Hyundai Coupe

‘Ow’ said my daughter as she clambered into the back of the Hyundai Coupe I was road testing this week. My son uttered some other rather choice expletives but the cause was the same – the very low coupe roof which provides little head room for anyone over 5’ 8”. It is therefore rather uncomfortable if you are tall and sitting in the rear seats. I also found the driving position awkward. I have long legs but because the steering wheel has no reach adjustment, only rake, in order to reach the steering wheel, I had to sit with my knees bent.

However, if your prime aim is to buy a ‘hot’ looking car, then the new Hyundai Coupe SIII, so called because it is the third generation of the Coupe, will certainly attract attention. The two door has been completely redesigned outside with an entirely new more aggressive looking front end and a more sculptured rear end. There is also a new range of colours. My road test vehicle was in solid Shine Red which really stood out, making it easy to spot in a car park full of dull coloured vehicles.

The interior is the opposite, being dull, plain and a little cheap looking. It comes to life once the headlights are operated and an iridescent blue light shines forth from every instrument making for a very futuristic look.

Standard specification is high and even the entry level comes with half leather trim, air conditioning, a CD/radio stereo with ipod port, remote central locking, leather steering wheel, electric front windows and door mirrors and new 16” alloy wheels.

On a practical level, the four seater has plenty of storage spaces and the boot opens up to reveal a versatile luggage area. A very useful net holds the odd carrier bag and prevents its contents straying to all four corners.

Safety features include driver, front passenger and side airbags and height adjustable seatbelts. All models have the braking safety systems – ABS and EBD but traction control is only fitted to the top of the range Coupe.

Although the Coupe was very well behaved all week, I never entirely trusted its seemingly stable drive. Steering is very vague and trying to park isn’t easily achieved because it doesn’t have a small turning circle.

There are three engine sizes to choose from, a 1.6 litre, 2 litre and 2.7 litre V6. The 2 litre engine on the road test car can crack the 0-60mph sprint in just 9.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 129mph. Combined fuel consumption is 35.3mpg and CO2 emissions are 193g/km. The six speed gearbox needs a good left thrust and it is notchy.

A younger driver, venturing into sportscar ownership for the first time, who isn’t likely to want to carry passengers keen on head height, will appreciate the insurance rating of just 8D on the entry level model. The five year unlimited mileage warranty will also assist the buying decision but what will clinch the deal will be the racy looks, especially in solid Shine Red.

Facts at a Glance
Model: Hyundai Coupe III
Price: From £15,772 otr to £20,597
Engine Options: 1.6 litre, 2 litre and 2.7 litre
Performance: 2 litre - 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 129mph
Combined fuel consumption: 35.3mpg
CO2 emissions: 193g/km

By Sue Cooke