Cheap coupe with top quality

Oct 13 2008 Peter Hayward

THE affordable coupe market is not awash with scintillating sporty machinery.

Of course there are the often ugly small coupe convertibles with their push button roofs and useless boots.

And then there is the Hyundai Coupe which stands up to very close scrutiny when compared to many European models.

The 2.0-litre engine is willing and refined, offering good acceleration and even a lovely sound.

The level of comfort is excellent, only spoiled slightly by a slightly lumpy ride in town - but then many much more expensive models have that problem.

The handling and road holding are perhaps a tad off the best but still offer plenty of fun and it feels very safe when pressed much harder than most people will.

I could easily live with its good looks and strong performance for a year or two and never get bored.

A couple of cross country trips to and from airports, successfully avoiding the traffic, were pure joy and did not show up any difficulties whatsoever.

Interior

To a great driving position, add a light clutch and a quick easy gearchange and very good power steering that has decent feel.

Then add a five year, unlimited mileage warranty to the very reasonable price and you have a real sporty bargain.

FAST FACTS

Hyundai Coupe 2.0

Price : £18,395

Mechanical : 141bhp, 1,975cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 129mph

0-62mph : 9.3 secs

Combined mpg : 35.3

Insurance group : 10

CO2 emissions : 193g/km

BiK rating : 25%

Warranty : 5yrs/ unlimited mileage, 6yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Toyota Celica