2009 Mazda RX-8 Vehicle Overview

2009 Mazda RX-8 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is weird. Its body style? Weird. Its engine? Weirder. Its styling? Yep, that's pretty strange too. Since its introduction five years ago, the RX-8 has served as an automotive asterisk. However, weird can be a good thing. Jim Carrey's weird and so is Japan, but plenty of people saw "Ace Ventura" and vacation in Tokyo. At the same time, though, those two entities also produced "23" and cucumber-flavored Pepsi (respectively, of course). So goes the Mazda RX-8 -- weird in good ways and bad.

The RX-8's coupe-like body features a pair of rear-hinged doors that grant easy access to the surprisingly roomy backseat. If you've ever seen an extended-cab pickup, it's the same idea. Given the car's performance and handling capabilities, that old marketing cliché of "four-door sports car" actually applies here. Under the hood is not a sports car's typical inline-4 or V6, but instead, Mazda's signature rotary engine. The number of other cars that feature this type of engine is exactly zero, but the resulting effect is that the RX-8 behaves like nothing else. With the manual transmission, the rotary engine spins up to 9,000 rpm with the ease of a blowtorch through Country Crock. The sounds are glorious, and playing with such a free-flowing, high-strung engine is a lot of fun.

All of this would be weird in a good way except that the rotary can also get tiresome in everyday use, as it produces very little low-end torque. Drive sedately and the RX-8 feels like a slug. That high-spinning nature also hammers fuel consumption to the point that the 3,000-pound, 232-horsepower Mazda RX-8 gets the same fuel economy as the 4,300-pound, 273-hp Mazda CX-9 crossover. That's weird in a bad way.

That last point is truly the 2009 Mazda RX-8's Achilles' heel. We could probably live with the rotary's less-than-stellar straight-line performance, given the fun derived from the RX-8's superb handling, but the fuel economy and dearth of low-end power are hard to reconcile. The BMW 128i, Nissan 350Z and Mustang GT provide better performance and/or fuel economy for a similar price. Of course, none of those cars provide the practical four-door coupe body style or that one-of-a-kind styling inside and out. In other words, if the RX-8's your type of weird, there's no other choice.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is a four-seat coupe with a pair of rear-hinged "suicide" doors that ease access to the backseats. There are four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and R3.

The base Sport features 18-inch wheels and performance tires, a rear lip spoiler (manual transmission models only), air-conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, full power accessories and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Touring trim adds a limited-slip rear differential, xenon headlights, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an in-dash six-CD changer.

Grand Touring RX-8s have this equipment plus automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, an eight-way power driver seat with memory, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Bose surround-sound system. The new-for-2009 R3 trim level is essentially a Touring model with a more aggressively tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, a rear wing spoiler, a revised front bumper, Recaro front sport seats, keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth and the upgraded Bose stereo.

The Touring and Grand Touring can be equipped with a premium package that includes a sunroof, satellite radio and the Bose stereo (Touring). Also optional on the Grand Touring is a new touchscreen navigation system with voice commands and a dedicated iPod connection.

Powertrains and Performance

The rear-wheel-drive Mazda RX-8 is powered by a 1.3-liter rotary engine. The engine's output depends on the transmission selected. Models with the six-speed automatic (with paddle shifters) receive 212 hp and a redline of 7,500 rpm. The six-speed manual version has 232 hp and an atmospheric redline of 9,000 rpm. All RX-8 engines produce a rather meager 152 pound-feet of torque.

Although generally quick by most measures, acceleration is hardly impressive for a sports car. In our tests, a manual-equipped RX-8 went from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds. Fuel economy is unimpressive at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg

Safety

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 comes standard with antilock brakes, front side airbags and front side curtain airbags. All but the Sport model get stability control standard. In government crash testing, the RX-8 earned a four-star rating (out of a possible five) for driver protection in frontal impacts and five stars for the front passenger. In side-impact testing, the RX-8 received four stars.

Interior Design and Special Features

Giving the 2009 RX-8 a serious advantage over class rivals is its true four-passenger capacity. The "free style" reverse-opening rear doors make loading people and cargo much easier. Provided they are shorter than 6 feet tall, those seated in the back will find supportive seating and ample room all around.

The rear compartment is equally accommodating for luggage or grocery bags. The trunk is a different matter, as its opening is small and no flip-down rear seat function exists to increase that luggage capacity.

The RX-8's cockpit features a circular theme, with three round gauges and a circular central dash control stack that houses the stereo and climate control functions.

Look closely and you'll also spot numerous circle and triangle details throughout the cabin, a visual homage to the car's rotary engine design. Although the gauges are easily read, we've had mixed feelings about the central display used for the audio system and climate control, which some find to be too crowded with information. The optional navigation system is now operated through a touchscreen and voice recognition interface, which works well and is a welcome improvement.

Driving Impressions

Although the 2009 Mazda RX-8 has the look of a race-tuned sports car, its demeanor on the road is considerably more docile. There's plenty of grip in the corners and solid feedback through the steering wheel, but a compliant ride means that it won't beat you up on the daily commute. The rotary engine requires high engine speeds to make serious power, but the delivery is virtually vibration-free and noise levels are subdued. If you like a smooth engine (in feel, sound and delivery), there's none smoother. Overall, the RX-8 is one of the best examples of a car that's both fun to drive and very livable on a day-to-day basis -- just be prepared to pay at the pump.

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2009 Chevrolet Traverse Review

2009 Chevrolet Traverse Review

Introduction

It's no great secret that recent history has seen a decline in the sales and appeal of truck-based SUVs as family movers. Nonetheless, no matter how practical and easy to use a minivan is, there's just no getting around the minivan stigma for many people. Automakers have reacted to this trend with the crossover SUV, a vehicle that combines the family-focused functionality and car-based dynamics of a minivan with the outgoing appearance and personality of an SUV. With the introduction of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, General Motors now has four such vehicles built on the same "Lambda" platform, the others being the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook.

Having so many similar vehicles available might seem like overkill, but the quality and thoughtfulness of design that all the Lambda crossovers share has made every one of them a strong segment contender thus far. The brand-new Traverse seems poised to do just as well, if not better. To help differentiate it from the General's other crossover offerings, the Traverse shares some styling cues with the new Malibu, including the distinctive mesh front grille, vaguely circular taillights and the lines of the dual-cockpit dash that extend onto the doors. Overall, the interior styling of the Traverse's cabin, while largely similar to the Acadia's and Outlook's due to parts-sharing, offers an edgier design without losing any mass appeal.

Like those that came before it, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is a strong entry in the already crowded full-size crossover SUV segment. If you're looking for a solid-performing people mover that seats up to eight (and doesn't exclude adults from the third row), hauls a lot of cargo and doesn't cramp your ego, the Traverse deserves your serious attention. Those considering a GM crossover who haven't made up their minds on which one should note that, at a starting price just over $28,000, the Chevy is the least expensive in the family. So if the styling and options specific to the Traverse speak to you, this latest addition to the brood may be just the right pick. But if the Traverse or its siblings don't work for you, the Ford Flex, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander are all worthy competitors and merit a close look.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is a large crossover SUV available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. Standard equipment on the LS includes 17-inch steel wheels, eight-passenger seating, split-folding second- and third-row bench seats, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, full power accessories, OnStar and a six-speaker CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.

The midrange LT trim level actually comes with the choice of two packages: the moderate 1LT and the more upscale 2LT. The 1LT package offers 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear parking sensors and remote vehicle start. Select the 2LT package and get all that plus Bluetooth, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker Bose system, rear audio system controls, seven-passenger seating featuring second-row captain's chairs, a power liftgate and a rearview camera integrated into the rearview mirror. The Traverse LTZ improves upon the 2LT with 20-inch wheels, leather seating, heated and cooled power front seats with driver memory settings, a navigation system with real-time traffic and a rearview camera.

Many of the features on upper trim levels can be added to the lower ones via optional packages. Also available are dual sunroofs and a rear-seat entertainment system. Should you wish to take advantage of the Traverse's 5,200-pound towing capacity, a trailering package is available on all trim levels and includes a heavy-duty engine cooler and trailer hitch.

Powertrains and Performance

There is only one engine/transmission combination available for the Chevrolet Traverse -- a 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. In the LS and LT trims, which sport a single-outlet exhaust, the V6 produces 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. In the uplevel LTZ, hp jumps to 288 and torque goes to 270 lb-ft thanks to a dual-outlet exhaust and an upgrade to direct fuel injection, which allows for increased efficiency and reduced emissions when compared to the V6 used in earlier years of the Traverse's platform mates.

EPA fuel economy estimates for the front-wheel-drive Traverse are 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive Traverse models are very similar at 16/23/19 mpg.

Safety

Antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows are all standard on every 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, as is one year of GM's OnStar service, including turn-by-turn navigation and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

In both frontal- and side-impact crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Traverse received a perfect five-star rating for its protection of occupants in head-on and side-impact collisions.

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside the roomy cabin of the Traverse is an attractive layout in a two-tone color scheme with brushed aluminum and chrome trim. The instrument panel consists of dual gauges featuring bright white numbers on a black background that are simple and easy to read. One of our few complaints is that the audio and climate controls consist of too many small and similar-looking buttons and not enough knobs.

Depending on the configuration chosen, the Traverse seats either seven (with second-row captain's chairs) or eight (split-folding second-row bench seat) passengers in three rows. The first- and second-row seats are quite comfortable and supportive, and the split-folding third-row seat which is often a kids-only zone in traditional SUVs -- can accommodate adults in reasonable comfort.

Maximum cargo capacity is a generous 117 cubic feet with second- and third-row seats folded down, and even with all three rows of seating in use, there are still a useful 24 cubic feet of luggage space.

Driving Impressions

Like the other three large General Motors crossovers, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse hits a happy medium between secure handling and a comfortable ride. And even though it is a big vehicle (4,720 pounds with front-wheel drive, 4,925 pounds with all-wheel drive), it doesn't feel nearly as large and lumbering as it should from behind the wheel. The 3.6-liter V6 feels peppy and capable. Its higher than average towing capability is a plus, too, though during a test-drive that included towing a 4,200-pound boat (1,000 pounds below the Traverse's maximum tow rating), the crossover seemed a bit overtaxed when compared to a lighter competitor. Additionally, the six-speed automatic transmission is often unwilling to downshift, which, though good for fuel economy, can be frustrating.

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2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

You don't buy a hybrid for its high horsepower or because it's fun to drive in any of the ways a traditional all-gas all-the-time car can be. You buy a hybrid to get better fuel economy than everything short of a golf cart. You buy a hybrid to use less gas in your everyday driving and to fill the air with fewer emissions every year. Those are all great reasons to consider the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid. It's not fast, it isn't a world-class handling car and it won't break any speed records. But it's a solid contender in the compact hybrid sedan market, an arena that is becoming increasingly crowded with vehicles worth considering.

The current Civic Hybrid was fully redesigned for 2006, but got a refresh for 2009 that includes styling changes to the nose and tail, and additional features like Bluetooth and leather upholstery. Our test car was the highest trim level Civic Hybrid available, with leather and a navigation system, giving it a slightly more upscale feel for a hybrid compact sedan. It also featured Bluetooth and satellite radio, all for a sticker price of $27,420 including destination charge, a couple thousand dollars less than a comparably equipped Toyota Prius.

Unlike the Prius, the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid is one of several hybrid vehicles that looks just like its non-hybrid sibling. While that may appeal to a buyer who likes to fly under the radar, many hybrid buyers are looking for something that looks a little different. For them, the 2010 Honda Insight will essentially share the Civic's hybrid technology, but will be more affordable and have that futuristic space-pod look that Prius buyers have flocked to. The non-hybrid Honda Fit should also be considered, with its spacious interior, fun-to-drive demeanor and still-impressive fuel economy, if you're not dead set on a hybrid.

Performance

Our 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid featured the 110-horsepower 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine (the only option for the hybrid sedan) coupled with an electric motor that kicks in 20 more hp, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Civic Hybrid is a little different from hybrids from other manufacturers in that the electric motor assists the gasoline engine when it needs it, but can't power the vehicle on its own (as Toyota's system can). Honda calls it Integrated Motor Assist.

From a stop, the Civic Hybrid can only be described as powerless. During performance testing, our Civic Hybrid test car took a painful 13.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, which makes it one of the slowest cars you can buy in this country. When the car finally starts moving, it's a bit jerky and halting. However, we found that passing on the highway was just fine, which isn't surprising given Honda's reputation for building engines that excel at tapping into available power at high rpm. During our time with the car, we achieved a combined fuel economy of 36.1 mpg (EPA estimates for the Civic Hybrid are 40 city/45 highway/40 combined), but during a fuel consumption test under controlled conditions we managed to get 45.7 mpg in combined driving.

Brake performance on our 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid test car was unimpressive. At our test track, the hybrid came to a stop from 60 mph in a longish 140 feet (the Prius stopped in 128), while the regenerative braking feature produces an odd pedal feel. Our drivers eventually got used to the pedal feel, and we'd expect most owners would, too. But there's no getting around the longer distances.

In terms of handling, we also observed a surprising amount of body roll around corners — this isn't a car that responds eagerly to aggressive driving. But in general, the Civic's handling and steering are perfectly appropriate for the kind of driving you'd be doing in a fuel-sipping compact sedan.

Comfort

Our top-of-the-line Civic Hybrid test car was decked out with heated leather front seats with manual seat-height adjustment, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The front seat cushion was firm (but not hard) with some minor side support. The more aggressive side bolstering on the seatback could feel a bit tight for a broad body type. Headroom and hiproom were better than expected for a compact. In back, the fairly flat rear bench seat offers very little lateral support, but the center seating position is softer and more comfortable than most in the class. Overall, it's an impressive level of comfort for a compact sedan in the under-$30,000 price range.

If only Honda could do the same thing about road noise. Enough tire rumble made its way into the cabin to remind us that this is a Honda (cars known for substantial road noise), with the most noisy moments occurring on highways and rougher road surfaces. Wind noise wasn't terribly obtrusive, but overall this is not a particularly quiet car.

Function

Though the Civic Hybrid's compact size allows for decent overall visibility, its high rear deck and wide rearmost roof pillars make it a little difficult to see while reversing. No extra parking aids (sensors, rearview camera) are available to remedy the situation.

As is typically the case with any Civic, the hybrid's climate controls are very simple, intuitive and easy to use. Unfortunately, the audio-navigation system controls drew mixed reviews.

The small knobs, rocker switches and buttons all look and feel too similar to each other, and they seem flimsy. But we appreciated the logically arranged menus and the detailed audio graphics of the touchscreen navigation system. Voice activation makes programming the navigation system a breeze — unlike other systems, you can enter a destination while driving.

Interior storage in the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid is varied and useful, for the most part, though there are no large storage areas. Small nooks and medium-size bins are plentiful and scattered throughout the front-seat area, but rear-seat storage is limited to seatback pockets and shallow door bins. Two adjustable cupholders by the front seat work well and can be hidden completely by a sliding door, but there are no rear cupholders or rear armrest.

The Civic Hybrid's trunk measures only 10 cubic feet (due to the battery pack), which is almost 50 percent smaller than that of the Toyota Prius (the Prius can also expand further thanks to its hatchback body style and flip-down seats). Honda's Fit hatchback is also much roomier (max cargo is 20.6 cubes, while most other dimensions are comparable). Nevertheless, the Civic's trunk easily swallowed two sets of golf clubs, and one or two small luggage pieces will also fit at the same time. Our child safety seat fit just fine in the rear seat, though, as can be expected in a compact sedan, it reduced the range of seat travel for the front passenger when installed facing the rear.

Design/Fit and Finish

Thanks to the recent benchmark of hybridtude, the Toyota Prius, the space pod look has become synonymous with the term "hybrid." The Civic Hybrid is a stealth hybrid, as it has the same newly updated exterior design as the non-hybrid Civic. The future Prius-look Honda Insight would seem to indicate people haven't exactly warmed to this philosophy, though.

Inside, the swoopy dash looks more design-y than previous-generation Civics. Our tester featured the new-for-2009 leather seating, which had a fine, light texture and a snazzy navy blue hue. Other interior materials are made from perfectly acceptable plastics, some with a pleasant sheen, some with a pebbly look to them. The leather-trimmed steering wheel is moderately grippy. Our test vehicle seemed well put together and we noticed no squeaks or rattles in our time behind the wheel.

Who Should Consider This Vehicle

If you're simply looking for an ultra-efficient reliable sedan with some available luxury goodies, the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid with leather and navigation may be a good choice for you. But we think most buyers will be better off waiting for a 2010 Honda Insight or buying a Toyota Prius, which offers more efficiency, performance and interior space.

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2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe shares its name with the Genesis sedan, but that's effectively where the sharing stops. Yes, the Coupe's uplevel 3.8-liter V6 is similar (though not identical) to the sedan's base engine, and yes, the cars roll on the same basic platform. Drive them back to back, though, and you'll think they might as well be from different planets. While the Coupe is laudably comfortable and refined, it has none of the sedan's plush, isolated character. It's a genuinely sporting car that can run with its benchmark, the Infiniti G37 coupe, in all respects save straight-line acceleration. If you're looking for a stylish coupe with serious performance, the Genesis Coupe is one of the best deals on the market.

The Genesis Coupe's 2.0T trim levels come with a 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Considering the car's affordable base price and the presumptive ease with which horsepower can be increased by aftermarket tuners, the 2.0T will likely be the trim of choice for young hot-rodders. Should you wish to keep your Genesis' warranty intact, the turbo-4 is adequate right out of the box, and the uplevel 3.8-liter V6 provides burly acceleration with an exhaust note to match. The only powertrain lowlight is the shifter/clutch tandem on manual-transmission models -- the shifter lacks precision, and neither it nor the clutch likes to be rushed.

