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Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Subaru BRZ or Toyota 86?

Hi, Botchi! 

I've been reading your replies to other readers for quite some time now and I really like the advice you give--short, direct, and concise--so I thought of finally dropping you a note on what I've been thinking about over the past few weeks. I hope you'll help me finally make up my mind.

I've been fond of cars since I started driving at 16--a good 12 years ago.

Since coming back to the Philippines and starting to work here again last year, I've started on saving up to buy my own car. This will be my first-ever car purchase so I'm looking for a nice sports coupe, which I can take to the track (with my friends who drive Subaru Imprezas) every once in a while. I'd also want to tune it and tinker with it, and keep it (for sentimental reasons) until hopefully long after I retire.

My budget now is P1.4 million, which is right where the entry-level Hyundai Genesis Coupe falls so that's the easiest to get. But since I've been hearing news about the Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86 and even the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe arriving this year, I've been dilly-dallying on whether or not it's better to wait (and for how long?) and stretch my budget a little bit (for which car?). I'm also wondering if it's better to just get it over with and get the Genesis Coupe at P1.4 million or stretch it still and get the 3.8 V6 for P1.75 million.

I hope you can help me find the perfect car.

Thanks in advance!

Justin

Hi, Justin!

Thanks for your email. This is definitely one enviable list of cars you're contemplating on getting!

One problem facing our country is that we are such a small market with a small demand for these premium products so we are usually the last to get an allocation in the production schedule from factories abroad. Bigger markets such as the US, Europe and Japan get dibs on the newest, latest sports cars. With this in mind, it's hard to say when exactly we will be getting the cars you've mentioned.

I asked around some of the big bosses and here's the feedback I got.

The Subaru BRZ will arrive supposedly in the Philippine market by the third quarter of 2013. The Toyota 86's supposed schedule, on the other hand, is end-2012 at the soonest--if we're lucky. The Genesis facelift will hopefully be introduced in the middle of 2012 with a new line of direct injection gasoline engines that make far more power, lower emission and have better fuel efficiency.

My best bet is the Genesis in V6 form with the direct injection engine. It would be hard to beat 345hp out of the box and it's already on sale in other markets so we're bound to get it really soon.

Happy motoring! Be safe and God bless!

Botchi Santos
Consumer editor

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  • kimxanne Mar 31 2012 @ 10:16am
     
    if you plan to keep it (for sentimental reasons) until hopefully long after you retire, dont choose the genesis, hyundai quality sucks..madaling kumalampag.. it will wear out easily, it means you will have to visit the shop for maintenance more often, its a super dead investment, the resale value is so disapointing..
        7
    • marcha77 Mar 31 2012 @ 10:23am
       
      Question! Why do you always generalize when you make comments like this?
          4
      • kimxanne Mar 31 2012 @ 10:43am
         
        yan kasi ang totoo pagdating sa quality ng korean cars..
            4
      • dsobreo Mar 31 2012 @ 11:23am
         
        Immaturity sir...
            3
      • kyrejohn Apr 02 2012 @ 09:45am
         
        i dont think tsamba yung comment nya. may point naman kasi.
            1
    • hondajazz Mar 31 2012 @ 12:42pm
       
      SUPER DEAD INVESTMENT TALAGA.BIRUIN MO AFTER ILANG MONTHS LANG MAY MASISIRA NA?TAPOS AFTER 1 YEAR.THEN THE NEXT YEAR.YUNG TIPONG MASASAWA KA NA KAKAPAREPAIR HANGGANG SA IBENTA MO NALANG.AND TO THINK NA AFTER MO MABENTA YUN.LAHAT NG PARTS NAPALITAN MO NA DAHIL LAHAT NASIRA.
          5
    • car_mac Mar 31 2012 @ 12:42pm
       
      if you like durability and quality then you can go for the toyota 86
          4
    • barry Apr 02 2012 @ 02:52pm
       
      natatawa tuloy ako dito. haha
         
    • CarEnthusiast05 Apr 09 2012 @ 01:19am
       
      may taong ako sayo, may experience ka ba talaga sa Hyundai? no offense ha. curious lang. may Hyundai kasi kame pero walang problema na binibigay sa amin basta well-mentained yung sasakyan. tanong ko lang din kung ano ang basis mo, kung yung mga lumang Hyundai ang sinasabe mo o yung mga bago? BTW, year 2000 pa yung Starex namin. 279,825 km na ang natatakbo pero walang mabibigat na problema pwera yung pagpapalit namin ng radiator. di ko pinagtatanggol ang hyundai. may experience kasi ako. may basihan. no offense pare ha. tanong ko lang yung mga yan. :D
         
