Hyundai Coupe SIII Range
Practice certainly makes perfect as far as Hyundai are concerned, particularly with respect to the design of their popular Coupe. Weve 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 wasnt for the easily recognisable badge, it would be very simple to mistake this Coupes 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 whats 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.
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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. Inside, build quality is surprisingly good and theres 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 doesnt 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 engines quite sweet and reasonably torquey, all factors that encourage you to make the most of the cars 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, its 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 whats it like to drive? Even the 1.
6-litre Coupe will come as something of a surprise. No, you dont get that infectious low-end shove nor that terrifying metallic wail of the 2.7-litre, but you will almost immediately feel that theres 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 cars 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 manufacturers design cues continues inside. True, its a pragmatic philosophy to identify what works for others and replicate it yourself, but you cant 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 its 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
