THE ULTIMATE CAR GUIDE: Used Car Review - Hyundai Genesis Coupe (2009-2016)

Bringing a renaissance in the past, Myk Belmonte revisits a car that brought new heights.

2009-2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

History
Hyundai making a "real" sports car had everyone's head shaking, especially that the brand is synonymous for high content but low priced vehicles. After all, when Project Genesis was conducted in 2003 and research was done years later, it was deemed (in our minds) that an accompanying sports car is in order.

While the Genesis sedan was first conceived in 2003 (which had its debut in 2008), the Genesis Coupe had the internet crazy when photos of a heavy camouflaged unit appeared online in May 2007. Accompanying spy photos suggested that it was rear wheel drive based on a layout photo and a wide range of engines from a turbocharged four cylinder to a Tau V8 and lastly, a spy shot showing a Genesis Coupe parked to an apparent rival, the Ford Mustang. It first debuted in October 2008 in South Korea followed by its North America launch in February 2009. Before we forget, Hyundai mentioned that this vehicle does not directly replace the front wheel drive Coupe/Tiburon/Tuscani.

For the Philippine market, the Genesis Coupe was launched in 2009 which replaced the Coupe. This vehicle became Hyundai's halo car which had American rivals brought in theirs later on and had inspired the Japanese to do so. Although part of their regular line-up, it was relegated to indent order status by 2016 until its discontinuation.

Value and Costs
Brand new prices nearly had rivals worry since the most expensive variant didn't exceed P2M back then, with westernized pony cars and two Japanese AWD rally breds costing more. The only vehicle which rivaled in price was the Toyobaru twins but these were smaller in size. Nowadays, the cheapest model can be had for just P730,000 with latest models lingering in the million peso range. Do take note that for 2013, manual transmission models gain Brembo brakes although it was an option in certain early models.

When it comes to maintenance costs, this one would be somewhat higher than the 86 due to the presence of a turbocharger for the four-cylinder but on par with a Mustang V6, but do not expect to be similar (or even) to a Santa Fe. If you are considering this vehicle with a manual transmission, do check the clutch if its worn out. And lastly, make sure the unit you want had not been abused in short, had used mostly for leisurely trips.

Exterior and Interior
Moving or just parked, this vehicle will elicit that wow factor and people would stare at you by just driving it. Its wide and low body coupled with some curves and a pinch of aggressiveness evokes that it is ready for the world and should be taken seriously.

Going inside, the Genesis Coupe invites you to drive this baby while having a hint of luxury. You get a good audio system, supportive seats, and for some models, like a push button start and sunroof. While the trunk is cavernous, filling it up to the brim may require some effort due to the unusual design. Lastly, the back seat is best left for cargo or kids since full sized adults wouldn't fit there.

Engine
Mild or extra spicy, these what best describe the engines of the Genesis Coupe and for nearly everyone, we get two engine options. The base engine option is the Theta 2.0 which has a turbocharger in it has power ratings pegged at 210hp at 6,000rpm and 299Nm at 2,000rpm for 2009 to 2012 models while later ones get 256hp at 6,600rpm and 353Nm at 2,000-4,500rpm. For that extra kick, there's a Lambda 3.8 that carries 303hp at 6,300rpm and 361Nm at 4,700rpm. When it comes to the transmission options, manuals have six forward gears and can be paired to any engine except for the V6 from 2013 onwards while the automatics can be had in either five (2009-2012) or eight (2013-2016) for any engine.

Driving Impressions
For the drifter in you, read this one since you would encounter them when doing that trick: you'll encounter twitchy steering on medium to hard turns with initial turn-in being understeer biased and the rear having the tendency to fishtail due to its heavy body. At low speeds, this is one fine car since it drives with grace especially that its steering is light but braking for models without Brembo brakes isn't excellent for such car. Driving carefully is a must, especially if you have no idea on utilizing 200 plus worth of horsepower.

Verdict
Models such as this one from Hyundai gave the world a new identity which they must be taken seriously. While this is not perfect, it had done it well and wouldn't remind you of the past. And with the mercy of depreciation, you may now enjoy one of Korea's best kept secrets. Just drive responsibly.

The Good: