HYUNDAI

TWO TRUE Hyundai’s Restyled 2.0-litre Coupe Could Well Be The Pick Of An Impressive Range. Jonathan Crouch Reports

Let’s say this right up front. This Hyundai Coupe has surprised even us. From being a cut-price alternative to frankly better mainstream models, it’s now arguably a class leader, even though prices are still tightly pitched. Not only does the restyled version still look great, it also handles sharply and is beautifully built. Read that again – and remember that we’re talking about a Hyundai here.

Yes, the same company that produces the Getz and the Tuscon – good enough purchases if you view the acquisition of a car much as you would a washing machine, but not the kind of products you’d expect to see from a manufacturer seeking to produce a satisfying sporting coupe. Our first experience of this latest version was at the wheel of the range-topping 2.7-litre V6 variant. It’s an extremely impressive piece of kit, but it does come with a couple of pieces of unwanted baggage. First, a £19,597 price tag which, even for a car this good, seems a lot to pay, given that the badge won’t sit easily in the golf club carpark. Second is a rather portly 1390kg of weight, which rather takes the edge off what should be sparkling performance. With an engine of nearly three litres under the bonnet, you can’t help but feel from behind the wheel that you really ought to be going a lot quicker. All of which adds plenty of credence to the argument for promoting the £18,022 2.0-litre 136bhp model featured here as the pick of the range. Dynamically, it may lag slightly behind the Mazda RX-8 and an Alfa GT Coupe probably has the edge in the styling stakes but the pricing of the Hyundai still marks it out. And other than these two alternatives, there’s not much else. Want an Alfa Brera, a Mercedes C-Class Sports Coupe, a BMW 3 Series Coupe or even a Nissan 350z for this kind of money? Dream on.

"The concept of less being more isn’t always an easy one to swallow, but in this case, it makes sense…"

Whereas the top Hyundai Coupe rather feels as if its been saddled with a V6 engine originally developed for something else (two other cars actually, the Santa Fe 4x4 and the Trajet MPV), this 2.0-litre model is a much nicer package, nor only because of the 110kg advantage it enjoys in weight terms. The engine’s quite sweet and reasonably torquey, all factors that encourage you to make the most of more agile handling. Not that this is really an out-and-out sports car – though the rather fidgety ride over poor surfaces at low speeds leads us to believe that its maker thinks it is. In fact, the handling is what we’ve come to expect from Hyundai Coupes – far better than the matinee-idol looks would suggest, but geared towards entertaining the average driver rather than wringing the last few tenths out of a lap for track day fiends. Think of it more as an old-style GT sports coupe and you’ll be closest to the mark. In true Hyundai style, equipment levels are complete. Only one well specified variant is being offered here in 2.0-litre form and it includes leather trim as well as the usual deal – iPod-compatible CD player, air conditioning, four airbags, ABS, electric windows, remote central locking, power mirrors and so on. Interior space isn’t bad if you count the rear seats as occasional items. The only grumble is headroom, which can be an issue if you’re much over six feet tall. If so, don’t opt for the sunroof, as this exacerbates the problem. Otherwise front space is generous and the big boot serves up a welcome dose of practicality. The best thing about this car however, is the way it looks. Not for nothing have the sweeping lines been compared to those of a Ferrari 456. Today there’s a restyled front end to consider with longer, meaner headlamps, a thin ‘letterbox’ grille and a wide air-intake below that hides revised fog lights in its corners. The trademark side gills now also have integrated side repeater lights. Inside, build quality is surprisingly good and there’s a retro feel to the decor. The instruments now illuminate in blue and some of the metallic finishes look quite upmarket. This variant does without the V6 model’s six-speed manual gearbox, as does the one below it, the entry-level 1.6-litre model. This has a more spartan specification and only 105bhp on tap, so unless cash is really tight, it’s well worth shaking the piggy bank a bit harder and going for the 2.0-litre version. Shake harder still and you’ll be on course to affording the 4-speed automatic option that’s £1,000 more. The concept of less being more isn’t always an easy one to swallow. In this case however, you might well feel that in choosing the 2.0-litre Coupe variant, you’ve really been rather clever.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Hyundai Coupe 2.0 SE PRICE: £18,022 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 10 CO2 EMISSIONS: 202g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 128mph / 0-60mph 9.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 24.8mpg / (extra urban) 38.7mpg /(combined) 32.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, Twin front and side airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 5395/1760/1330mm

CLASS ACT The latest Hyundai Coupe has looks to die for but does it measure up? Steve Ghosley Reports…

Practice certainly makes perfect as far as Hyundai are concerned, particularly with respect to the design of their popular Coupe. We’ve seen numerous versions of this sporty little number over the years, each one honing the shape and refining the detailing of its predecessor. The latest version certainly should be the best yet.

If it wasn’t for the easily recognisable badge, it would be very simple to mistake this Coupe’s sleek lines for those of a car emanating from the prestigious Maranello factory. Hyundai have been pretty cute here because in the coupe sector of the market, it tends to be ‘looks’ that sell a car often regardless of what’s beneath the bonnet. The first generation Hyundai Coupe was a very good car but it was still bought primarily on price. All that changed with the introduction of the second generation model in 2003. Here, at last, was a car that could be bought on its merits alone. As a result, it sold well in the UK, recording figures that outshone more familiar names like Toyota’s Celica and Audi’s TT. It’s the SIII version of this model that we’re looking at here and this is its second facelift. Upon acquaintance with this latest Coupe, you’re at first drawn to its swoopy Latin styling and its solidly Teutonic interior, noting that they’ve managed to hit the nail firmly on the head in these departments. There’s a restyled front end to consider with longer, meaner headlamps, a thin ‘letterbox’ grille and a wide air-intake below that hides revised fog lights in its corners. The trademark side gills now also have integrated side repeater lights. Inside, build quality is surprisingly good and there’s a retro feel to the decor. The instruments now illuminate in blue and some of the metallic finishes look quite upmarket.

"The best thing about this car however, is the way it looks."

Three petrol engines are on offer, opening up with the 1.6-litre. This 16v DOHC in-line four-cylinder powerplant doesn’t disgrace itself either. The Coupe 1.6 will hit 60mph in 11.4 seconds and run on to a top speed of 115mph. Being able to return an average of over 37mpg is also much to its credit. The 2.0-litre model offers more power and is a much nicer package all round. The engine’s quite sweet and reasonably torquey, all factors that encourage you to make the most of the car’s agile handling. The sprint is accomplished in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 129 mph using the manual gearbox. Top of the range is the 2.7-litre V6 DOHC 24-valve version, developing 165 bhp and capable of a top speed nearing 140 mph. In order to enable enthusiastic drivers to make the most of the V6 performance, it comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic transmission is also available. The equipment levels are surprisingly good. For example, the entry-level 1.6-litre model comes with floating calliper brakes including ABS and electronic brake-force distribution. Likewise, it’s tempting to give Hyundai a bell and ask them what twin front and side airbags are doing on the entry level car, not to mention part-leather trim, air conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo with built-in iPod connector and central locking. The 2.0-litre model adds full leather trim, climate control, metal trimmed pedals and footrest, 17-inch alloy wheels, twin exhausts, cruise control and heated front seats. The range-topping V6 adds a Thatcham category 1 alarm, traction control and automatic dimming rear view mirror. So what’s it like to drive? Even the 1.6-litre Coupe will come as something of a surprise. No, you don’t get that infectious low-end shove nor that terrifying metallic wail of the 2.7-litre, but you will almost immediately feel that there’s a good deal less weight in the nose. The featherweight 1.6-litre engine gives the Coupe a nimbleness and delicacy that the flagship variant lacks. The brakes are also excellent, firm and fade free after repeated applications. The engine is a touch thrashy at the top of its range and this deters you from wringing the last ounce of performance out of the Coupe, somewhat negating the overall competence of the car’s other dynamic qualities. Never mind. Just enjoy the supple ride, the cleanly styled interior with its cool blue instrumentation lighting and make sure you pass by plenty of reflective plate glass windows. The best thing about this car however, is the way it looks. It was styled in the US, as was the original Hyundai Coupe – the car that first got people talking. The South Koreans unwisely tried to update this look a few years back – to a torrent of abuse. Wisely, they gave the job back to the experts when it came to this second generation model and now this facelifted version has moved the game on further. The rather shameless pilfering of other manufacturer’s design cues continues inside. True, it’s a pragmatic philosophy to identify what works for others and replicate it yourself, but you can’t help but think ‘Mondeo’ when you see the clean metallic lines of the fascia. If anything, Hyundai have gone one further than Ford, with some very neat touches. The central-mounted torque gauge is somewhat gimmicky but it’s interesting for a few minutes to see the torque swell as you ascend the rev range. Hyundai have really raised their game with the latest SIII Coupe. When something looks as good as this, then you just know that it is going to be a success. They have had a number of goes at getting it right and this time it looks like they have succeeded. ‘Practice makes perfect’ is the familiar cliché and one that Hyundai have embraced to full effect.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Hyundai Coupe SIII range PRICES: £15,772 - £20,597 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-14 CO2 EMISSIONS: 106-182g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 115mph / 0-60mph 11.4s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 28.8mpg / (extra urban) 44.8mpg /(combined) 37.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS with EBD, Twin front and side airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 5395/1760/1330mm

IT’S A WHAT?! Yes, It Is A Hyundai. The Latest Coupe 1.6 Packs A Whole Lot Of Look-At-Me Into its Modest Price Tag. Andy Enright Reports…

You’ve got to hand it to Hyundai, they’ve pulled a real rabbit out of the hat with the Coupe. If the first generation one was interesting and the MK2 upped the anti further, the current facelifted MK3 car is a stunner. If the slinky shape seduces you, the £15,772 1.6-litre version is the most cost-effective way to put one on your driveway.

The compact coupe market always has been relatively easy to fathom. Put simply, the shape is everything. Where compact coupes are concerned, the perceived sexiness of the bodywork counts for a great deal more than the quality of the oily bits. Take the original Vauxhall Tigra – please. This ‘Corsa in drag’ sold by the shedload here in the UK, due to a pert shape and not a great deal else. Then there was the Nissan 200SX, a rear-wheel drive powerhouse that sent enthusiasts into paroxysms of delight but sold by the handful due to its dull looks. Therefore it would come as little surprise to hear that Hyundai blew the Coupe’s development budget on a big name stylist and designed the rest on the back of a fag packet. Unsurprising maybe, but also untrue. Perhaps Hyundai don’t understand the market quite as well as they think. Upon acquaintance with the latest Coupe 1.6, you’re at first drawn to its swoopy Latin styling and its solidly Teutonic interior, noting that they’ve managed to hit the nail firmly on the head in these departments. There’s a restyled front end to consider with longer, meaner headlamps, a thin ‘letterbox’ grille and a wide air-intake below that hides revised fog lights in its corners. The trademark side gills now also have integrated side repeater lights. So far, so good. Then you notice that the 1.6-litre engine offered in this entry-level version generates a very modest 103bhp, hardly enough to pop the top off a pot of Pringles. It’ll be all downhill from here, you think. Except that it isn’t.

"Even if you’ve sampled the V6 version of the Hyundai Coupe, the 1.6S will come as something of a pleasant surprise."

For a start, there’s the surprisingly good equipment levels. Surely the entry-level model shouldn’t come with floating calliper brakes including ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution. That should be reserved for a ‘serious’ driver’s car. Likewise, it’s tempting to give Hyundai a bell and ask them what twin front and side airbags are doing on the 1.6, not to mention part-leather trim, air conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo with built-in iPod connector and central locking. When the body shape ensures that sales are pretty much a done deal, you really do have to wonder why they insisted on things like remote anti-theft alarms. Still, the customer benefits and we can’t argue with Hyundai’s corporate munificence. The engine is far from the star here, but by the same token the 1.6-litre 16v in-line four-cylinder powerplant doesn’t disgrace itself. The Coupe 1.6 will hit 60mph in 11.4 seconds and run on to a top speed of 115mph which is respectable if not trouser torchingly impressive. Being able to return an average of over 37mpg will come as a relief for those who have mortgaged their grandparents to get one. Even if you’ve sampled the V6 version of the Hyundai Coupe, the 1.6 will come as something of a pleasant surprise. No, you don’t get that infectious low-end shove nor that terrifying metallic wail as you ascend the rev range, but you will almost immediately feel that there’s a good deal less weight in the nose. The featherweight 1.6-litre engine gives the Coupe a nimbleness and delicacy that the flagship variant lacks and makes it a far wieldier car for flinging at a country lane. The brakes are also excellent, firm and fade free after repeated applications. The engine is a touch thrashy at the top of its range and deters you from wringing the last ounce of performance out of the Coupe, somewhat negating the overall competence of the car’s other dynamic qualities. Never mind. Just enjoy the supple ride, the cleanly styled interior with its cool blue instrumentation lighting and make sure you pass by plenty of reflective plate glass windows. The best thing about this car however, is the way it looks. Not for nothing have the sweeping lines been compared to those of a Ferrari 456. It was styled in the US, as was the original Hyundai Coupe – the car that first got people talking. The South Koreans unwisely tried to update this look a few years back – to a torrent of abuse. Wisely, they gave the job back to the experts when it came to this second generation model and now this facelifted version has moved the game on further. The rather shameless pilfering of other manufacturer’s design cues continues inside. True, it’s a pragmatic philosophy to identify what works for others and replicate it yourself, but you can’t help but think ‘Mondeo’ when you see the clean metallic lines of the fascia. If anything, Hyundai have gone one further than Ford, with some very neat touches. The central-mounted torque gauge is somewhat gimmicky but it’s interesting for a few minutes to see the torque swell as you ascend the rev range. Whoever reckoned that if something looks right it is right would have looked very smug after a drive in a Hyundai Coupe 1.6. In order to wipe the look of satisfaction off their face you could either point them in the direction of the beautiful but otherwise unremittingly ghastly Lancia Beta Monte Carlo or, alternatively, the malformed but astonishingly capable BMW M-Coupe. You won’t feel like engaging in pointless discourse when you’ve got a Hyundai Coupe sitting on the drive. You have curtains to twitch.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Hyundai Coupe 1.6 PRICE: £15,772 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 10 CO2 EMISSIONS: 182g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 115mph / 0-60mph 11.4s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 28.8mpg / (extra urban) 44.8mpg /(combined) 37.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS with EBD, Twin front and side airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 5395/1760/1330mm

I KNOW YOU GOT SEOUL The Latest Hyundai Coupe V6 Would Be A Great Coupe Buy For £22,000. At £19,500, It’s An Absolute Steal. Andy Enright Checks His Available Balance…

Read almost any road tests of South East Asian cars and somewhere it’s sure to appear. Any praise is rendered faint by the killer caveat, the rider that states that however competent the car is, it’s only judged in terms of a cheapie. Much as we strive to avoid such a patronising attitude, it’s invariably been warranted. Yes, South Korean cars are getting better but name one you’d choose if price wasn’t the key buying criterion? Here’s the first. The latest restyled Hyundai Coupe V6 is good enough to meet and beat far more prestigious machinery. The fact that it costs under £20,000 is something of a bonus.

The first generation Hyundai Coupe was a very good car but it was still bought primarily on price. All that changed with the introduction of the second generation model in 2003. Here, at last, was a car that could be bought on its merits alone. As a result, it sold well in the UK, recording figures that outshone more familiar names like Toyota’s Celica and Audi’s TT. It’s a a version of this model that we’re looking at here but two facelifts have been carried out in the interim. There’s a restyled front end to consider with longer, meaner headlamps, a thin ‘letterbox’ grille and a wide air-intake below that hides revised fog lights in its corners. The trademark side gills now also have integrated side repeater lights. Inside, build quality is surprisingly good and there’s a retro feel to the decor. The instruments now illuminate in blue and some of the metallic finishes look quite upmarket. There are 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol versions of this Coupe but it’s the flagship V6 version on test in this instance, available with manual or automatic transmission at prices starting from £19,597. Thus equipped, this Hyundai is a desirable car, period. This is a car that you’d look forward to driving whether it was made in Korea, Koln or Kabul. Despite PR puff to the contrary, however, it’s not a sports car. Front up against a Mazda RX-8 or a Nissan 350z and you’ll be dusted down, but the Hyundai has some surprises up its sleeve. Whereas it would have been easy to produce a fast, ill-sorted lash-up that generated plenty of column inches but few sales, Hyundai have done a thorough job with the Coupe. This is a car that rewards on many levels.

"The overall effect is far more cohesive and mature than anything the company has yet produced…"

Few are going to get all dewy eyed about the 164bhp generated by the 2.7-litre Delta engine also found in the Tucson and Santa Fe models. Power isn’t its forte, but you will fall for its characteristics. If ever a car needed a six-speed box less, it has to be the Coupe V6. With a broad, flat spread of torque, which gear you find yourself in seems to have little bearing on an oddly uniform rate of acceleration. So much so, it’s easy to lose track of what gear you are in until you cruise to a crawl and are treated by your steed bucking around like a bronco with a sensitively located dermacentor tick. Drive properly and you’ll be treated to the most delicious metallic engine note this side of a Porsche Boxster. The note rises readily from idle to 3,000rpm, but just when it seems as if it will peak in a crescendo of aural magnificence, it gets a trifle shy and reins itself in. If Hyundai ever produce a tuned version of this V6 with a sports exhaust, it will sell on engine note alone, believe me. The comparison to the Boxster isn’t entirely inappropriate. The precise way the control surfaces are weighted are reminiscent of a Weissach product albeit one which has neglected to withdraw the anchor chain. Perhaps that’s a little harsh as a rest to 60mph sprint of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 137mph are hardly slug like, but they are the figures of a reasonably hot hatchback and not a range-topping V6 coupe model. Lack of traction is rarely a problem in any circumstance, Hyundai well up to speed on the electronics front with traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution systems offered. Should you momentarily break traction accelerating from a standstill, the Coupe again reprises a Boxster characteristic and rather inelegantly tramps its axle, in this instance the front. The ride is firmer than you may expect for something with such a well-appointed interior. The leather trim, quality iPod-compatible CD audio system and air conditioning may well lead you to believe this will be an experience more cosseting than waking up in Dawn French’s cleavage, but it’s surprisingly hard-edged. The handling is what we’ve come to expect from Hyundai Coupes – far better than the matinee-idol looks would suggest, but geared towards entertaining the average driver rather than wringing the last few tenths out of a lap for track day fiends. Interior space isn’t bad if you count the rear seats as occasional items. The only grumble is headroom, which can be an issue if you’re much over six feet tall. If so, don’t opt for the sunroof, as this exacerbates the problem. Otherwise front space is generous and the big boot serves up a welcome dose of practicality. This is the car that allows Hyundai to compete head on with the best that Europe and Japan can produce. It’s a car that needs no excuses and no sweetener with a rock bottom sticker price. The fact that it can be yours for £19,500 is an aside. A landmark car? That’s still about the size of it.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Hyundai Coupe V6 PRICE: £19,597 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 14 CO2 EMISSIONS: 250g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 136mph / 0-60mph 8.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 19.3mpg / (extra urban) 35.3mpg /(combined) 27.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, Twin front and side airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 5395/1760/1330mm

DONE TO A T Hyundai’s 2.0-litre Coupe TSIII offers a tempting package to buyers seeking a stylish sub-£20K sports coupe. Jonathan Crouch reports

Let’s say you’ve decided you want to buy an affordably-priced sports coupe and you’ve set a price ceiling of £20,000 on your choice. As a result of this budget, you’ve concluded, quite understandably, that a Hyundai Coupe SIII is the best option – but which one?

Of course, in an ideal world, you’d like the range-topping 2.7-litre V6 version – which is within your budget. However, you don’t really want pricey group 14 insurance or sub-20mpg urban fuel economy. No, what you really need is the car we’re looking at here, the Hyundai Coupe TSIII. This has all the looks and flair of the V6 – probably a little more – without the expensive running costs. And because it’s based on the 140bhp 2.0-litre mid-range petrol model, it also costs a few hundred less, priced at £19,595, that’s £1,575 more than the standard Coupe SIII 2.0-litre model. Four exclusive paint colour options of Stone Black, Rose Red, Crystal White or Carbon Grey are available on this variant. Crystal White and Rose Red have never been offered on the Coupe before and are exclusively available on the TSIII in very limited numbers. To complement and contrast with these colours, the 17" alloy wheels have a special anthracite finish. At the rear the quad exhaust pipes deliver a sportier engine note, while a larger boot spoiler with integral brake light gives the TSIII a more purposeful look.  Inside the cabin, TSIII features quilted leather sports seats offering more support and comfort to enhance the driving experience. Matching quilted door trims complete the look. Elsewhere in the interior, chrome sill guards with a TSIII logo, metal-trimmed pedals and footrest add to the sporty feel of the cabin. Air conditioning with climate control, heated front seats and cruise control all come as standard on the TSIII, along with iPod compatible stereo and metal-look finishes on the steering wheel, centre console and air vents.

"The concept of less being more isn’t always an easy one to swallow, but in this case, it makes sense…"

It’s not just the looks that have been enhanced. To increase road holding the TSIII comes with Eibach sport springs which also give the Coupe a lower, more aggressive stance. Under the bonnet though, it’s exactly like any other 2.0-litre Coupe SIII model. Dynamically, this Hyundai may lag slightly behind the Mazda RX-8 and an Alfa GT Coupe probably has the edge in the styling stakes but the pricing of the Hyundai still marks it out. And other than these two alternatives, there’s not much else. Want an Alfa Brera, a Mercedes C-Class Sports Coupe, a BMW 3 Series Coupe or even a Nissan 350z for this kind of money? Dream on. Whereas the top Hyundai Coupe rather feels as if it’s been saddled with a V6 engine originally developed for something else (two other cars actually, the Santa Fe 4x4 and the Trajet MPV), this 2.0-litre model is a much nicer package, nor only because of the 110kg advantage it enjoys in weight terms. The engine’s quite sweet and reasonably torquey, all factors that encourage you to make the most of more agile handling. Sixty is 9.2s away from rest on the way to a maximum of 128mph and you should average over 30mpg. Insurance is group 10. Not that this is really an out-and-out sports car – though the rather fidgety ride over poor surfaces at low speeds leads us to believe that its maker thinks it is. In fact, the handling is what we’ve come to expect from Hyundai Coupes – far better than the matinee-idol looks would suggest, but geared towards entertaining the average driver rather than wringing the last few tenths out of a lap for track day fiends. Think of it more as an old-style GT sports coupe and you’ll be closest to the mark. In true Hyundai style, equipment levels are complete. As well as the TSIII-specific features already mentioned, all Coupe SIII 2.0-litre models get four airbags, ABS, electric windows, remote central locking, power mirrors and so on. Interior space isn’t bad if you count the rear seats as occasional items. The only grumble is headroom, which can be an issue if you’re much over six feet tall. If so, don’t opt for the sunroof, as this exacerbates the problem. Otherwise front space is generous and the big boot serves up a welcome dose of practicality. The best thing about this car however, is the way it looks. Not for nothing have the sweeping lines been compared to those of a Ferrari 456. The SIII model was introduced early in 2007 and features a restyled front end with longer, meaner headlamps, a thin ‘letterbox’ grille and a wide air-intake below that hides revised fog lights in its corners. The trademark side gills have integrated side repeater lights. Inside, build quality is surprisingly good and there’s a retro feel to the decor. The instruments now illuminate in blue and some of the metallic finishes look quite upmarket. The concept of less being more isn’t always an easy one to swallow. In this case however, you might well feel that in choosing the 2.0-litre Coupe SIII variant over the V6 flagship model, you’ve really been rather clever.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Hyundai Coupe TSIII PRICE: £19,595 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 10 CO2 EMISSIONS: 202g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 128mph / 0-60mph 9.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 24.8mpg / (extra urban) 38.7mpg /(combined) 32.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, Twin front and side airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 5395/1760/1330mm

A CHEAP CAR NAMED DESIRE Models Covered: 2 DR COUPE (1.6, 2.0 & 2.7, [S, SE, V6])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Beauty may be only skin deep but Hyundai’s Coupe has long majored on some serious skin deep success. In its original form it found favour as a quirkily styled budget coupe that looked a good deal more expensive than it was. The driving characteristics weren’t bad either, but as soon as you clocked the interior, it was apparent the little Korean was, in fact, nothing exotic. A facelift in 1999 somewhat spoiled the looks but it wasn’t until 2002 when the second generation Coupe was launched that we could appreciate what Hyundai’s engineers and stylists had been beavering away on. The current Coupe is a very handsome car indeed and now that a 2.7-litre V6 engine option exists, it can back up the looks with a charismatic powerplant. With very few demerits and a big quota of plus points the Coupe makes a sound used buy.

The Hyundai Coupe’s reputation as the poster child amongst those looking for style without the expense was well cemented by the time the second generation car was launched in 2002. Few who were familiar with its predecessor could quite believe what an improvement Hyundai had made to the car. For years industry experts had berated Subaru to just get to grips with designing an slick interior and a sexy coupe body for the Impreza in order to make it a mega-seller, but to date it has proved quite beyond them. Hyundai showed how it should be done, the Coupe coming with a dash of Ferrari 456 about its proportions and a very tidily styled interior. True, the fit and finish wasn’t quite in the Audi league, but when the car was priced from under £14,500 new few were complaining. Three engines were offered, an entry-level 1.6-litre unit good for 103bhp, a 2.0-litre that developed 134bhp and the full-on 165bhp 2.7-litre powerplant. With the top model costing just £18,495 upon launch, the Coupe soon proved very popular with UK buyers and received critical acclaim from many in the know. It’s popularity was boosted by the 2005 model year facelift which saw new headlights included for an edgier look along with a revised front bumper. Overtaking presence was also increased by dint of some gaping air intakes that ape a Ferrari 360. A further facelift for the 2007 model year introduced spooky blue lighting for the instrument cluster and an iPod-compatible stereo while the front end was given a significant overhaul. You’ll spot these cars by the longer, meaner headlamps, a thin ‘letterbox’ grille and a wide air-intake below that hides revised fog lights in its corners. The trademark side gills also have integrated side repeater lights.

The value proposition we come to expect from Korea. What we still view as something of a novelty is a car that can stand comparison with the best in class without taking the upfront price into account. That’s where the latest Coupe is so impressive. Take the styling. That cutback side window and the arc of the roofline shout Ferrari 456, whilst the front-end treatment looks like the best post-millennial US-Fords. The rounded rear is still recognisably Hyundai, but the overall effect is far more cohesive and mature than anything the company has yet produced. You’ll get a sense of déjà vu when you see the vertical gill slats behind the front wheels. Where have they come from? They are increasingly appearing on many designs, the Range Rover among them, and are another styling feature filched from Ferrari, the 575 wearing a rather natty set. This somewhat shameless pilfering of other manufacturer’s design cues continues inside. True, it’s a pragmatic philosophy to identify what works for others and replicate it yourself, but you can’t help but think ‘Mondeo’ when you see the clean metallic lines of the fascia. If anything, Hyundai have gone one further than Ford with some very neat touches. The central-mounted torque gauge is somewhat gimmicky but it’s interesting for a few minutes to see the torque swell as you ascend the rev range. Interior space isn’t bad if you count the rear seats as occasional items. The only grumble is headroom, which can be an issue if you’re much over six feet tall. If so, don’t opt for the sunroof, as this exacerbates the problem. Otherwise front space is generous and the big boot serves up a welcome dose of practicality.

