R-Spec: $27,375
2.0T Premium: $29,625
3.8 R Spec: 29,625 (3.8L, V-6)
3.8 Grand Touring: $32,875
3.8 Trac: $33,875
COMPARABLE TO: 2013 Scion FR-S Coupe
WARRANTY
10 year/100K mile powertrain
COLORS
Comes in 6 colors, all named after race tracks or parts of race tracks!
Monaco White
Becketts Black
Circuit Silver
Gran Premio Grey
Tsukuba Red
Shoreline Drive Blue
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Edmunds: "many positive attributes and comes highly recommended"
Motor Authority: "looks to be a better performance bargain than ever"
Motor Trend: "Interior and drivetrain needs some fine-tuning"
Car and Driver: "not as nimble as Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S
CONCLUSION
Although the appeal is geared toward the GEN 'Y-ers', this middle-aged chick had fun driving the Genesis coupe. You get a lot of bang for your buck with plenty of nice features, a long warranty and decent gas mileage. This car deserves some serious respect. Hyundai is definitely in it to win it.