      • Allain May 12 2012 @ 02:00pm
         
        Well after 2 months wala pa rin sumasagot..bakit kamo kasi wala silang Hyundai Vehicle. Yan mga yan kasi they work as an AGENTS or Marketing Consultant ng Toyota or Honda. Ang masasabi ko lang is with the Power of this Hyundai Genesis V6 talagang naman kakain ng alikabok ang Toyota 86 at Subaru BZR.
           
  • torquebender Mar 31 2012 @ 10:22am
     
    mas maganda ba ang handling ng 86 (or ung brz? parehas lang nmn cla eh) sa genesis?
       
    • Troytin Mar 31 2012 @ 12:24pm
       
      Siguradong mas maganda handling nun sir. Toyota and Subaru yun e. Diba nga ang Hyundai cars weird ang steering wheel?
          5
    • barry Apr 02 2012 @ 02:52pm
       
      kahit san sa dalawa...
         
    • sugeina Apr 12 2012 @ 08:54am
       
      It's a lot better, sir. That car was specifically designed for pure handling pleasure, and not so much as speed/power.
      If you want numbers, the gt86/brz is 300kg lighter than the gencoupe, with a low center of gravity that's lower than the ferrari 458 italia's, and a near perfect 55-45 front-rear weight distribution. :)
         
  • jasonstriker34 Mar 31 2012 @ 10:24am
     
    try look out for BMW
        2
    • car_mac Mar 31 2012 @ 12:41pm
       
      walang BMW lesser than 2M
         
      • 17Sphynx17 Mar 31 2012 @ 05:56pm
         
        i think meron 116i to be exact =)
           
        • car_mac Apr 02 2012 @ 07:55pm
           
          its the hatchback and its price is 1.990 million, almost 2M na rin :)
             
        • car_mac Apr 02 2012 @ 07:56pm
           
          yung hatchback 1.990M rin eh, almost 2M na rin :)
             
    • markdejesus76 Mar 31 2012 @ 06:05pm
       
      Pre-owned volvo nlang. May jaguar din less than 2m. haha
         
  • jabroni Mar 31 2012 @ 10:58am
     
    Nyak ang tagal pa pala darating dito.
       
  • jojo204200 Mar 31 2012 @ 11:45am
     
    Parang napakadaling mapagsawaan ang porma ng hyundai. Get a closer look at Hyundai year model 2004 or even 2008, wala nang dating kahit itabi mo pa sa mas lumang ibang brands, maybe except for the Starex models.
        5
    • someonespecialisme Mar 31 2012 @ 12:05pm
       
      totoo nga..ung hyundai kasi sa sobrang radical ng redisign nila...nakakasawa rin tingnan agad..
          5
  • mindkinetic Mar 31 2012 @ 12:01pm
     
    the genesis has the power u can utilize when you bring it on the tracks . since you intend to tinker with it probably tune it up to spike further its power i bet maintainance will not be an issue. the toyota 86 and the brz are good choices as you will be benefitting from its boxer engine allowing a lower center of gravity which makes handling precise if it is readily available in the market i'l reccomemnd the brz since your friends are all so familiar with subarus ,however the long snag in waiting is quite discouraging. the genesis is your best choice as of the moment. it's fast , nimble, and top rate in the look's department ( choose the v6).
        4
  • Troytin Mar 31 2012 @ 12:25pm
     
    BRZ! Subaru yan e!
        4
  • gogogo Mar 31 2012 @ 01:59pm
     
    siguro mabuting hintayin na lang muna na lumabas yung 86 bago magdecide. same lang naman sila ng brz. depende na lang pag naglabas ng sti version. hahaha!
        2
  • BOOGIECAT Mar 31 2012 @ 02:15pm
     
    Mga nasa 1.8 Million to 2 Million Pesos ang BRZ at 86..

        2
  • yokam888 Mar 31 2012 @ 04:11pm
     
    i assume that the letter sender is still a bachelor so my advice is:

    get the cheapest sports car in the market.

    kasi pag mag aasawa ka na, tiyak:

    1.) the wife would be the one who will use it OR
    2.) the wife would let you sell it kasi
    -----2.a) you need a bigger more practical vehicle to accommodate the kids OR
    -----2.b) she will never let you drive it alone kasi baka gamitin mo pang chicks

    when it comes to resale value, expect the price to really go down (kahit anong brand pa yan) because as what mr. botchi said "there's a small market and small demand for these premium products", so mahihirapan kang makahanap ng buyer :) sarap maging binata ulit lol
       
    • Troytin Mar 31 2012 @ 10:12pm
       
      2.b) she will never let you drive it alone kasi baka gamitin mo pang chicks
      pre natawa ako dito!haha! :D
          1
    • barry Apr 02 2012 @ 02:54pm
       
      i like your suggestion! haha. pero honestly, it's true. hindi naman habambuhay eh, binata ka. kelangan lang magisip ng mabuti...
         
    • barry Apr 02 2012 @ 03:01pm
       
      the letter sender loved your opinion. hehe
         
    • John Rigor Apr 03 2012 @ 09:38am
       
      Or maybe he could just get a Hyundai Veloster, Subaru Impreza STi or a Mitsubishi EVO X, para makasama ang family sa track day! :)
         
      • John Rigor Apr 03 2012 @ 09:38am
         
        Hyundai Veloster Turbo, that is. :)
            1
        • sugeina Apr 12 2012 @ 09:02am
           
          Tama, para kumpleto:
          Front wheel drive hyundai veloster
          Rear wheel drive toyota gt86
          All wheel drive subaru impreza wrx sti

          Masmura pa all those three combined vs an audi r8 hehe.
             
    • smurf44 Apr 23 2012 @ 10:11pm
       
      Very true!!! Lol... When I got married, naging puro sedan at van na sasakyan ko hehe
         
    • Allain May 12 2012 @ 02:05pm
       
      Ganito ang mag cocomment..di tulad ng iba dyan..Pangit ang ganito..pangit ang ganyan..madaling masira ang ganito..laging sira si ganon. Baka parating kasing lasing kaya parating sira ang gay-on!hahaha
         
  • troybentz Mar 31 2012 @ 04:43pm
     
    I say hyundai GENESIS that V6 is awesome! for 1.8m that's a bargain!.. V6 comparison's in the US puts the hyundai GENESIS in the same league as CHEVY CAMARO V6 and FORD MUSTANG V6. nuf said. yeah the hyundai badge SUCKS! but but but but YES hyundai sells a Genesis badge. so YOU can actually ripp out the hyundai badge and put on the Genesis badge then it would really look like a highend sports car.
        1
  • markdejesus76 Mar 31 2012 @ 05:58pm
     
    Just wait for Subaru BRZ/ Toyota 86. Horsepower and look doesn't tell the whole story. In fact, even if the Genesis V6 has 345hp, it's still slower than Nissan 370z V6 and Mustang GT (2010 model V8) . But if can't wait, then you may take the Genesis (then tune it to your set-up like). Tsaka nkakasawa tignan yung design ng hyundai. Striking sa umpisa pero pag tumagal na, mas maganda pang tignan yung lumang Honda Civic.
        5
    • Troytin Mar 31 2012 @ 10:17pm
       
      Yea. Even if it has more HP than the 370Z(331HP). The 370Z will still be better than the GC in any department. Whether it's a straight line or a race track. Ang bilis pa maluma ng itsura. Mapapatingin ka lang naman sa GC kapag dilaw e. Pero kapag hindi dilaw hindi ka mapapalingon. Hindi mo mapapansin na GC.
          4
  • Kyoichi Sudo Mar 31 2012 @ 11:49pm
     
    Why not try the Veloster?
        4
    • dsobreo Apr 01 2012 @ 09:58am
       
      Onga
          1
    • adgarcia Apr 02 2012 @ 11:52am
       
      Panget ng Belo-STER! Kumakatok ang makina!
          1
    • sugeina Apr 12 2012 @ 09:05am
       
      I heard from the mias that srp of the nonturbo veloster might be around 1.4m. Di nalang.
         
  • neotech93 Apr 01 2012 @ 08:32am
     
    WOW! I'm also a Justin and am planning on buying one of these cars haha. Good advice.
       
    • sugeina Apr 12 2012 @ 09:09am
       
      Have you read the 10things abt brz article already? What's your verdict, sir? Me, i might just wait it out... Ive been waiting this long anyway, what's another year or so for buying my only luho for a car. After that, mga honda jazz nalang for city driving and an suv for long out of town trips.
         
