Hyundai is putting its Genesis Coupe through the final stages of technical evaluation before deciding whether to put it into production for European and UK markets.
The rear-wheel drive coupe has long been mooted for a European launch but a final decision has yet to be taken. The 5-series-sized Genesis saloon and 7-series-sized Equus are also under consideration for a UK launch.
See the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Hyundai Genesis saloon, Hyundai Equus hi-res picture gallery
European vice president Allan Rushforth said: “The final stages of testing are currently being undertaken on the Genesis Coupe. We will be making a final decision on whether to launch it in Europe within the next month.”
Rushforth is keen for the Genesis Coupe to be properly suited to European driving tastes and, in particular, the UK’s.
“If you want to get noticed with a new product in Europe the best way to do this is in the UK,” he said. “If the Genesis Coupe goes get launched then it would be left-hand drive markets getting it first but never say never to a UK launch. There would be a big market for it over here.”
Rushforth said Hyundai is yet to test its cars on UK roads but this would change if more specialist vehicles such as the Genesis Coupe, Genesis saloon and Equus were launched.
“Hyundai recognises that it is important to set up a car properly for UK roads due to their general bad quality,” he said.
“I’m not worried about this for the i models as they are pretty durable but when you are talking more specialised rear-drive models such as the Genesis Coupe, then you have to pay close attention to ride and handling. UK buyers like big wheels and firm suspension, two factors which affect ride quality.
“Our technical team would make sure any specialist model would ride properly on UK roads.”
Rushforth said if the Genesis Coupe were given the go-ahead, it would potentially go into production by September 2010. After a decision is made on it, then the attention will turn to the Equus and Genesis saloon, which are at a less advanced stage of technical evaluation.
One Hyundai source told Autocar the case for a Genesis Coupe launch in the UK could be made stronger by similar demand for the car in Australia. Both are right-hand drive markets.
“Whereas Europe would get the four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine, Australia and the UK would be more interested in the V6 which suddenly gives the Genesis Coupe more of a market case,” said the source.
Lotus could be used to fine-tune the three car’s ride and handling should a European or UK launch be confirmed.
Join the debate
Add your comment
BRING IT TO THE UK!!!!!! The
BRING IT TO THE UK!!!!!!
The genesis will change the way people look at hyundai!! They're absolutely beautiful! If they bring them over, i will buy one today!!
...otherwise im importing!
Re: Hyundai Genesis Coupe set for UK
I know I am a little late commenting, but, BRING IT ON HYUNDAI.
As the owner of another under rated stigma attached flag flyer, the Calibra V6, we need the Genesis here in Britain. In all engine combinations too.
I also own a 2005 Hyundai Elantra CRDT CDX, which was bought through necessity after our 2004 Multipla died an electrical death that was to cost more than it was worth to repair.
I know what Top Gear says about Korean cars, but i was mega surprised with the Elantra. Full leather interior, adequate power, and what surprised me is how well its screwed together. Its a real nice cabin in there. I would never have even looked at it in a car lot as i headed for vauxhall or ford, and I tell you what its better inside than both!!! In fact i would defy anyone to guess what they were in if the badges in the cabin were covered over, Vaux, Ford, BMW, Audi? Its better than the first two and not far off the second.
Yeah the outside looks a bit '90s and it doesnt handle like a sports car, but then it isnt a sports car its a family saloon and the handling is more than adequate for town and motorway journies. Its very quiet at speed too.
So if the Genesis is better than this and with Hyundais long warranties and competative pricing it will be a winner, watch out big guns. Happy Days.
Re: Hyundai Genesis Coupe set for UK
It is imperative that Hyundai bring this car to the UK. I for one am getting a bit bored of hot hatches now and would really like an affordable coupe, as I bet many people would (say around the £20k mark)? It used to be a very large segment here in the UK, with the Celica, Prelude, 200SX and countless others and its about time they made a come back. I'll be putting my name down for one of these should they make it over here, assuming the following:
- 2.0 litre turbo engine would be far more suited to over here (would need to have fuel economy and emmissions comparable to a hot hatch (at least 30mpg combined cycle and CO2 under 200g/km). An auto option would also be good.
- As mentioned, suspension would need tuning for over here to avoid an overly harsh ride which would put buyers off.
- Price is all important. Really needs to compete with current hot hatches, so around the price of the current SIII (£20k ish I reckon). There'd be no point if it was priced in the same league as the German coupes or cars like the Nissan 370Z.