Prices for the Coupe have been depressed by the sheer amount of import cars appearing from Europe and aggressively priced examples on sale at car supermarkets. You’ll still find private buyers offering 15,000-mile cars for more than you can pick one up with delivery miles, but by and large the market has responded. That means bargains for the likes of us, a 2002 registered 1.6-litre S retailing at around £5,575 with the 2.0-litre SE available from £6,175. The desirable 2.7-litre V6 model holds its value relatively well with £6,125 being the opening point for negotiations on a 2002 car. Given that many discounters are offering these models for £14,000 new it’s a fair price. Insurance for the Coupe is a reasonable Group 8 for the 1.6, rising to Group 10 for the 2.0 litre car and Group 14 for the 2.7 V6.

Hyundai have developed a reputation for producing reliable cars, and the Coupe is no exception. It seems few owners exploited the dynamic capabilities of the handling and so most examples will have led a relatively sedate existence. Traction control systems mean that front tyre wear isn’t the problem it would at first appear. The only part of the car that looks a little suspect to damage is the metallic paint finish on the fascia. Test clutches on the 2.7-litre cars as they have been known to give up the ghost at surprisingly modest mileages.

(approx based on a 1.6S ) A new exhaust system for the Coupe will cost £350, whilst a set of rear brake pads retails for £35. A radiator will set you back £170, and be prepared to find around £300 for a new alternator. A starter motor is £240 and do try not to break a headlight. If this fate befalls you, expect to see £315 go the way of your friendly Hyundai dealer.

The ride is firmer than you may expect for something with such a well-appointed interior. The leather trim, quality CD audio system and air conditioning may well lead you to believe this will be an experience more syrupy than a Nigel Havers apology, but it’s surprisingly hard-edged. Likewise, the engine growls purposefully and the oddly shaped gearstick can be manoeuvred between the six ratios with a nicely mechanical thunk. The handling is what we’ve come to expect from Hyundai Coupes – far better than the matinee-idol looks would suggest, but geared towards entertaining the average driver rather than wringing the last few tenths out of a lap for track day fiends. The 2.7-litre V6 manages 60mph in 8.2 seconds on the way to a top speed the custodial side of 135mph. Most drivers will instead opt for the more familiar 2.0-litre version and they certainly won’t feel short changed. With 137bhp under the bonnet, it can crack nine seconds for the sprint, although you won’t get the six-speed box as part of the package. Those on a slightly tighter budget will relish the 1.6-litre S version, its 105bhp still able to entertain. If handling is a priority, that 2.0-litre SE model is perhaps the best compromise between power and poise, with far less weight in the nose and less push-wide understeer than the V6. The V6 is something worth experiencing though. Drive it hard and you’ll be treated to the most delicious metallic engine note this side of a Porsche Boxster. The note rises readily from idle to 3,000rpm, but just when it seems as if it will peak in a crescendo of aural magnificence, it gets a trifle shy and reins itself in. If Hyundai ever produce a tuned version of this V6 with a sports exhaust it will sell on engine note alone, believe me. Lack of traction is rarely a problem in any circumstance, Hyundai well up to speed on the electronics front with traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution systems offered.

The Hyundai Coupe is probably the best used buy in the affordable coupes sector. With the Ford Puma dead and the Peugeot Coupe on its last legs the Hyundai smacks a little more of the here and now and offers a decent drive to boot. Recommended.