Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8. What’s not to love about Hyundai products? And although this is small for a family it would still be able to be a second car for mom and dad to get away up the coast for a re-union with each other. Leave all the family with your friends! Well that’s my advice. . . and I’m not even a marriage counselor. But I’m guessing you knew that.
It is a hugely fun car for the driving enthusiast who likes performance on the road even though he’ll have to stop more often for gas.
General Information:
It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea, Classification is Subcompact. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz.
Handling & Performance:
Smooth power curve, good acceleration and it hugs the road well. AWD would be better but racers wouldn’t throw this baby out with the bath water. 6-speed shifting is intuitive with a short throw that makes shifting a breeze. Of course I used to drive older manual transmissions and my muscle memory flashes back when I drive a “Stick”. Early car transmissions took about a foot or so between gear selections. No joke.
Styling:
You’ll be the judge of this because as we all know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But for my taste this is a lovely looking car. Nice legs…. Wheels and tires and what pretty eyes, eh. Clean lines and the interior is cozy and comfy and the smaller interior brings everything closer to your fingertips.
On the other hand the rear seat is rather cramped, say some, and they’d be correct because after all it is a two door coupe. Have you ever tried to get into a Ford Mustang rear seat? Now that is a challenge, especially if you have feet.
Fit and Finish:
Nicely done as I have come to expect in Hyundai and Kia cars. But you know what, that is pretty much true across all brands these days. The industry has grown together in a good way as they are ergonomically very similar. (Ergonomics: the branch of engineering science in which biological science is used to study the relation between workers and their environments).
Cost:
Well you will be the judge on this as well as how good it looks. But in class it is very competitively priced, especially with the generous Standard Features list.
Conveniences and comfort:
Proximity Key with push button start is perhaps my most favorite feature for convenience. I wouldn’t do without it on my own car of the future.
Consumer Recommendations:
If you need large this is light years away from roomy. But then you don’t buy a sport car for the trunk and rear leg room. Performance cars just don’t provide it outside of the driver cockpit that is perfect for embracing the curves, so to speak.
Nissan’s 370Z would be my second choice in this class. . . I love Corvette but the price tag is a bit more – like about $20,000 or more, more.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Genesis Coupe $33,000, Chevrolet Camaro $27,000, Dodge Challenger $33,000, Nissan 370Z $34,000, Subaru BRZ $27,000, Scion FR-S $31,000.
Good News:
Great features package, great company, fun to drive
Bad News:
Not so good fuel economy and older folks will feel the entry and exit uneasily done.
Standard Equipment:
3.8 liter 348 horsepower V6 engine dual CVVT, 6-speed close ratio manual transmission, rear wheel drive, track suspension / front strut tower brace, 5-link independent rear suspension, 19” wheels, Brembo brake system – ABS, Torsen limited slip differential, rear spoiler, stability and traction controls, black leather seats with two stage heaters, power driver seat, power tilt and slide sunroof, fog lights, LED daytime running lights, proximity Key with push button start, climate control, heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicator, 7” touchscreen Nav system, AM/FM/SiriusXM HD Radio with MP3/CD, 360 watt Infinity 10-speaker audio, Satellite radio with Nav Traffic, Bluelink Telematics system, iPod/ USB / Auxillary port, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth hands free phone system and illuminated door sill plates.
Gas Stats:
$3.05/ Gal avg. November 8, 2014
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
16 City and 24 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $33,400