Hyundai Coupe V6
Read almost any road tests of South East Asian cars and somewhere its sure to appear. Any praise is rendered faint by the killer caveat, the rider that states that however competent the car is, its only judged in terms of a cheapie. Much as we strive to avoid such a patronising attitude, its invariably been warranted. Yes, South Korean cars are getting better but name one youd choose if price wasnt the key buying criterion? Heres the first.
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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 Toyotas Celica and Audis TT.
Its a a version of this model that were looking at here but two facelifts have been carried out in the interim. 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. There are 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol versions of this Coupe but its 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 youd look forward to driving whether it was made in Korea, Koln or Kabul. Despite PR puff to the contrary, however, its not a sports car. Front up against a Mazda RX-8 or a Nissan 350z and youll 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 isnt 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, its 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 youll 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 isnt 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 thats 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 Frenchs cleavage, but its surprisingly hard-edged. The handling is what weve 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 isnt bad if you count the rear seats as occasional items. The only grumble is headroom, which can be an issue if youre much over six feet tall.
If so, dont 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. Its 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? Thats 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