      • ev9402 Apr 14 2012 @ 12:58pm
         
        Just wait it out sir, i'm sure you'll be delighted:) That's a promise.
           
      • neotech93 Apr 15 2012 @ 09:18pm
         
        Hello fellow Justin! Yes, I've read the BRZ article :D I've been thinking about it a lot and it seems that I'll be deciding between the BRZ and the 86 but the 86 has some sentimental value for me 'cuz my dad used to own its ancestor ;) It's also more familiar for me 'cuz I already own a Miata, the BRZ's supposed competitor. The design of the Genesis is too much for me. I can imagine it easily being outdated in terms of looks. Besides, the Genesis with its V6, I assume it would have power delivery similar to a base Mustang (which, btw I've also driven already). It isn't really my thing. In my opinion, nothing can really substitute good performance brought about by lack of weight.

        I'm in no rush so I can definitely wait for the BRZ and with its price tag, it's also in my budget. But my practical side keeps my options open. I'm also considering an STi and an EVO/Ralliart.

        Don't rush when you're buying a car like this sir. Let your mind guide you and your heart motivate you ;) Just go with the flow wherever your research brings you and keep an open mind.
        I took my time with the Miata (almost 2 years after drafting a list of almost 20). One of the best choices I've ever made. Hope this helps. :D
           
  • jetski Apr 01 2012 @ 09:53am
     
    Hyundai Genesis hand's down it is a pony challenger even beating them according to Motor Trend & Car and Driver. Whereas this 2 are re badge Scion, with styling inspired by the Genesis... although they have the lackluster version...
       
    • dsobreo Apr 01 2012 @ 09:59am
       
      Napanood ko din yan... Bias lang talaga mga tao dito
          1
    • markdejesus76 Apr 01 2012 @ 10:48am
       
      Scion is a re-badge Toyota ONLY (Nothing wrong with it). BRZ/86 is not inspired by the styling of Genesis (Obviously seen with conservative lines).
         
      • jetski Apr 01 2012 @ 12:50pm
         
        waht is so conservative about a kink in the shoulder?? clearly inspired... what is wrong with being inspired?! everyone work this way.. unless someone is insecure...
           
        • markdejesus76 Apr 01 2012 @ 01:00pm
           
          Pag may hubog sa fender shoulder inspired agad sa genesis?
             
          • jetski Apr 01 2012 @ 01:13pm
             
            it just so happens that it is competing in the same class of vehicle & GC is the 1st one to use that window kink in that particular segment... even their own Boss admits being inspired & threaten by the surging Hyundai juggernaut, try researching Mr. Toyoda's statement when their super sports car was launched a couple of months ago..
               
            • dsobreo Apr 01 2012 @ 01:48pm
               
              The front grill muhkang hexagonal
                 
            • ev9402 Apr 14 2012 @ 12:55pm
               
              Just to give some background on 86/BRZ, the window profile/ glass house of the 86 is inspired by Toyota 2000GT. They incorporated its design to go back to its racing heritage. The Toyota 2000GT was produced way back in the '60s-'70s at the time South Korea was still rebuilding itself and i believe Hyundai at this time is non existent yet in the global automotive scene. Therefore, to say that the 86's design is lifted from the GC since GC came first than the 86, try looking at the history books and tell who started making sports cars first.
                 
              • jetski Apr 15 2012 @ 08:42am
                 
                and why do they feel the need to do that because they feel threatened just like you, can't accept defeat in the hand of the so called "new kids on the block". by the way Hyundai is already around during 50's.. Mr. Toyoda already accepted the fact, why can't you?!
                   
    • gogogo Apr 02 2012 @ 01:45pm
       
      rebadged scion? hindi ba baliktad? since subaru ang toyota ang nag tie up para gawin yung brz/86? tapos ni rebadge for scion? hehehe
         
  • jetski Apr 01 2012 @ 09:55am
     
    everything P depends on the user... haha... tell to International critics if Hyundai quality sucks... i bet you will have less than your fingers to get No.
       