There's very little wrong with the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe from a style or design perspective. The exterior sheet metal is handsome and sporty -- calling the coupe the best-looking Hyundai ever would be a perfectly reasonable statement. The cabin is particularly impressive, boasting an enveloping cockpit-like environment. The rear seat is useless for adults, but you can fit a couple kids back there in a pinch. We've often said that Hyundai's models are "nice for the price," but the Genesis Coupe is just a nice car, period.

Note that the Genesis Coupe does have a clear rival in the bang-for-the-buck category -- the new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, which offers a sophisticated 300-hp V6 at the Genesis Coupe 2.0T's price point, and a honking 422-hp V8 priced opposite the top-of-the-line Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track. One could also consider the retro-themed and enjoyable Ford Mustang GT a competitor for the 3.8 Track model. But no other coupe can match the Hyundai's combination of style, refinement and performance for the price. The BMW 128i comes the closest, but its polarizing exterior design hurts its case, and the Nissan 370Z is too single-minded in its sportiness to present a real challenge. We weren't sure we'd ever be saying this about a Hyundai performance car, but the Genesis Coupe is the real deal.


Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a performance coupe available in six trim levels: 2.0T, 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Track, 3.8, 3.8 Grand Touring and 3.8 Track. The base 2.0T comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a tilt (but not telescoping) steering column, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a trip computer,

Bluetooth and a CD/MP3 stereo with USB/iPod connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted controls. The 2.0T Premium adds a power driver seat, keyless ignition, an Infinity audio system, a sunroof and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The 2.0T Track piles on 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, Brembo brakes, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension, xenon headlights, foglamps, a limited-slip rear differential, red cloth seat inserts and aluminum pedals.

In addition to the 3.8-liter V6, the Genesis Coupe 3.8 comes with the base 2.0T's standard equipment plus foglights, chrome front fascia accents, metal door sill plates, automatic climate control and black leather upholstery. The 3.8 Grand Touring adds rear parking sensors, xenon headlights, foglights, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless ignition, a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats and the Infinity audio system. The 3.8 Track is equipped similarly to the Grand Touring and also gains the 2.0T Track's performance-related equipment.

Options are limited to carpeted floor mats and an iPod/USB cable.


Powertrains and Performance

The rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis Coupe is powered by either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (in 2.0T models) or a 3.8-liter V6 (in 3.8 models). The four generates 210 hp and 223 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 pumps out 306 hp and 266 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the board, while a five-speed automatic is optional on the 2.0T and 2.0T Premium (the 2.0T track is manual-only), and a six-speed automatic is optional on all 3.8 models. Both automatics feature paddle shifters.

In performance testing, we recorded an impressive 5.9-second sprint from zero to 60 mph for the 3.8 Track model, We've also tested a 2.0T with the manual transmission, and that car accomplished the same task in 6.9 seconds, which is about average for a sport coupe in the low $20,000 price range.

EPA fuel economy estimates range from 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway for the manual-shift 2.0T to 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the manual-shift 3.8.


Safety

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.


Interior Design and Special Features

The Genesis Coupe's cabin boasts an alluring mix of eye-catching contours and generally high-quality materials, though the silver-painted plastic on the center stack is clichéd. The dash's swooping curves flow into the door panels, necessitating an unconventional sideways orientation for the power window and mirror switches.

The driving position is excellent, with abundant outward visibility despite the low-slung seating position; however, the lack of a telescoping steering wheel means that drivers with shorter legs may find the wheel uncomfortably close to their chests. Controls are generally intuitive, but navigating through the stereo's tonal adjustments is too labor-intensive. Despite being an upgrade, the Infinity audio system generates only mediocre sound.

The power seats that come standard on higher trim levels are superbly shaped for both enthusiastic driving and long-distance cruising. The rear seat, though, is strictly for kids and cargo. The 10-cubic-foot trunk is surprisingly useful, particularly with the rear seats folded down, but the folding procedure requires an awkward reach deep into the trunk.

Driving Impressions

On the road, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track is virtually a dead ringer for its Infiniti G37 inspiration. Hyundai even aped Nissan/Infiniti's trademark baritone exhaust note for the V6. Body control in quick transitions is excellent, steering feel and responsiveness are all-time Hyundai bests, and the sophisticated ride quality won't beat you up over broken pavement. The 2.0T Track model combines these ride/handling characteristics with even better balance, thanks to its lighter-weight engine; on the downside, acceleration from the turbo-4 is merely adequate for this segment. Non-Track models feature a more compliant ride at the expense of all-out handling ability.

The biggest performance issue lies with the manual transmission. The shifter lacks the direct, positive feel one would hope for from a car of this caliber, and the high-strung clutch requires too much attention in aggressive driving.

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