Hyundai Coupe SIII   Women's view

By Vanessa Hinkley

A coupe is just as much of a lifestyle statement as it is a means of transport, so its a breath of fresh air to find one that doesnt have the usual stark, overtly masculine lines. While many of the latest crop of fashionable coupe models are rather macho looking take for example larger machines such as Peugeots 407 coupe the Hyundai Coupes classy look makes it stand out from the crowd without appearing too angular and aggressive. This makes it far more appealing to modern women who want to turn heads, and the latest styling tweaks will certainly do that. In terms of size, this stylish Korean sits somewhere between a compact coupe and a fully-fledged one.

On the latest models theres 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.

If you're considering buying a coupe of course, practicalities are not necessarily a prime consideration. That said, the Hyundai Coupe, if not quite a four-seater, is a 2+2 offering reasonable comfort for two compact passengers in the back. Less practical is the slightly restricted visibility out of the rear screen thats caused by the cars curvy styling. You feel cosseted in the cockpit - especially in the lavishly-equipped flagship 2.

7 V6 version - which affords plenty of legroom in the front. The controls are well placed, as easy to operate as in a family car, but laid out around the needs of the performance driver. Similarly, the instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, but has a purposeful look and trendy blue illumination at night. The short-throw gearlever shifts through the ratios very adroitly and theres a nice amount of feel to the steering and the brakes.

There are two 16-valve four-cylinder engines to choose from, a 1.6 and a 2.0-litre, plus a 2.7-litre V6 which 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 wont feel short changed. With 137bhp under the bonnet, it can crack nine seconds for the sprint, although you wont get the six-speed box as part of the package.

Those on a slightly tighter budget will relish the 1.6-litre version, its 105bhp still able to entertain. If handling is a priority, the 2.0-litre 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.

To be fair, these aren't the quietest engines of their kind. Still, the gruff, purposeful sounds aren't really objectionable at cruising speeds and on point-and-squirt roads, you could argue that the noise actually adds to the excitement. Did I say excitement? I wasn't expecting that. Surely Hyundais have anaesthetised power steering and wallowy rides? Not these days, and not these Coupes. Admittedly, were not talking about the handling prowess of a Porsche. But the Coupe can be placed through corners with rare accuracy and, unlike the Porsche, it wont snap back at you if you make a mistake.



In 1.6-litre entry-level form, it undercuts most rivals, priced as it is at £15,772 on the road. Yet equipment levels are remarkably high. Even on the basic 1.

6, you still get a drivers airbag, central locking, front fog lamps, an iPod compatible CD stereo, part leather trim, electric windows and so on.

If you enjoy driving and want to get noticed, the Coupe is worth considering, especially if you also care about value for money motoring.