Hyundai Coupe 2.0 SE
Some people rate the Hyundai Coupe as the best car to come out of Korea – and I won’t argue with that.
I’m not sure about the bright yellow version – it’s so dazzling you almost need shades before you greet it in the morning – but it certainly has presence with a capital P!
Whatever your colour choice (make mine black), Hyundai’s 2+2 should certainly be on your list if you are looking for a sports coupe.
Badge kudos is still a bit of an issue but I think that’s less and less the case. OK, so it can’t match a BMW 3-Series Coupe but if it’s a choice between a Hyundai Coupe or a Renault Megane Coupe, then perhaps you’d be less badge conscious?
The Hyundai has a good reliability record, it is loaded with kit and running costs are cheap (but watch out for the expensive 40/50,000 miles services).
Go for a 2.0 model, not the 1.6, and the higher-spec SE model should be your preferred choice. A P-plate will set you back about pounds 8,000 from a dealer, pounds 500 cheaper in a private deal.
Three versions are available – 1.6, 2.0 and 2.0 SE.
The SE comes with all mod cons, including an efficient air-conditioning system, cruise control, a compact disc player and leather seats. All versions are fitted with a driver’s air-bag, engine immobiliser, central locking, a rear spoiler, electric front windows and aerial and an electric tilt-and-slide sun-roof.
This sexy looking, curvy two-door drives like a peach, apart from over-fierce centring steering. Handling is superb, road holding excellent and it provides a comfortable, fairly quiet ride.
Acceleration is exhilarating with a lovely throaty sound from the 137bhp 16v engine. The Hyundai Coupe 2.0 SE zaps from standing to 60mph in 8.6 seconds and has the potential to reach a maximum of 123mph.
Gear changes are crisp and precise and extremely driver friendly, while the power steering feels sharp and responsive.
The interior in my yellow test car was very black. Both the gear shift and the steering wheel are covered in leather and the latter feels perfect due to its ideal rim thickness.
Instruments, which are large, clear and easy to read, are fitted in a panel which seems to wrap itself around the driver, putting all switches just where you want them.
I only found two things which let this coupe down – the fiddly small buttoned Clarion radio and the lack of headroom. Front seat passengers won’t complain but, unless they are small, passengers in the two rear seats will have to sit in a very uncomfortable crouched position. But then, what else do you expect in a coupe?
The seats are comfy and offer the right amount of lateral support and the driver’s is adjustable for angle.
The Facts
Model: Hyundai Coupe 2.0 SE, pounds 8,000-pounds 12,000.
Engine: four cylinder, 16v engine of 1975cc, developing 137bhp at 6,000rpm and 134lbs/ft torque from 4,900rpm.
Performance: maximum speed 125mph; 0-60mph 8.6 seconds
Economy: 24.4mpg on the urban cycle; 44.1mpg extra urban; 34mpg combined.
Test average 33.5mpg.
Model History
1996 Aug: 2.0 and 2.0 SE Coupes launched with 16-valve 137bhp engine and
either five-speed manual or four-speed auto gearbox. All have PAS, ABS,
electric windows, sun-roof, central locking, immobiliser, alloy wheels and
air-bag. SE adds air-conditioning, cruise control, leather seats and CD
player.
1997 Jun: 1.6 (112bhp) version launched. Spec similar to 2.0, but with steel
wheels and optional ABS.
1999 Apr: SE version of 1.6 launched with air-conditioning, leather trim,
alloy wheels and CD player.
