Hyundai - Coupe

1996-02 2002-07

Hyundai's Coupe looks fantastic, and its handling lives up to its dramatic Italianate styling. It's good value but its badge just doesn't have what it takes in this image-conscious sector.

	Enjoyable, practical and stylish; very competitively priced
	2.7 V6 goes swiftly and sounds sporty
	Well equipped; nicer interior than most Hyundais
	Hyundai badge lends little status or credibility
	Firm ride; unrefined 1.6 and 2.0 engines
	Rear head- and legroom are tight

Hyundai's Coupe has always been a better car to drive than expected, with lively engines and cornering characteristics far more exciting than in the company's mainstream models. With this generation, it looks the part, too: it really does give off the impression that it's far more expensive than it actually is, though the Hyundai badge doesn't have much by way of sporting or prestige credentials. Built to a high standard, it should prove to be reliable and can be faulted only on minor detailing the cabin finish is very good.
It isn't an all-out sports coupe, though; the 1.6-litre engine isn't powerful enough, the 2.0 isn't much better and the 2.7 V6 a thirsty, expensive choice is biased more towards GT-style cruising. The gearshifts are smooth and slick, though, and it's possible to push on quite hard before the predictable front-wheel drive chassis reaches its limits.