Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

By: Juan G. Robbin

One of the best coupe values in the market

Recently, I had the chance to drive the all-new Genesis Coupe with the 3.8 liter V6 and the 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engines and I was blown away by this car. The Genesis Coupe is a superb budget minded sports coupe offering performance and quality that is equal or better to cars worth thousands more.

Hyundai invited us on a ride and drive in the hilly surroundings outside Atlanta, where we were able to get a good impression of the Coupe’s road manners and feel. The look is impressive. There is a Zorro like “Z” across the side silhouette that makes a dramatic design statement. Looking at a Genesis Coupe you can’t decide if this is a G37 Coupe, the reincarnation of the Nissan 240SX or a new model of Hyundai’s own Tiburon. It’s more of a subtle mix of all of the above actually. There is a swoopy half-moon lower curve on the rear side windows as well as the aggressive tail high stance. The size and design of the wheels are perfectly suited for this car, filling in the wheel well perfectly. The headlights as well as tail lights look exquisite and expensive, like pieces of jewelry on a red carpet, “A list” starlet.

Inside you are greeted by nicely finished and bolstered sports seats that are comfortable yet firm in all of the correct places. Plastic interior pieces are more typical Japanese look, than previous budget minded Korean interior trim. Not necessarily eye pleasing but they do the job well. There is a sports car inspired binnacle housing all of the key gauges framed by a nicely finished sports type steering wheel. The Gear shifter has a hefty grip feel. During our ride and drive we did notice an annoying vibration resonance in 6th gear that was caused by a loose cap on top of the shifter, annoying but easily fixable. Then again, the cars we drove where early pre-production models. The shifter was placed a scant two inches too far back, making it a bit uncomfortable on the arm and wrist during some shifts.

The V6 3.8 liter engine is a drivers’ delight. Press the pedal to the floor and the Genesis Coupe screams like a banshee. It’s composed and aggressive giving a satisfying exhaust note that will put a smile on any sports car enthusiast face.

We did a mix of highway and side road driving, ending up near a boat launch area where we met up with other journalists driving the same cars. Hyundai chose brilliant and dramatic colors such as metallic lime green and a red that is so vibrant it screams arrest me! Definitely, bright paint colors go great with the Genesis Coupe. There are some really interesting back country roads in the surrounding Atlanta area that fit the drive perfectly. The Genesis Coupe felt right at home in these curvy back roads, with its excellent direct feel of the steering as well as large Brembo brakes that give excellent fade free performance regardless of the number of times the driver uses the brakes. Suspension is on the edge of being too sporty and firm but on the right kind of road it’s a delight.

Rear seat is tight for two but acceptable for short trips. Trunk space is typical of a sports coupe, small, with an even smaller opening but still usable for a weekend trip.

After lunch we drove the 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder version. We enjoyed it as well as its quite capable, but losses some of the nice sounds of the 6 as well as the smoothness that 6 cylinders bring. We predict this model will definitely be the model of choice for the tuner crowd.

The 2010 Genesis Coupe, its budget minded yet not budget looking. Offering excellent performance and handling in a design that is aesthetically pleasing.

The Essentials:

• MSRP as tested (3.8 liter): $30,550.00 and (2.0 liter): $27,750.00
• Fuel Economy: 17-30 MPG range for both models.
• Engines: 3.8 liter, V6, 306 HP and 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbo, 210 HP
• Popular options: Track Package, xenon headlamps, Brembo brakes, Limited slip dif.
• Please visit: www.hyundaiusa.com

2008 Hyundai Veracruz Limited

By: Juan G. Robbin

Considering a large SUV but with good cost value and economy? Then take a look at the Veracruz.
Hyundai Veracruz Limited (2008)

The Veracruz Limited is Hyundai’s answer to the full sized, three row SUV but with a feel of a smaller mid-sized vehicle. Being the Limited, it has all the expected bells and whistles, including backup warning system, sunroof, and 115 volt outlet among others. Recently, I had the opportunity of driving the Veracruz around the central California area with my family and came away thoroughly impressed.

The exterior is clean, modern and sleek, with a strong Japanese SUV feel to its entire design. Inside you are greeted with a comfortable leather interior that has excellent finish and feel to it. Third row seating is comfortable for smaller people or kids. The interior design and layout are first rate, appointments, switches and ergonomics are exactly as you would want. We did notice the navigation/multi-function display can, at times due to the sloping angle be difficult to see when the sun hits it directly.

The navigation system is intuitive and easy to use, including finding small, out of the way towns or places of interest. Fit and finish of materials used throughout the cabin and first rate quality. There is a relentless focus on the part of Hyundai not to just get close to the quality of the Japanese, but to in fact, try to surpass them. Interestingly, if you de-badge this SUV and put someone inside it they most likely say they are in a high-end Japanese SUV instead of a Hyundai.

When driving the Veracruz you immediately notice how quiet and smooth it is. We would have liked a bit more power, especially when traveling with four adults. Steering felt a bit too sensitive, especially on the highway. Brakes and suspension felt exactly as they should for a vehicle this size. The rear cargo hold is cavernous with the third-row folded flat into the floor. During our trip, we were four adults with four large bags and other items and all of it fit with ease in the cargo area. A nice touch is the auto open/close feature, nice that there is no need to push the large cargo door down for closing.

With a modern, well executed design, excellent comfort and quality, the Hyundai Veracruz Limited is a superb value in the seven passenger SUV segment.

The Essentials

MSRP: $35,750.00 MSRP (As Tested): $38,405.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 17.5 MPG
Engine: V6, 3.8 liter, 260 HP
Popular Options: Navigation Package
Visit: www.usa.hyundai-motor.com

2008 Hyundai Sonata Limited

By: Juan G. Robbin

An excellent value, smooth and comfortable, yes it’s a Hyundai
Hyundai Sonata Limited (2008)

The Hyundai Sonata is all grown up. With its pleasing exterior and a size that fits most lifestyles, the Sonata is definitely worth a look if you are looking for a sedan that won’t break the bank. Hyundai has clearly positioned itself as a player in the midsize four door sedan market, offering a great value to those that are looking at the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord but want a lower price.

The front end looks typical Japanese, with its bumper mounted fog lights and its stylish headlights; this is a car that looks good regardless where you arrive. The rear bumper shows off a well balanced tail light area flanked with left and right corner oval chromed exhaust tips.

The standard items list is typically what would be optional on many other cars. Nice items include: Power windows with drivers’ window one touch up and down, auto dimming with digital compass mirror, leather seating surfaces, “Shiftronic” shift function, automatic climate control, active head restraints, steering wheel with audio and cruise control finger-tip buttons, factory installed XM radio capability and many other items are standard.

Driving the new Sonata was a nice surprise. It’s smooth, responsive and strong. Brakes felt excellent with very good feedback. Steering was light, yet direct. The trunk is deep and has a low lip above the bumper for ease of loading/unloading. Rear seat is comfortable for two adults, tight for three and is on par with typical comparable cars this size. The interior felt roomy and bright. The materials used are of good quality, and contemporary design. We did notice the doors felt light and sounded hollow when you closed them, reminding us of the Hyundai of the past. After several hundred miles the Sonata felt more like a Japanese car than a Korean one, and that’s what Hyundai is shooting for.

In the past some people would look at a Hyundai and laugh, this is no longer true. The 2008 Sonata Limited has style, comfort, road presence and is a terrific value for the price.

The Essentials

MSRP: $22,345.00 MSRP (As tested): $24,070.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 22.5 MPG
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 2.4 liter, 162 HP
Popular Options: Sunroof, floor and cargo mats
Visit: www.Hyundai.com