The Genesis coupe is offered with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder or an optional V-6, and this is one of those times when it's worth the extra money to choose the optional engine. I drove both versions of the Genesis coupe, and the additional power and refinement offered by the V-6 makes up for its worse gas mileage and additional cost.

The turbo four-cylinder provides acceptable acceleration when you wind it out, with power building more steadily than you might expect from a turbocharged engine. Peak torque is rated at 223 pounds-feet at a low 2,000 rpm. However, unlike Volkswagen's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, this engine doesn't encourage you to rev it. It makes an annoying buzzing sound as engine rpm increase, accompanied by an equally unappealing vibration through the steering wheel that you can feel in your fingertips. It's the type of sensation you could get used to in an economy car, but it seems completely out of place in a sporty coupe.

The standard six-speed manual transmission works decently, but the high-effort clutch and shifter don't engender the sense of driving pleasure an exceptional manual can. It does the job, but little more. My upper arm and shoulder got jammed up against the seat a little when shifting into 2nd or 4th gear, which may have had something to do with the shape of the seat or the position of the shifter in the center console. Regardless, it was definitely out of the ordinary.