    • smurf44 Apr 23 2012 @ 10:16pm
       
      Very true. Hyundai cars in US and Europe get really high marks in performance, safety and reliability. Traditionalist Lang kasi mga Pinoy kaya die-hard Toyota or Mitsubishi pa rin. I have a 4-yr old Santa fe and it is still the speed king in sled, nlex and skyway hehe
         
  • sugeina Apr 01 2012 @ 11:35pm
     
    Thanks for the reply, Botchi. This is Justin who emailed you.
    I think, by now, I've read almost everything there is to read about them 86/BRZ's online; even scrolling all they way back for 2009 forum posts in ft86club.com. Mid-2013 for the BRZ and 4Q2012 for the GT86 (if we're lucky)? I don't think I can wait that long for something that's not even sure to really come out here.
    Anyway, I just came from the MIAS last Friday, and the Hyundai person there told me they'll probably wait for the old stocks to be depleted before they bring in the facelifted w/direct injection gencoupes. So now, I'm hoping they give huge discounts for cash buyers for the old version... wishful thinking.

    Now if I may reply to the other comments here...
    The Veloster is interesting. But after trying the s2000 in fuji speedway when I was working in Tokyo, I decided then I'd get an FR car I can drift. I'm not sure about the testimonials about the sub-par quality of Hyundai's, but they're points well taken. I'll just do some online research on GenCoupe issues before finally deciding. Hopefully they're not much as I believe Hyundai has already improved a lot over the years. Re: resale value, I don't really mind since I'm not planning on selling it ever anyway.

    The 86's handling is different than the BRZ's according to the review posts I've read, and that's about the only difference apart from minor aesthetics in the exteriors and interiors. Subaru intentionally designed the BRZ to understeer a bit (compared to the 86), so that it will be somewhat familiar to drivers who are used to the understeer of their 4WD Imprezas. And 200hp is more than enough to have fun driving around our tracks here. I heard they're planning a convertible GT86 also, although that doesn't matter too much for me what with our weather here in the Philippines.

    And, yes, yokam888, I am single. My girlfriend really loved your comment, though.

    Cheers, everyone!
       
    • dsobreo Apr 02 2012 @ 12:24am
       
      Follow your heart sir... Teka naguluhan lang ako... Single ka pero may GF?
         
    • kyrejohn Apr 02 2012 @ 09:48am
       
      Sir. How about THE Mustang?
         
      • dsobreo Apr 02 2012 @ 11:32am
         
        onga pwede din... or Camaro diba?
           
      • adgarcia Apr 02 2012 @ 11:51am
         
        Ah oo pwde rin nakaka-appeal ang mga muscle cars! Ung mustang and Camaro prang luxury car na ang dting di ktulad ng dati.
           
      • sugeina Apr 02 2012 @ 12:59pm
         
        outside my budget na eh.
           
        • dsobreo Apr 02 2012 @ 03:03pm
           
          I suggest sir try mo pumunta sa Auto Access sa west ave.... May 2012 G.coupe dun... kaw na mismo humusga
              1
    • gasoline_boy Apr 02 2012 @ 10:01am
       
      very well said sir. Hat's off to you. based on what you've written, I think you'd be happy on what ever car you'd buy..
         
    • barry Apr 02 2012 @ 03:00pm
       
      if i were in your shoes, il just wait for the subaru BRZ. mahaba pa ang oras para magipon para worth it pag binili mo na ang car of your choice...i love your comment sir. hats off to you...
          1
  • adgarcia Apr 02 2012 @ 11:48am
     
    Maganda ang Genesis Coupe sa exterior and interior kaso ang PANGEEEET! Kumakatok din ang makina ng Genesis Coupe. May nkita ako sa SCTEX na nakatow ang GC.
        2
    • dsobreo Apr 02 2012 @ 03:04pm
       
      puro ka katok boy katok
          1
      • mindkinetic Apr 02 2012 @ 03:18pm
         
        hahaha natawa ako sa response mo dsobreo
           
        • CarEnthusiast05 Apr 09 2012 @ 01:13am
           
          depende naman kasi yon sa driver. kahit napaka ganda pa ng makina mo, kung pabaya ka naman, talgang bibigay yon.
             
      • carwiki May 07 2012 @ 08:17pm
         
        Hahaha! Nice!
           
    • jetski Apr 15 2012 @ 08:46am
       
      how many katok does Hyundai have, compare to other carmakes? does Hyundai recall more than 12 million cars???? depend on the user..
         
  • RS500 Apr 05 2012 @ 02:29pm
     
    It's too early to decide.
       
  • supersaiyan99 Apr 27 2012 @ 11:56am
     
    Genesis sobrang bilis 350hp w8 nyo bagong GENESIS 3rd gen hahaha
       
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