Car Review: Sporty model gets a makeover, more power
By Ron Amadon, MarketWatch
DAMASCUS, Md. (MarketWatch) — Not one to stay with the status quo for long, Hyundai gave its sporty model a makeover for the new model year.
A pre-introduction event brought the chance to drive one on a track as well as some twisty roads and on a backed-up interstate, but more on that in a minute. The 2013 models are in dealers’ showrooms now.
At the Las Vegas-area track, the four-cylinder stick shift coupe more than held its own, with predictable handling and a feeling that I was not pushing this rig hard enough. Cornering was flat and feedback was excellent, but the six-speed manual in the test car was not as good as some other sports cars. It was difficult to figure where in the pedal travel the clutch started to grab, but kicking off one athletic shoe and driving with just in a sock on the left foot improved things considerably.
But there was one other glitch. The seat could not be lowered enough to properly seat a 6-foot-tall tall driver wearing a helmet. I could have lowered the seat back, but I hate driving that way and so went around the track with a sideways view.
| PRICE RANGE | $24,250 - $28,750 |
|---|---|
| FUEL | premium |
| ENGINES | 2L I-4 274 hp 3L V-6 348 hp |
| EPA RATING | 20-31 mpg 18-28 mpg |
| CAPACITY | 2 adults |
| HANDLING | outstanding |
| POWER | Fun with either engine |
| RON'S RATING | "But, officer ... " |
In fairness, I must say it was fun to raise a little hell with this true-blue sports car, without worrying about radar-equipped police. Even at triple-digit speeds, the coupe felt glued to the road.
Hyundai KR:A005380 -1.48% offered another coupe as transportation back to base camp and it proved comfortable for the long ride that occurred, highlighted by snow above the 4,000 foot level in the Nevada mountains and an accident involving two big rigs that backed up traffic for 9-1/2 miles.
That long slog at about 5 mph again brought up the clutch engagement question and the reality that the new for 2013 eight-speed automatic would be tranny of choice for those who don’t intend to take their car to the track very often. An automatic with paddle shifters was not available in time for this test. Hyundai says that model will peel off 0-60 in the five-second range. The turbo four should not be far off that figure.
Finally free of the wrecked semis, traffic took off like a bunch of bees that had just discovered the world’s biggest honey pot. A typical speed of around 80-plus was the norm on the interstate and I and my traveling companion made it back to base in time for a nice dinner.
For 2013, the coupe has received a makeover both back and front, as well as a new interior. I was less than a fan of the front styling, but the rear end looks much the same, except for the new tail lamps, and the interior is a winner for the lucky two people who get to ride there. To the rear there is some handy storage space.
Hyundai’s tradition of nicely styled interiors continues with a boatload of standard equipment. Controls were a short reach away and the instruments a cinch to read.
The base model turbo 2-liter four gets a boost to 274 horsepower, a gain of 30 over 2012. The 3-liter V-6 also gets a power boost to 348 hp from 306 and would be my choice were I in the market for this car.
Not changed were the fun parts of the car, that make it a true challenger to the Ford Mustang F +0.20% and Chevy Camaro GM +1.34% . However, those two have as loyal a customer base as the rival pickup trucks that the Detroit two also build.
A base-model Genesis coupe with the four-banger and automatic will average 20 mpg around town while drivers who behave themselves can up that to 31 mpg on the highway. The V-6 should produce 18 to 28 mpg. The six and the turbo four run on premium.
Along with the base T model, the four is also available as an R-Spec model and a Premium trim level. The six comes in R-spec, Grand Touring and Track models.
The starting price tag for the base model is $24,250, up to $28,750 for the R-spec 6. For that amount of cash, you get a first-rate sports car that can fill the needs of the weekend racer and those who simply want a fun car for the daily commute.
Sporty-car shoppers are missing a lot if they bypass the Hyundai garage.
Ron Amadon writes about cars for MarketWatch from Washington.
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